McDonald's same-store sales* fell one percent last quarter, making this the first time since the pandemic that McDonald's sales failed to increase or maintain levels.

* "Same-store sales" are sales made in stores open at least one year

What does this mean for McDonald's? And what does this mean for Texas?

Texas has the most McDonald's locations (1174) second only to California (1233) in the U.S. However, McDonald's issues are on a global scale.

The company has seen a loss in sales worldwide for many reasons, including France and the Middle East boycotting McDonald's for their perceived support of Israel in the war in Gaza. In China, consumers are going to cheaper alternatives.

In the U.S., people frequent McDonald's less because they believe it's too expensive. A Big Mac in Texas costs on average $5.36.

In a state with vast stretches of land dedicated to raising high-quality beef, it's a little hard to justify spending over $5 on a McDonald's sandwich when $5 will often buy you a beefier burger from a local mom-and-pop.

A typical McDonald's generates $2.7 million in profit annually. However, the take home for an owner is more modest, around $150,000. 90% of McDonald's are franchises, meaning its likely the store is owned by a local person or at least someone who lives in the region.

Additionally, McDonald's represents an employment opportunity for people just getting into the workforce, retired persons who need extra income, and people who cannot get other jobs due to criminal history.

So are McDonald's an important part of Texas?

Arguably they are, but unless they can become a more affordable option for families - or, dare I say, recapture the joy and fun McDonald's had when I was a kid- it may find itself replaced by something else.

I'm still going for the fried pies though, they are magnificent.