Fast-Food Chains Chase a Thirstier, Younger Crowd
Americans are drinking less alcohol, and fast-food chains have spotted a chance to fill the gap. They are courting young customers with frozen coffees and energy drinks that buyers can customize down to the flavor shot. Taco Bell has pushed harder than most, opening more than 30 Live Más Cafés inside its existing restaurants, where workers it calls "Bellristas" serve creamy chillers, fruity refreshers, and seasonal drinks alongside the usual menu. A diner can wash down a Triple Double Crunchwrap with a Pineapple Lime Rockstar Energy Refresca and its 200 milligrams of caffeine, roughly twice a regular coffee. Early results have already justified the expansion. After Taco Bell debuted Live Más Café outside San Diego in late 2024, that location saw a 40% sales lift, and the chain now plans a systemwide rollout as it chases $5 billion in beverage sales by 2030.
National Fast Food Day
National Fast Food Day, held each year on November 16, celebrates its widespread popularity in the modern world. The fast food industry began in the early 1900s, as more restaurants focused on quick service. White Castle, founded in 1921, is often considered the first fast food chain in the United States. Today, fast food has become a global staple, with leading brands like McDonald’s, KFC, and Subway present in nearly every corner of the world.
McDonald's Expands CosMc's Beverages to 500+ Locations, Snack Wrap Returns After 9 Years
McDonald's announced it's bringing an expanded lineup of CosMc's beverages to more than 500 locations in Wisconsin, Colorado and surrounding areas starting September 2. The test includes creative drinks like Toasted Vanilla Frappe, Strawberry Watermelon Refresher, Sprite Lunar Splash, Popping Tropic Refresher and Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew. This happens two months after McDonald's chose to close its remaining CosMc's test locations and instead focus on adding what it learned to existing restaurants.
How QSR Beverage Innovation is Changing the Restaurant Industry
The simple drink menu has become America's quick-service restaurants' most powerful tool. From Taco Bell's Churros Chillers to McDonald's colorful refreshers, chains are investing heavily in beverages to increase profits and draw younger customers. Leading this beverage change are refreshers - light, fruity drinks that pack caffeine without coffee's boldness. These drinks typically use green tea or lemonade bases and appeal to health-conscious consumers wanting energy boosts with lower sugar content than traditional sodas.
Apple Flavor is The Hottest 2024 Fall Beverage Trend
It's that time of year again - when the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, signaling the arrival of fall. And with the change in seasons comes a shift in the flavors, as pumpkin spice may face new competition this with coffee chains and restaurants across America introducing new seasonal offerings - apple-flavored drinks and dulce de leche treats.
10 Best Value Meals at Fast Food Chains in 2024
As inflation continues to impact wallets, many fast-food chains started a trend of launching value meals to attract budget-conscious diners. We gathered the 10 best affordable options that offer a satisfying meal for a fair price.
McDonald's Meets Genshin Impact in Limited-Time Collab
Fast food meets fantasy gaming in an unexpected crossover event. McDonald's is joining forces with the hugely popular video game Genshin Impact for a limited-time promotion. Starting September 17, fans can snag exclusive in-game rewards and special menu items, but there's a catch - they're only available through the McDonald's app.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Coming to McDonald's Across the US
Krispy Kreme is bringing its famous doughnuts to McDonald's restaurants all over the United States. This expansion will start in Chicago in fall 2024 and move faster than planned. By the end of 2024, you'll find Krispy Kreme doughnuts in 1,000 McDonald's stores. The number will grow to 6,000 by 2025 and 12,000 by 2026 - about 85% of all McDonald's in the US.
McDonald's Expands Its Domain with JUJUTSU KAISEN Special Grade Sauce
McDonald's is teaming up with popular anime JUJUTSU KAISEN. Starting July 9, 2024, customers can try a new "Special Grade Garlic Sauce" inspired by McDonald's Japan's Black Garlic Sauce. It is available for free with any Chicken McNuggets order through the McDonald's app. As a bonus, you’ll also get a 30-day free trial of Crunchyroll with the sauce purchase – a platform, where fans can watch full episodes of JUJUTSU KAISEN and other anime.
Your Guide to Restaurants on July 4th: Are McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and IHOP open?
While the fireworks light up the sky, the question "Where to eat?" is louder than ever. Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, many restaurants stay open on July 4th, though hours may vary. Most chains will be open on July 4th, 2024. We made a list of popular chains opened this Thursday!
