Chipotle prepares for a busy burrito season: The fast-casual chain plans to hire 20,000 workers—with the help of AI—in anticipation of strong demand this spring.
More retailers open restaurants: Muji, Coach, and Louis Vuitton are among the companies relying on hospitality concepts to boost store visits and spending.
DoorDash vows to invest more in expansion: Strong Q4 revenues and orders boost momentum, but inflation and tariffs pose risks.
Burger King gave consumers a reason to spend in Q4: Limited-time menu options, such as Addams Family-themed items, along with the Million Dollar Whopper campaign, boosted US same-store sales 1.5%.
47% of restaurant operators plan to add discounts, deals or value promotions this year: But McDonald’s disappointing results highlight the challenges of that strategy.
Chipotle and Taco Bell’s same-store sales grew around 5% in Q4: Chipotle’s smoked brisket and Taco Bell’s nostalgic menu items proved to be customer magnets.
Twin Peaks went public as a standalone company: Investors’ response to the sports bar chain could determine whether companies like Panera and Inspire Brands—parent of Dunkin’—IPO this year.
Starbucks’ turnaround takes shape: While US comp sales fell for the fourth-straight quarter, CEO Brian Niccol is confident that investments in the store and worker experience will bear fruit.
Shake Shack looks to broaden its reach: The burger chain plans to more than quadruple its footprint in the coming years while preserving its status as a premium brand.
QSRs resume the value wars in 2025: McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s are among the many fast-food chains leaning on deals to drive traffic.
Serve Robotics stockpiles cash ahead of planned expansion: The company aims to have 2,000 delivery robots on the streets by 2025’s end.
The minimum wage will rise in 23 states next year: That will eat into retailer and restaurant margins, leading some to hike prices at a time when consumers are incredibly price sensitive.
Green shoots emerge in the restaurant industry: After a challenging 2024, executives have reason for optimism in the year ahead.
QSRs may need to evolve to better serve online orders: Pizza Hut and McDonald’s are both testing new store formats focused on digital and drive-thru customers.
Key stat: Price inclination for food away from home was up 3.8% YoY in October 2024, higher than the 1.1% increase in inflation for food at home, according to data from the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
McDonald’s will focus on “McValue” in 2025: The fast-food chain plans to extend its $5 value menu and add deals as the QSR price war rages on.
McDonald’s earmarks $100 million to undo damage from the E. coli outbreak: The fast-food chain will spend big on marketing and offer franchisees more support to win back customer trust and sales.
Wonder buys Grubhub for $650 million: The Marc Lore-owned company snapped up the delivery service at a steep discount, seeking to develop a meal-time super app.
Cava’s brand positioning resonates with consumers: It stands in stark contrast with Sweetgreen, which is adding new proteins and testing fries to broaden its appeal.
Consumers steer clear of fast food despite QSR price war: Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Popeye’s all saw comparable sales fall in Q3—although Taco Bell’s value proposition kept it ahead of the pack.