Despite sluggish sales and weak traffic in Q1, fast-food giants like McDonald’s and Wendy’s have seen their stocks rebound, reflecting investors’ confidence in pricing adjustments to revitalize the sector. QSRs are positioning themselves for a more efficient, profitable future.
Brinker International’s unexpected turnaround has propelled Chili’s to stunning same-store sales growth of nearly 26% in fiscal 2025, defying industry trends and revitalizing a brand that seemed stagnant for decades. Chili’s transformation is rewriting the playbook for restaurant chains.
The latest Taking Stock with Teens survey by Piper Sandler reveals a generation of U.S. teenagers with rising annual spending (up 6% from last year). Chick-fil-A and energy drinks currently dominate teen preferences, highlighting opportunities for targeted marketing strategies.
Wendy’s has set aspirational financial goals for the next few years and is leveraging innovative practices to achieve them. Capitalizing on various dayparts with compelling value propositions and tapping collaborations are key tools the brand is using to achieve a new era of growth.
The Magnetic 100: Restaurants report by dcdx reveals the top brands captivating Gen Z, with McDonald’s, Wingstop, and Starbucks leading the pack due to their organic online engagement and unique customer interactions.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast discusses Coca-Cola’s apparent pivot away from sugar, along with other industry news.
Gamification is emerging as a winning strategy for restaurants looking to enhance their customer loyalty programs. 76% of owners said they plan to gamify their programs in the next 2 years, with brands like Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, and Dunkin’ leading the charge.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the recent struggles of Noodles & Company, according to an industry turnaround expert.
The latest FI Fast Break podcast touches on the push to reframe products like plant-based dairy and meat alternatives as conventional fare.
Consumers are reshaping retail by prioritizing convenience, with Millennials driving trends like smaller store formats. Meanwhile, shifts in spending patterns reveal a preference for luxury or value over mid-priced options.
The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on restaurant operators’ outlook on labor for 2025.
Bioengineers have developed a farming method that essentially replaces photosynthesis with a solar-powered chemical reaction, which could enhance sustainability and restore ecosystems.
McDonald’s recent food safety issue linked to tainted onions has had a muted impact on its stock and consumer response, as confidence remains strong due to the chain’s history and quick corrective actions.
McDonald’s is launching a Chicken Big Mac, a limited-time twist on its iconic Big Mac, starting October 10 at participating U.S. locations. The chain piloted the sandwich at an LA pop-up and is promoting it through a social media-driven campaign.
One of the biggest changes in the market over the past 10-15 years is that investors have succeeded solely by buying the best business, not necessarily the best stock. Focusing on fundamentals over quality has …
New employee compensation initiatives at employers like McDonald’s and Walmart aim to make on-the-job experience count toward college credits.
The latest FI news podcast touches on the La Niña weather pattern that’s likely to form later this year and how it could impact ag.
While restaurant chains like McDonald’s have had notable swings and misses regarding AI, business leaders insist the technology offers invaluable uses to food companies, aiding personalized offers, sales forecasting, and more.
Grillers rejoice. Hosting a July Fourth cookout could cost less than it did in 2023 (if consumers prep more staples at home).
All of a sudden, $5 value meals are everywhere, from fast-food chains to major retailers. Industry insiders say the deals are simply a short-term solution, however.
The most recent rising trend in retail is lowering one’s expectations of retail. This year, clothing companies tended to fall the worst, followed closely by QSRs, big box stores, and grocers, in that order.
Food prices are up; consumer confidence is down. Many QSRs and retail outlets reported losses in the last quarter. The Value Wars are here.
McDonald’s Execs Promise to be Price Sensitive in Q2, as ‘All Income Cohorts Are Seeking Value’
Among CPG energy drink brands, Celsius over-indexes with teens, with 17% citing it as their favorite energy drink brand (vs. ~12% market share) while Monster and Red Bull under-index. Among snack brands, Campbell’s Goldfish are still most preferred. Teens report highest intentions to eat more or the same amount of Mondelez’s Clif Bar and Hershey’s products.
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the demise of the open-all-night restaurant in the United States.
Major fast-food restaurants have raised prices by 60% on average between 2014 and 2024. McDonald’s is the worst offender with average menu prices increasing more than three times the national rate of inflation over the past decade.
The arrival of McDonald’s new CosMc’s concept sent a wave of excitement rippling through the fast-food world.
Limited-time offers (LTOs) continue to drum up significant business for restaurants, particularly among fast-food chains, in 2024.
They say when one door closes, another opens. That may very well be true, but for restaurant brands and their clientele, the wrong door can sometimes lead down a disastrous path – just look at …
Chicken listings on restaurant menus have grown 6.4% in the past five years, outpacing the 4.7% of burgers and other beef-based items.
The recent uproar over a McDonald’s in Darien, Connecticut, that charged a whopping $17.59 for a Big Mac combo meal is more than just local news; it’s a snapshot of the changing economic landscape.
Has the would-be darling of the pandemic-era – ghost kitchens – been resurrected by a partnership between Denny’s and Franklin Junction?
Limited-time offers (LTOs) significantly impact consumer behavior within the foodservice industry. In fact, 91% percent of consumers are more inclined to visit establishments that provide new items, according to a recent report from Circana.
In terms of the beverage industry overall, this is a very smart play for McDonald’s and other brands will follow.
