The 40/40 List of America’s Hottest Fast Casuals: The Final Edition

QSR's 40/40 List Overview:
The QSR 40/40 List, started in 2017, highlights America’s hottest fast casual restaurants. Fast casual has evolved since 2010, favoring affordability and quality in leased real estate but has recently begun to converge with quick service. Abandoning its original tiered structure after Year 1, the list has showcased 320 unique concepts by 2024. Notable concepts like honeygrow and Velvet Taco showcase growth through innovation and adaptation to market trends. Key emerging brands include Toastique, Huey Magoo’s, Mo’ Bettahs, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Swig, and Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, each demonstrating unique positioning and strategic growth approaches.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/the-40-40-list-of-americas-hottest-fast-casuals-the-final-edition/

Popmenu Releases Restaurant Dining Trends to Watch in 2025

Popmenu predicts 2025 U.S. restaurant trends post-2024's challenges. Operators focus on engaging guests with new pricing, ordering strategies, and AI use. 62% of operators are cautiously optimistic; 32% plan expansion. Consumers dine less frequently (69% weekly) but prioritize affordable meals. Expected trends: fewer price hikes (57% will raise menu prices), reduced online fees (75% aim to cut them), increased AI adoption (34% current, 48% planned), more tailored marketing, diverse menu options, and unique dining experiences (74% to enhance atmosphere).

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/popmenu-releases-restaurant-dining-trends-to-watch-in-2025/

McDonald’s New CMO Demonstrates the Chain’s Deep Bench

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McDonald's new CMO, Alyssa Buetikofer, takes over from Tariq Hassan on Feb. 15, 2025, after significant marketing successes, including celebrity collaborations and menu expansions in Canada. Buetikofer's experience includes being CMO of McDonald's Canada and contributing to successful campaigns like the Famous Orders platform. Her leadership aims to enhance brand relevance and customer connection, continuing strategies that drove post-pandemic growth, while Francesca Cardarelli succeeds her in Canada.

https://www.nrn.com/node/438793

6 of Tariq Hassan’s Buzziest McDonald’s Campaigns

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Tariq Hassan's Impact on McDonald's Marketing:

Tariq Hassan resigned as McDonald's CMO, leaving a legacy of innovative campaigns targeting Gen Z, transforming brand engagement from “brand-to-fan” to “fan-to-fan.” Key campaigns include:

  1. Famous Orders: Celebrity meals, enhancing connections with youth.
  2. Menu Hacks: Incorporating TikTok trends into official items.
  3. Cactus Plant Flea Market x McDonald's: Adult Happy Meals with collectible toys.
  4. Camp McDonald's: A digital loyalty program engaging Gen Z.
  5. Szechuan Sauce Drop: A sneaker-drop-inspired sauce revival via mobile app.
  6. The Grimace Effect: Celebrating Grimace's birthday, boosting sales through nostalgia.

Hassan's strategies have led to unprecedented digital engagement and cultural relevance for the brand.

https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/6-of-tariq-hassans-buzziest-mcdonalds-campaigns/

Meet 4 New QSRs in Expansion Mode

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TLDR: Four new quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are expanding:

  1. D’Lite Healthy on the Go – Focused on nutritious, handcrafted meals; started franchising in 2015; faces challenges finding drive-thru locations.
  2. Sammy’s Sliders – Launched in late 2023, offering high-quality sliders; expects steady growth; aiming to build franchise support.
  3. PastaNito – Formerly Presto, named for fresh pasta; launched franchising in 2024, competing with limited fresh pasta options; emphasizes transition from fine dining.
  4. Currito – Established in Cincinnati with a focus on healthy, flavorful burrito bowls; has faced labor challenges but improved efficiency through technology.

https://www.franchisetimes.com/franchise_development/meet-4-new-qsrs-in-expansion-mode/article_7cf3cbfc-d749-11ef-9e4a-6fadbc243e67.html

Franchisors Drive Sales for Franchisees With Digital Initiatives

Franchisors enhance franchisee sales through digital tools like loyalty programs and data analysis. CEOs emphasize data-driven strategies for growth, as seen with Freddy’s Frozen Custard's success. GoTo Foods plans significant digital sales by 2027, while tech companies optimize labor and revenue. Supporting franchisee resources is crucial for mutual success.

https://www.franchisetimes.com/article_archive/publisher_column/franchisors-drive-sales-for-franchisees-with-digital-initiatives/article_ed53b33a-d744-11ef-a496-93905ed7440b.html

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