Ranking of fast food French fries reveals surprising favorites; Checkers/Rally's takes first place for crispy, flavorful fries, followed by McDonald's. Other contenders include Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane's for decent fries, while In-N-Out and Shake Shack fall short.
https://www.delish.com/food-news/g63922201/best-fast-food-french-fries-ranked/
User asks Reddit if anyone has quit fast food and how they did it.
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1iin8al/is_there_anyone_who_has_quit_fast_food_how_did/
14 beloved fast-food chains, including Pup ‘N' Taco and Red Barn, have vanished over time, succumbing to industry changes or bankruptcy. Notable mentions include Chicken George, Naugles, Hot ‘n Now, and Burger Chef. Each chain once enjoyed significant popularity but ultimately couldn't compete or sustain operations beyond the 1990s.
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/
10 American Foods World Loves: Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries, Jambalaya, Chicago Pizza, Cornbread, Pecan Pie, IHOP Pancakes, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Everything Bagel, Taco Bell, Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream.
https://www.fastfoodclub.com/p/the-10-iconic-american-foods-the-world-is-obsessed-with/
Five Guys is pricier than fast food competitors, with average meals costing $20.84. Prices reflect high-quality, fresh ingredients and cooking methods, including using peanut oil. While some consumers find it overpriced, its model attracts loyal customers.
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/why-five-guys-priciest-fast-154057836.html
TLDR: Fast food trends for 2025 include a rise in healthier options, sustainability efforts, focus on chicken, innovative condiments, strategic partnerships with convenience stores, smarter location choices, automation in food prep, AI integration, expanded breakfast offerings, and increasing private equity investments. Fast food is evolving rapidly.
https://streetfightmag.com/2025/01/22/beyond-burgers-fries-10-fast-food-trends-for-2025/
Fast Food Market Report 2024-2033 Summary:
Global fast-food market projected to grow from $788.72 billion in 2024 to $1.25 trillion by 2033 (CAGR 5.28%). Growth driven by demand for convenience, urbanization, busy lifestyles, and increased disposable incomes. Key players include Starbucks, Domino's, and Yum! Brands. Fast-casual restaurants and healthier menu options are notable trends, affecting competition and consumer preferences. Regional insights highlight strong growth in the U.S., India, Germany, and UAE due to lifestyle changes and expanding QSR choices.
Fast food chains are increasingly reintroducing nostalgic menu items and retro branding as customers yearning for the past drive demand. Influenced by social media and economic dissatisfaction, chains like Taco Bell and Burger King leverage childhood nostalgia, appealing primarily to millennials and Gen Z consumers. While balancing innovation and current trends, these restaurants recognize a strong appetite for familiar flavors and vintage aesthetics.
https://www.chowhound.com/1762613/fast-food-nostalgia-menu-rereleases/
Fast food consumption in the U.S. is significant, contributing to health issues like obesity. Many consumers prefer healthier, convenient prepared foods, yet only 26% are satisfied with current supermarket options. Specialty grocers and chains like SpartanNash and Kroger are responding by improving healthy offerings in their deli sections and meal kits, emphasizing nutrition and variety. Turnkey salad bars, such as those provided by Picadeli, are also emerging to meet demand for fresh options without straining staff resources. Retailers see an opportunity to increase sales by addressing consumer health needs while maintaining competitive pricing.
