Tag: Wendy’s

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.

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, …

Fast-Food Chains’ ‘Wrap Battle’ Has Commenced

A wrap battle is booming in the QSR arena. By remixing preexisting ingredients with build-your-own appeal, major players are producing flavor-drenched “hunger hacks” and fresh affordable snacks that span dayparts.

Column: Wendy’s Surge Pricing Plan a Risky Endeavor

Update: Since its recent earnings call, Wendy’s released a statement that noted “Any features we may test in the future would be designed to benefit our customers. … Digital menuboards could allow us to change …

Analysis: Are Ghost Kitchens Getting ‘Ghosted’?

Ghost kitchens – restaurants without seating or even take-out counters – proliferated during the pandemic when people were virtually trapped in their homes, afraid to enter confined spaces packed by strangers and, as a result, …

Rash of Restaurant Bankruptcies Festers

Fast-food businesses that focus on creating a positive workplace culture, improving the overall employee experience, and nurturing strong employer-employee relationships are better positioned to attract and retain top talent.

Late-Night Fast Food Making a Comeback

After-bar snackers rejoice! Late night is back. With the resurgence of late-night activities, such as concerts and sporting events as the Covid pandemic eases, people are out and about later and looking to snack – …

QSRs’ Chicken Sandwich Wars Reignited

Experts are predicting chicken sandwiches will dominate menus in 2023. According to a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, which polled over 500 industry experts, chicken sandwiches – both classic and new variations – …

How Restaurants Can Retain Price-Conscious Consumers

A recent survey of middle-income households shows 57% anticipate buying fewer takeout and dine-in meals, reported Restaurant Business (April 20). At the same time, restaurants are struggling to keep prices in check. With these factors in …

Why Restaurants are Venturing into the Metaverse

Restaurant chains are entering the great unknown, taking bold leaps into the “metaverse.” It’s the latest endeavor by fast-food brands to reach potential customers where they’re at. The Food Institute investigated exactly how the strategy …

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UPDATE: Major Ingredient Shortage Impacting Multiple QSRs

Taco Bell is the latest restaurant chain to be hit by significant ingredient shortages. “Sorry if we can’t feed your current crave,” reads an orange banner atop the fast-food chain’s website. “Due to national ingredient …

UPDATE: QSRs Rethinking Value Meals as Costs Rise

Fast-food chains, such as McDonald’s and KFC, appear to be cutting discounts and pushing more expensive meals post-pandemic. QSRs are cutting back on $5-and-under “value” menu items in favor of $10-$30 meal combinations in order …

FI Fast Break news: June 10, 2021

This week, in The Food Institute’s quick-hitting, audio news podcast, we break down QSR menu price hikes, alt-meat’s ascent, and the so-called “meme-stock” trend that’s starting to impact restaurant chains. The Food Institute Podcast · …

Ghost Kitchen Expansion Could Create `New Reality’ for QSRs

Many fast-food chains, including Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, and Burger King, continue to expand their ghost kitchen operations and lean further into the delivery space. But with dining restrictions easing and restaurant traffic on rise — why …

FI Investigates: AUTOMATic Innovation in Foodservice

In its latest investigative video, The Food Institute visits a unique New York City restaurant with a “back-to-the-future” business model. The Brooklyn Dumpling Shop is revolutionizing a beloved relic of the past – the automat …

Tracking the Success of Wendy’s Breakfast Relaunch

Wendy’s relaunched its national breakfast menu just weeks before states began issuing stay-at home orders due to COVID-19. While breakfast sales at most fast-food chains stagnated during the pandemic, the Wendy’s breakfast menu performed surprisingly …

FI Investigates: A High Stakes Game of Chicken

You may have noticed nearly every QSR chain in existence is releasing new, premium chicken sandwiches lately. The Food Institute recently examined these ultra-competitive “chicken sandwich wars” in an in-depth investigative video, featuring interviews with …

Is the Pendulum Swinging for Cannabis?

Aphria, a Canadian cannabis company, plans to acquire Atlanta’s Sweetwater Brewing Co., which is known for its “420” beer. The $300 million deal is the latest hook-up between the alcoholic beverage and pot industries, and …