FI Fast Break audio news: Dec. 3, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the future of fast-casual restaurant chains that rely on so-called “slop bowls.”
Tag: quick service restaurants
The Great Culling: Wendy’s Weeds Out to Get Back on Track
Wendy’s “Project Fresh” turnaround slashes 200–300 U.S. units after steep sales declines, while global growth continues. Interim CEO Ken Cook bets efficiency, tech, and sharper value plays can revive the brand.
McDonald’s Looks Backwards to Move Forward
McDonald’s is betting on nostalgia to reignite value leadership, reviving Snack Wraps and Extra Value Meals. But the real play is digital: boosting app usage to drive traffic and reshape consumer perception.
The Easiest Meals to Eat on the Go, According to Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book’s “Fork in the Road” guide spotlights the top car-friendly fast-food picks for mess-free mobile dining. Boneless bites are on the rise, highlighting shifting consumer preferences in QSR innovation.
Value + Innovation: The Keys to Restaurant Growth in H2 2025
In the latter stages of 2025, restaurant growth hinges on pairing value with innovation. From Taylor Swift tie-ins to smart nostalgia, brands that deliver memorable experiences at fair prices are winning foot traffic across formats.
Why American Diners are Skipping Breakfast
Breakfast is losing its sizzle for many restaurants, as diners skip morning meals amid shifting habits. But with smart value strategies, restaurant brands still have a shot at reclaiming the morning crowd.
Fast-Food Chains Feeling Pain in ‘Two-Tier Economy’
As budget-conscious diners trade down, QSRs face a traffic slump while casual-dining chains surge with value bundles. The winners? Brands that nail the value equation in a fiercely discerning dining economy.
Why Tariffs Have Mattered for a Seemingly Insulated Food Industry
The ripple effects of tariffs are biting the food industry. From cost pressures to shifting consumer habits, even insulated players are feeling the squeeze in a market that’s quietly turning recessionary.
Forces Shaping Foodservice: QSR Value Wars
Investors See Long-Term Risk for Fast-Casual Chains
Fast-casual giants Chipotle and Cava are losing investor confidence after steep post-earnings stock drops. Rising costs, flat traffic, and pricing fatigue signal deeper concerns about the fast-casual segment as a whole.
Foodservice Focus: Consumers Can’t Get Enough of Texas Roadhouse, Chick-fil-A
Legacy chains like Chick-fil-A are seeing customer satisfaction scores hold even as growth slows, opening doors for challenger QSRs. Meanwhile, full-service dining has largely stumbled amid rising prices.
FI Fast Break audio news: June 25, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break podcast notes how July brings another round of U.S. minimum wage increases in states such as Alaska.
Brinker’s Spectacular Turnaround Isn’t Over Yet
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.
Restaurant Operators Optimistic About Year Ahead
Independent restaurant operators are optimistic as they look ahead to 2025, with 63% reporting profit growth and a focus on cost management over consumer price hikes, according to a new survey. The industry anticipates further expansion, too.
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 …
Plant-based Consumers’ Favorite QSRs
U.S. consumers love fast food and those who follow a plant-forward diet are no exception. Which quick service restaurants (QSRs) are plant-based consumers seeking out this year?
What Dishes are Winning at Plant-Based QSRs?
Plant-based restaurants are experiencing a shakeout as operators recalibrate their menus to address economic challenges. FI checked in with T.K. Pillan, CEO of Veggie Grill, to explore how the vegan QSR is streamlining its offerings to meet evolving consumer demands.
Plant-Based QSRs Boosting Consumer Trial
A growing number of plant-based burger chains are cropping up across the country as more younger consumers flock to quick service restaurants