Qdoba Mexican Eats Expands with 500 New Locations on the Way
Qdoba Mexican Eats is speeding up its growth across the nation, adding 33 new locations to its plans and bringing total restaurant commitments to more than 500 across the United States. The fast-casual Mexican chain is growing through key franchise partnerships in many regions. In the Northeast, PFGS, LLC will build 15 locations across Springfield, Mass., and Hartford, Conn. Meanwhile, Empire Inc. has agreed to open 10 restaurants in the Columbus, Ohio area, using their experience running over 100 restaurants including Subway and Dunkin' stores.
Dine Brands to Triple Dual-Branded Applebee's and IHOP Locations This Year
Dine Brands is growing its combined Applebee's and IHOP restaurant format this year, planning to open 35 new spots worldwide. This will almost triple the current footprint of 19 co-branded restaurants to 56 by year's end. The expansion includes 23 international locations and 12 to 14 new restaurants in the United States, through both new construction and converting existing single-brand locations.
Wendy's Plans 1,000 New Stores by 2028
Wendy's announced plans to add 1,000 new restaurants globally by 2028, aiming to grow its worldwide presence to between 8,100 and 8,300 total locations. The Dublin, Ohio-based company is building on recent momentum. In 2024, Wendy's opened 276 units globally, with international markets driving significant growth.
Krispy Kreme, Hulu Team Up For Movie-Inspired Doughnut Collection
Krispy Kreme has partnered with Hulu to launch four new doughnuts that bring the movie theater experience to your living room. The new Krispy Kreme x Hulu collection features doughnuts inspired by classic cinema snacks, available for a limited time at Krispy Kreme locations nationwide.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken Plans Record-Breaking Expansion in 2025
The convenience store fried chicken chain has big plans for 2025. After setting a company record with 605 new locations in 2024, Krispy Krunchy Chicken aims to surpass that number in 2025. The Louisiana-based company now runs over 3,200 locations in 47 states, making it a major player in store-within-store restaurant segment. To put this growth in perspective: Starbucks opened 614 new stores in the same time period.
PizzaExpress Plans American Debut After 60 Years in Britain
PizzaExpress, a popular British restaurant chain that's been dishing out what it calls "Britalian" pizza for nearly 60 years, plans to make its U.S. debut in Florida this year. The chain, which generates more than half a billion in annual revenue from its nearly 360 locations across the U.K. and Ireland, isn't just another pizza joint.
Shake Shack, Subway, Starbucks and More Introduce Holiday Offerings
The holiday season is upon us, and fast-food chains are getting into the spirit with new menu items, merchandise and deals that capture the flavors and fun of this festive time of year. Here’s a list of what’s already available:
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.
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.
Wingstop Teams Up with NBA as Official Chicken Partner
Wingstop, the Dallas-based fast-food chain known for its cooked-to-order wings in 12 bold flavors, has been named the official chicken partner of the NBA and its minor league, the NBA G League. It's Wingstop's first time teaming up with a major U.S. pro sports league.
