McDonald’s sees rise in same-store sales

NEW YORK (AP) — McDonald’s Corp. said Monday its same-store sales climbed 5.1 percent in May, boosted by strong international sales but seeing slower sales growth in the U.S.

The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company said U.S. same-store sales climbed 2.8 percent, helped by classic menu items and its new McCafe espresso-based coffees. The espresso drinks are being rolled out to all the company’s U.S. restaurants.

In May last year, the company’s same-store sales rose 4.3 percent in the U.S., aided by the launch of its Southern Style Chicken Sandwich and the government stimulus checks that began appearing in consumers’ mailboxes and bank accounts.

The fried chicken sandwich was a popular new menu item, boosting the company’s sales in the U.S. for months.