India, Sept. 24 -- McDonald's is planning a major $8.5 billion spending push to improve its restaurants, employees and menu as it tries to bring more customers back. The fast-food giant said it will spend $8.5 billion by 2036 on several changes across its business. The plan includes remodeling restaurants, training employees and adding new food items, especially for customers looking for more protein.

McDonald's will spend about $5 billion in the next three-and-a-half years alone. That $5 billion will include financial support for franchise owners and rent relief, along with money for restaurant improvements. The spending is part of a new multiyear strategy called "Next." The company said the goal of "Next" is to make McDonald's the firs...