QSR, Restaurant and Food Service Trends from the United States

March 15, 2012

Snacking trend an opportunity for restaurants

Consumers in the United States are snacking significantly more now than they were just two years ago. Almost half (48 percent) of consumers polled say they’re now snacking at least twice a day, compared to 25 percent in 2010.

McDonald's best of sustainable supply 2012

March 14, 2012

McDonald's (potato) suppliers making progress in sustainability

McDonald's just announced its 2012 Best of Sustainable Supply Chain winners by highlighting 51 stories of supply chain partners addressing challenges to help improve food sources, the environment, communities and employee wellness across the world. Man...

March 08, 2012

McDonald's shuffles US menu in value makeover;Small french fries, drinks to fall off Dollar Menus

McDonald's Corp restaurants in the United States will be tweaking and expanding their promoted value-priced items later this month as many diners remain strapped for cash and the world's biggest hamburger chain works to increase its lead over rivals.

March 08, 2012

McDonald's Happy Meal focus of new marketing campaign

McDonald's USA will introduce a new, national Happy Meal campaign this week, including TV ads promoting nutrition and active lifestyles.

March 05, 2012

Growth of restaurant chain Five Guys Burgers and Fries brings success for Idaho broker

Five Guys Burgers and Fries opened about 200 new locations in 2011, and the Lorton, Va.-based chain plans to open about 200 more in 2012. That’s great news for Rick Miles Produce Service. The Rigby, Idaho, broker and distributor is the sole supplier o...

February 28, 2012

Sweet Potato Tots introduced at Sonic

SONIC is expanding its unique Tots offering by introducing new Sweet Potato Tots to its menu for a limited time. According to data from the USDA Economic Research Service, sweet potato U.S. per capita consumption has been on the rise, even as white po...

February 26, 2012

'You Want McDonald's Fries With That' Contest Winner announced

To celebrate McDonald's delicious French Fries, the company called upon consumers to share the special moments in their lives they want paired with a side of the World Famous Fries by hosting the "You Want McDonald's Fries With That"Contest.

February 21, 2012

US Restaurants see strong sales trends in January

The restaurant industry’s strong monthly same-store sales in December carried into January driven by favorable weather and solid traffic trends, according to the latest NRN-MillerPulse survey. January same-store sales rose 4.9 percent, and while they ...

February 13, 2012

Restaurants' trans fat bans may have positive health effects

Reductions in restaurants’ use of trans fats may have played a role in declining levels of the fats in the blood of white American adults between 2000 and 2009, a Centers for Disease Control study found Wednesday. The level of trans fats in those who ...

January 30, 2012

Wendy's adjusted profit falls, revenue up

Wendy's Co. said Monday that a key measure of earnings dropped 30 percent in the fourth quarter, as charges for selling Arby's offset the effects of a jump in revenue.

January 26, 2012

A new golden age for McDonald’s

McDonald's is fattening up on profits. The world’s largest hamburger chain reported on Tuesday that its quarterly net income jumped 11% as it continued to lure cost-conscious diners.

January 17, 2012

Fast food made faster: Burger King gives home delivery a try

Burger King, in a bid to catch up with McDonalds and take a bite out of the competition posed by fast-food rivals such as Wendys, is experimenting with home delivery.

December 21, 2011

Wendy’s to flip Burger King into third place

The battle for second place in the US hamburger chain wars is heating up.

December 14, 2011

New McDonald's ad touts quality ingredients

McDonald’s Corp. previewed a new ad campaign Wednesday on Twitter, sharing a 15-second commercial that showcases the brand’s ingredients and recognizes the farmers and ranchers in its supply chain.

December 08, 2011

French fries back as USP for QSR’s

For many years you didn’t hear much on french fries from fast food restaurants. And that has hurt the product. If there is no pride invested in the product and if there is no effort to distinguish it from the neighbour’s french fries, quality might slide, the product easily becomes a bulk item and innovation in the category suffers as consequence.

December 08, 2011

McDonald’s November Sales Rise 7.4% on Strength in Asia

McDonald’s Corp. (MCD), the world’s largest restaurant chain, said sales at stores open at least 13 months rose 7.4 percent globally last month, driven by demand in Japan and China. Analysts forecast a gain of 5 percent, the average of five estimates ...

December 05, 2011

Today available: Burger King's new, thicker, French Fries

It’s a fry for all at BURGER KING® restaurants nationwide! Burger King Corp. is staking its claim as the authority on all things food by delivering a new golden, crispy fry that promises to create a whole new level of irresistible. The new fries at B...

December 04, 2011

The Wendy’s Company Consolidating World Headquarters in Dublin, Ohio

The Wendy’s Company™ (NYSE: WEN) announced last week plans to consolidate its World Headquarters in Dublin, Ohio. As a result, the Company will close its Atlanta Restaurant Support Center operations in late 2012 and move at least 170 positions to Ohio....