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 Breathes Fire with New 'How to Train Your Dragon' Menu
Burger King is transforming its restaurants into dragon lairs starting May 27, with a limited-time menu inspired by Universal Pictures' upcoming live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film, hitting theaters June 13. The star of this fantastical feast is The Dragon Flame-Grilled Whopper. This quarter-pound burger sits on a red-and-orange marbled bun, colored naturally with paprika and other spices. It comes loaded with American cheese, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mayo for $7.99.
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.
Arby's Launches Celebrity Sauce Collaboration with Comedy Duo
Arby's is bringing star power to its menu this spring with help from comedians Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer. The fast-food chain known for its meaty offerings has partnered with the duo to introduce two new barbecue sandwiches, and signature sauces developed by the comedians themselves. The limited-time menu features a Quarter Pound Brisket Sandwich with 13-hour slow-smoked brisket and a Quarter Pound Pulled Pork Sandwich with hickory-smoked pork. Both sandwiches come with garlicky dill pickles on toasted sesame seed buns, starting at $5.99, and will be available through June.
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.
