2026

McDonald’s Friends Meal: Why Familiarity Rules Marketing

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McDonald’s launches a Friends-themed meal, highlighting nostalgia as a marketing strategy amid data-driven creative risks. Familiarity in content, like retro franchises, drives consumer comfort but may stifle true originality in advertising. The piece advocates for balancing data insights with creative risks to foster innovation, suggesting that nostalgia is rooted in past creative courage.

https://www.mediaweek.com.au/mcdonalds-friends-meal-nostalgia-vs-originality/

Research: 69% of Restaurants Are Adopting AI While 81% Increase Digital Marketing Investment

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69% of restaurants are adopting AI and 81% are increasing digital marketing despite declining consumer spending. Technology is crucial for improving efficiency and guest engagement as operators strive to protect margins. New trends include AI for marketing and operations, personalized guest experiences, and modern pricing strategies. Restaurant technology is becoming foundational for long-term competitiveness.

https://restauranttechnologynews.com/2026/02/research-69-of-restaurants-are-adopting-ai-while-81-increase-digital-marketing-investment/

Burger King Puts Customer Feedback On Speed Dial, Shares President Curtis’ Phone Number

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Burger King is enhancing customer feedback by allowing direct communication with President Tom Curtis, who encourages insights via his personal phone number. This initiative is part of a broader $400 million turnaround strategy to remodel restaurants and improve operations by 2028. Curtis emphasizes the importance of guest feedback in shaping the brand.

https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/412872/burger-king-puts-customer-feedback-on-speed-dial.html?edition=141646

Report: Tech Failures Are Hurting Sales for Domino’s, Other QSR Brands, Workers Say

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Tech failures hurt sales in QSRs like Domino’s, with employees facing chronic malfunctions in self-service kiosks and mobile orders. A report found nearly 50% of workers witnessed customers abandon orders due to these issues. Challenges include drive-thru payment failures, frequent kiosk troubleshooting, and mobile order errors. These tech problems disrupt service and contribute to employee burnout, necessitating better integration and management of existing tech systems rather than simply adding new ones.

https://www.pmq.com/report-tech-failures-are-hurting-sales-for-dominos-other-qsr-brands-workers-say/

How QSRs Are Turning Limited-Time Offers Into Long-Term Strategy

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QSR industry evolving: Limited-time offers (LTOs) shifting from seasonal items to fast, culturally engaging promotions. Brands must adapt to consumer demands for quick, appealing, and trend-driven products rather than relying solely on traditional menu cycles.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/how-qsrs-are-turning-limited-time-offers-into-long-term-strategy/

McDonald’s Follows Chipotle in Growing New Food Trend

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McDonald’s is adapting its menu in response to the increasing use of GLP-1 drugs, which regulate appetite and promote a high-protein diet. CEO Chris Kempczinski noted customers are consuming fewer calories but remain interested in protein-rich options. Competitors like Chipotle, Dunkin’, and Shake Shack have already launched protein-focused items. McDonald’s is planning to enhance its protein offerings to cater to this trend.

https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/mcdonalds-follows-chipotle-in-growing-new-food-trend

‘This Is Not Sci-Fi. This Is Sci-Pie.’ Groundbreaking Pizza Robot Now Has a Name—and Its Own Website

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Donatos Pizza introduced Pepptron, the first robotic pizza system by a legacy chain, at an airport. Officially named Pepptron, this machine prepares pizzas in six minutes, resembling a high-tech vending machine. It utilizes a robotic arm for assembly and offers freshly made pizza in high-traffic areas. Customer feedback indicates the quality is superior to traditional methods, as it minimizes errors.

https://www.pmq.com/this-is-not-sci-fi-this-is-sci-pie-groundbreaking-pizza-robot-now-has-a-name-and-its-own-website/

2026: The Year of Personalized Dining Experiences

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Personalized dining experiences are essential for brand loyalty, as consumers prefer tailored interactions. Effective use of technology enhances operational efficiency, customer communication, and personalized service across dining segments. The right tech infrastructure supports consistency, data-driven decisions, and customer engagement, crucial for success in a competitive landscape.

https://www.nrn.com/expert-opinions/2026-the-year-of-personalized-dining-experiences

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