Getty McDonald's sales remain sluggish but will pick up in the second half of 2018, according to RBC. Same-store sales rose slightly in March, driven by improving industry trends and a recovery breakfast demand. RBC sees potential in McDonald's makeover efforts. Watch McDonald's trade in real time here. McDonald's $1, $2, $3 Dollar Menu promotion came at a significant opportunity cost in the first quarter and the menu's long term success to win customers remains uncertain, RBC analyst David Palmer writes in a note to clients.