With 27 of the 30 Dow stocks higher at midday, the index rose 108.36, to 13,326.21.

The fast food chain said sales at locations open at least a year increased 8.1 percent in August, with U.S. same-store sales growing 7.4 percent. Same-store sales is considered a key measure of retailer health because it shows growth at existing stores rather than newly opened ones. The stock rose $2.22, or 4.4 percent, to $52.37.

Shares of General Motors Corp. gained $1.17, or 4 percent, to $30.38 on a combination of positive news, including plans to release a line of electric vehicles and media reports that the auto maker is close to a labor deal with the United Auto Workers union.

AT&T Inc. stock added 55 cents to $39.33.

The Walt Disney Co. was one of the three decliners on the index, giving up 14 cents to $33.42.

Shares of aluminum maker Alcoa Inc. slipped 6 cents to $33.99.

United Technologies Corp. lost 25 cents to $74.24, despite positive comments from a Cowen and Co. analyst.