qsr

How Predictive Analytics Are Guiding Restaurant Closures and Remodel Decisions |

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Outback Steakhouse is closing 21 U.S. locations and allowing 22 leases to lapse, driven by data and predictive analytics rather than intuition. The parent company, Bloomin’ Brands, is reallocating resources for modernization and a strategic turnaround plan, indicating a broader trend in the restaurant industry where technology informs business decisions, including which restaurants to close or renovate. Predictive analytics are now pivotal for assessing long-term profitability, modernization costs, and determining the operational viability of restaurant locations. Other chains like Wendy's are following suit, using data-driven approaches for their operational strategies and capital investments, shifting the restaurant management landscape towards technology readiness as a determinant of success.

https://restauranttechnologynews.com/2025/11/how-predictive-analytics-are-guiding-restaurant-closures-and-remodel-decisions/

Gen Z Vs. Gen X: Winning Both Generations at the QSR Checkout

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Summary: QSRs must attract both Gen Z and Gen X by personalizing the checkout experience. Gen Z prefers novel, edgy offers, while Gen X values stability and bundles. Tailoring offers based on real-time data at checkout can boost customer satisfaction and sales. Brands that understand customer preferences enhance loyalty and revenue, making the checkout a key moment for engagement.

https://www.restaurantdive.com/spons/gen-z-vs-gen-x-winning-both-generations-at-the-qsr-checkout/804011/

MRM Research Roundup: QSR Reputations, Menu Price Rises, and Alcohol Out, Cannabis In

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QSR industry shows resilience despite economic challenges. Foodservice spend reached $357.3B, projected to grow to $385B by 2028. Notable QSR reputation rankings led by Hardee’s, focusing on food quality. Menu prices rise due to inflation, labor costs, and tariffs, affecting holiday dining costs. Entrepreneurs face high initial costs in hospitality, loans averaging $185.7K. Shifts noted in dining and beverage preferences, with declines in alcohol sales and growth in cannabis-infused drinks. Online reputation crucial as AI impacts consumer research behavior. Youth favor convenience and value in dining choices, leading brands prioritizing those aspects to perform better.

https://modernrestaurantmanagement.com/mrm-research-roundup-qsr-reputations-menu-price-rises-and-alcohol-out-cannabis-in/

Limited-service Visits Decline as Customer Service, Value Perceptions Hit New Lows

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Limited-service restaurants face a crisis as visits decline 1.6% in early 2025 despite projected 4.3% sales growth. Customers report increased complaints about service, wait times, and quality, with a shift in value perception towards quality over price. “Sauce-flation,” where extra charges for condiments frustrate consumers, is notable. Brands improving their reputation, like Hardee's, focus on menu innovation and operations, emphasizing quality and service to attract traffic.

https://www.fastcasual.com/news/limited-service-visits-decline-as-customer-service-value-perceptions-hit-new-lows/

Taco Bell Expands Education Benefits, Citing Improved Employee Retention

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Taco Bell enhances employee education benefits, boosting retention by 17% and reducing management vacancies by 27%. Its “Tacos and Tuition” program now includes all franchise employees, offering free access to 3,000+ online courses. The company also promotes internal leadership, with 67% of leadership roles filled internally, highlighting the significance of investment in employee development.

https://www.qsrweb.com/news/taco-bell-expands-education-benefits-citing-improved-employee-retention/

Value + Innovation: The Keys to Restaurant Growth in H2 2025

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Value-focused promotions are crucial for restaurant growth, but innovation is equally vital. Restaurants must combine affordable pricing with memorable experiences to attract customers. Insights from a recent webinar highlight consumer price sensitivity, suggesting strategies like promotional bundles linked to trends (e.g., collaborations, thematic tie-ins). Quick-service, fast-casual, and full-service sectors face pressure from value grocers and convenience stores. Operators should focus on location strategies and adapt offerings to maintain foot traffic without excessive discounts.

https://foodinstitute.com/focus/value-innovation-the-keys-to-restaurant-growth-in-h2-2025/

Newcastle Software Firm With Clients Including McDonald’s Launches AI Product for Analysis of Workplace Accidents

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Newcastle's Notify Technology launched AI software for analyzing workplace accidents, enhancing safety reporting. Founded in 2017, it supports over 250,000 employees globally, including clients like McDonald's and Siemens. The AI tool, Notify Spark, simplifies incident reporting, offers actionable insights, and improves safety communications. Investors include Mercia Ventures and Calculus Capital. Co-founder Duncan Davies highlights its innovative impact, while industry experts praise its potential to enhance safety management.

https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-east/newcastle-software-firm-with-clients-including-mcdonalds-launches-ai-software-for-analysis-of-workplace-accidents

White Castle Debuts Futuristic Restaurant Model Featuring AI, Robotics and Mobile Ordering Technology

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White Castle has launched a new futuristic restaurant model that integrates AI, robotics, and mobile ordering, named the “Castle of Tomorrow.” The design retains the brand's classic castle aesthetic but features modern elements like adaptive signage and improved flow for digital orders. The layout enhances both customer comfort and staff efficiency, with self-service kiosks and AI-driven systems like a robotic fry assistant. This initiative reflects a broader trend among quick-service restaurants to blend technology with a focus on in-person dining experiences amid a shifting consumer preference towards holistic value in dining.

https://restauranttechnologynews.com/2025/10/white-castle-debuts-futuristic-restaurant-model-featuring-ai-robotics-and-mobile-ordering-technology/

Starship Technologies Boosts Restaurant Delivery Automation With $50 Million to Expand Robot Fleet Across the U.S.

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Starship Technologies secures $50M funding to expand its U.S. autonomous delivery robot fleet from 2,700 to 12,000 by 2027, enhancing its operational capabilities across over 55 campuses and European cities. With more than 8 million deliveries completed, the company aims to refine delivery efficiency and navigate competitive challenges in urban environments.

https://restauranttechnologynews.com/2025/10/starship-technologies-boosts-restaurant-delivery-automation-with-50-million-to-expand-robot-fleet-across-the-u-s/

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