McDonald’s Corp. (MCD) is the quintessential American fast-food chain. For decades, its golden arches have dotted the U.S. landscape, its advertisements have dominated the airwaves, and its catchy slogans and jingles have been drilled into our brains.

But McDonald’s ability to adapt to shifting consumer demand and build a strong global brand, as well as its customary role as a fast and reliable vendor of cheap meals, has made it a market leader. 

U.S. sales at McDonald’s locations open at least a year jumped 4.5% in the month of November, as cost-conscious consumers opted for more affordable meals.

“I think what you’re seeing is that McDonald’s has so far been relatively immune to the recession,” David Morris, senior analyst at consumer research firm Mintel, told The Associated Press.

In addition to increased traffic from cash-strapped consumers looking for affordable meals, McDonald’s has also bolstered its foreign sales.

Global same-store sales surged 7.7% – down only from October’s 8.2% increase. Sales climbed 7.8% in Europe and 13.2% in the company’s Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa division.

The company has been so successful at bringing in revenue that it upped its quarterly divided by 33%, a move that means even more to investors at a time many dividend-paying companies are lopping off their investor payouts.

McDonald’s New Menu

McDonald’s menu selection is one reason for the growth. Burgers are the cornerstone of McDonald’s business, but strong sales of breakfast foods and chicken sandwiches have been the company’s main growth engine. For instance, a breakfast menu that was once limited to the Egg McMuffin now includes McGriddles, the sausage biscuit sandwich, and hot cakes.

After concocting a spicy chicken sandwich to compete Wendy’s – one half of the Wendy’s Arby’s Group Inc. (WEN) – the company earlier this year took on Chick-fil-A Inc. with the introduction of a Southern Style Chicken Biscuit.