Pumpkin Spice Returns While Chains Test Creative New Flavors
Summer's getting to its end, and the pumpkin spice season has already begun at quick-service restaurants. Several major chains launched their fall flavors early this year, giving fans their seasonal favorites ahead of the traditional autumn rollout.
Bojangles Planning NYC Return with 20 Locations
After nearly forty years away, Bojangles is bringing its buttermilk biscuits back to the Big Apple. The Southern fried chicken chain announced a deal with franchisee Habib Hashimi and Hashimi Holding Corporation to open 20 restaurants across New York City over the next decade. Construction is already underway in Brooklyn's East Flatbush neighborhood, with the first location expected to open this winter.
Wing Snob to Open 100 New Locations by 2025
The Wing Snob chicken chain is quickly growing under co-founders Brian Shunia and Jack Mashini. After opening 18 new franchise locations in 2023, the chain now has 41 total locations. But they plan much more growth coming soon. Wing Snob plans to open over 100 new restaurants by 2025. The new locations will be across Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Michigan and even Canada. "Our multi-unit franchisees have allowed us to grow very fast," said Mashini.
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.
Hot 'n Now Plots Summer Comeback with Two New Michigan Locations
Remember 39-cent burgers? Hot 'n Now does, and the nearly-defunct fast-food chain is betting nostalgia and ultra-low prices will fuel its revival. The drive-thru burger chain, which once had over 150 locations nationwide before shrinking to just one, announced plans for two new Michigan restaurants - a summer opening in Wayland and a fall debut in Alpena.
Pizza Chains Introduce Value Deals to Combat Falling Sales
Pizza’s biggest names are launching value deals this summer, hoping to win back customers who have been cutting back on takeout spending. Nearly two-thirds of top pizza chains saw sales drop in 2024, according to Technomic's Top 500 Restaurants data, forcing brands to get creative with promotions.
Movie Meals and Dirty Sodas Drive Summer Restaurant Promotions
Summer 2025 is going to be a blockbuster season for restaurant chains experimenting with movie tie-ins and beverage innovations. From KFC's Formula One collaboration to Jack in the Box's candy-inspired drinks, major brands are launching creative partnerships to draw customers.
Shake Shack Gambles on Casino Restaurant Strategy
Shake Shack is rolling the dice on a new growth strategy. The popular burger chain recently announced it's partnering with PENN Entertainment to bring its elevated fast-casual dining to 10 casinos nationwide. The first locations will debut at Hollywood Casino Toledo in Ohio and River City Casino Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. Both are set to open next year, pending regulatory approvals. It's a strategic move that expands Shake Shack's footprint into the entertainment sector for the first time through licensing deals.
Burger King to Renovate 400 Locations in 2025
Burger King plans to remodel about 400 of its U.S. locations in 2025 as part of its ambitious "Reclaim the Flame" strategy to modernize restaurants and boost sales. The makeovers are already paying off. Sales at remodeled locations have increased in the mid-teens, according to Joshua Kobza, CEO of parent company Restaurant Brands International, who shared the results during a May 8 earnings call.
