Tag: QSR

Wrap It Up: Fast-Food Chains Bet Big on Boneless Chicken

McDonald’s is bringing back its Snack Wrap after a nine-year hiatus, tapping into the booming demand for portable, boneless chicken options. With major chains embracing the wrap resurgence, savvy restaurant operators will leverage the trend for easy, profitable menu innovation.

Feeling Peachy: Summer Darling Leads Beverage Innovation

Peach-enhanced menu items are growing in popularity, now on 19.8% of foodservice menus, according to one report. The fruit has found its stride in beverage innovation, with legacy brands experimenting with the flavor.

5 Thriving Fast-Food Chains in 2025

Despite rising costs, 2025 is shaping up to be a fairly strong year for many restaurant chains, with top players like Cava and Chick-fil-A thriving by mastering efficiency, marketing, and customer experience. The smartest brands are pricing strategically and leveraging technology to drive success.

Restaurant Industry Insights for 2025

In case you missed it—or want to revisit key takeaways—the full recording is now available. R.J. Hottovy, head of analytical research at Placer.ai and Sunny Khamkar, co-founder and CEO of MenuData, unpacked the trends and ...

Despite a Rough Q1, Investors Believe Fast Food Will Rebound

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.

Chipotle Gives Reason to React, Not Overreact

Despite Chipotle’s recent sales slump heading into 2025, investors are not worried about the future of the company. Although Chipotle stock has fallen 27% since December 6, its modest performance is peanuts compared to the fast casual sector, and its historic strength signals it can brace the bump.

The 10 Most Innovative Restaurants, Dining, Food Services

A list of the most innovative food businesses for 2025 highlights companies reshaping the restaurant and foodservice landscape. Mediterranean chain Cava topped the list for its focus on in-person experiences, proving that hospitality and human connection are just as vital as efficiency in the evolving food industry.

Salad Chains Diversify As ‘Peak Salad’ Looms

As better-for-you salad chains stagnate, they take on novel growth strategies to complement ambitious expansion strategies. Sweetgreen and Just Salad are two major chains endeavoring to take on new consumer need states.

Wendy’s Growth Playbook Leans on Careful Innovation

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.

How McDonald’s Won Over Gen Z Consumers

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.

AI and Independent Restaurants: Experts Share Tips, Predictions

Yum Brands’ new AI platform, Byte by Yum, illustrates the potential of proprietary tech for QSR giants, but independent restaurants can also leverage similar, customizable platforms. Experts advise starting small with AI for specific tasks and monitoring its outputs closely to ensure that it enhances efficiency.

BREAKING: Panera CEO Steps Down

Panera CEO Jose Alberto Dueñas stepped down from his role as CEO today, with current CFO Paul Carbone taking his place until a permanent position holder is found. What could this mean for the future of the chain?

FI Fast Break audio news: Jan. 8, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break podcast touches on the push to reframe products like plant-based dairy and meat alternatives as conventional fare.

Phygital Prowess: 2025’s Recipe for Restaurant Success

As restaurants compete in an increasingly “phygital” world, blending digital and physical experiences is key to meeting consumer expectations in 2025. Restaurant-tech company Tillster expects curbside pickup to ramp up, too.

Subway Pivots as it Seeks to Get Back on Track

Subway recently scrapped its latest ambitious 6-inch Meal Deal after it failed to meet expectations. Is the company’s latest expansion strategy enough to give it solid footing?

Cava’s Secret Sauce: The QSR Is So Hot Right Now

The latest financial data shows Cava is enjoying tremendous success, outpacing the fast-casual dining segment and sustaining jaw-dropping growth. Some of this success is likely thanks to its Gen Z engagement strategy.

Fast-Food Customers Fed Up, Threatening Brand Reputation

In an era of heightened consumer feedback, CEO John Mazur feels managing a brand’s reputation requires constant vigilance. Recent QSR reputation rankings highlight the importance of listening and authentic engagement.

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The Lunch Line: What’s Driving Higher Costs at QSRs?

Data from the Toast digital restaurant platform show eating out at quick-service restaurants (QSRs) for lunch in the second quarter got more expensive, with prices up more than 4% from last year. And though hourly …

Top 4 Value Meals of 2024

Fast food used to be enticing because it offered comfort food at cheap prices. Today, that’s not necessarily the case. Inflation has hit every industry – with restaurant chains being no exception. As a result, …

How Raydiant Provides Digital Solutions for Restaurants

Join The Food Institute at NRA’s 2024 Restaurant Show as we investigate the innovations of Raydiant, a company that provides digital tools for Restaurants. From digital menu boards to point-of-sale integration and even AI-triggered promotional …

Best Ways to Innovate in Fast Food

How do you develop unique items for consumers across the globe, but still maintain your core brand? What is the most effective strategy for a QSR to retain its customers in challenging times? What leads ...