qsr

Drive-thru Usage Up, Speed of Service Down

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In 2011, drive-thru usage at quick-service restaurants increased by 2 percent to 12.4 billion visits, with chains like McDonald’s and Popeyes investing in technology and multiple lanes to improve speed of service despite overall slower service times. Drive-thrus remain the preferred ordering method at hamburger, Mexican, and chicken restaurants, prompting operators to focus on order accuracy, fast delivery, and portable menu items to enhance customer satisfaction and profitability.

https://www.qsrweb.com/articles/drive-thru-usage-up-speed-of-service-down/

The State of Mobile Ordering in QSR: Which Brands Are Winning, and Where Opportunity Still Lies

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The 2026 mystery shopper report by Intouch Insight, featured in QSR Magazine, evaluates mobile ordering in quick-service restaurants across nine major brands, focusing on order accuracy, speed, service, and overall experience. Findings show mobile ordering apps generally perform well with high accuracy and customer satisfaction, but issues like technical glitches, unclear pickup instructions, and late orders still create friction, reducing satisfaction. Friendly staff interactions can mitigate some negative impacts, and dedicated pickup lanes improve speed and service at certain locations, highlighting ongoing opportunities for operational improvements in mobile ordering.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/the-state-of-mobile-ordering-in-qsr-which-brands-are-winning-and-where-opportunity-still-lies/

How Technology Can Help QSRs Overcome Cost and Experience Challenges

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Technology has become a crucial driver for quick-service restaurants (QSRs), helping them address cost challenges related to food and labor while enhancing customer experience through faster, accurate, and friendly service. Integrating purpose-built technology such as connected POS systems, AI-enabled devices, and back-office software enables QSRs to streamline operations and make data-driven decisions, with managed services further supporting ongoing maintenance and maximizing return on investment.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/how-technology-can-help-qsrs-overcome-cost-and-experience-challenges/

Why The National Restaurant Association Show Has Become a Reality Check for Restaurant Technology

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The 2026 National Restaurant Association Show marks a shift in restaurant technology from futuristic innovation toward practical solutions aimed at stabilizing margins, simplifying operations, and managing labor shortages amid economic pressures. Operators are increasingly prioritizing integrated, interoperable systems that can deliver measurable financial improvements and operational resilience, such as handheld POS devices and self-service kiosks, while AI is becoming embedded in back-end operational tools rather than consumer-facing features. This evolution reflects a more disciplined, financially grounded approach to technology investment as restaurants seek simplification and operational effectiveness in a challenging business environment.

https://restauranttechnologynews.com/2026/05/why-the-national-restaurant-association-show-has-become-a-reality-check-for-restaurant-technology/

Report: Loyalty Is QSR’s Primary Growth Engine

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Par Technology’s 2026 QSR Operational Index Report reveals that customer loyalty is now the primary growth driver for quick-service restaurants (QSR), with loyalty transactions growing 28.5% year-over-year and loyalty members spending more per visit than anonymous guests. The report highlights that digital channels, especially drive-thru and delivery, are reshaping sales patterns, while dinner and late-night periods generate the highest revenues, emphasizing the importance of integrating loyalty programs with operational efficiency and channel strategies to boost revenue amid rising costs.

https://www.franchising.com/articles/20260511_report_loyalty_is_qsrs_primary_growth_engine.html

Evolving Kitchen Operations Are Helping QSR Brands Navigate Supply and Cost Uncertainties

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Quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands in India are evolving their kitchen operations to address rising input costs, labor challenges, and supply chain unpredictability while meeting growing delivery demand. This includes adopting smaller, more efficient kitchen footprints, leveraging cloud kitchens for operational flexibility, standardizing processes via automation, integrating inventory intelligence with AI-driven systems, and designing focused menus to improve efficiency and consistency—changes that are shaping which brands will successfully scale in the complex Indian market.

https://qsrmedia.asia/executive-insights/commentary/evolving-kitchen-operations-are-helping-qsr-brands-navigate-supply-and-cost-uncertainties

Quick Service Restaurant It Market Analysis By Application, Type, Technology, and Geography – Global Industry Outlook and Forecast 2026-2033

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The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) IT market, valued at $11.99 billion in 2026, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.34% from 2026 to 2035, reaching approximately $19.61 billion. This growth is driven by increasing adoption of digital technologies such as mobile ordering, AI, and cloud computing to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience, alongside rising investments and expanding applications across key regions including North America and Asia-Pacific. The market is characterized by rapid digital transformation, integration of innovative IT solutions, and a focus on sustainability, with strategic partnerships and regulatory compliance shaping its competitive landscape.

https://www.openpr.com/news/4492066/quick-service-restaurant-it-market-analysis-by-application

Are Restaurant Customers Starting to Feel Digital Fatigue?

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The 14th edition of William Blair’s restaurant tracker reveals that consumer engagement with restaurants has declined, with fewer people dining out frequently and an increased preference for face-to-face interaction over digital ordering methods. Despite lower visit frequencies, average spending has risen, particularly among lower-income groups, while convenience and cost remain key factors influencing restaurant choice; the findings also suggest potential early signs of digital fatigue, with some consumers favoring traditional ordering over apps and kiosks.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/are-restaurant-customers-starting-to-feel-digital-fatigue/

Nearly Half of Consumers Say Their Favorite Restaurant Chain Has Changed in The Last Year, According to New Report

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Tillster’s 2026 Phygital Index Report reveals that 45% of U.S. consumers say their favorite restaurant chain has changed in the past year, signaling a sharp decline in diner loyalty. The report highlights that diners are prioritizing food quality, convenience, and speed over price, leading to a shift away from traditional fast-food and fast-casual chains toward convenience and grocery stores, and emphasizing the need for restaurants to focus on seamless, personalized experiences rather than discounting to retain customers.

https://www.streetinsider.com/Globe+Newswire/Nearly+Half+of+Consumers+Say+Their+Favorite+Restaurant+Chain+Has+Changed+in+The+Last+Year%2C+According+to+New+Report/26332963.html

Where Do You See the Future of the Restaurant Industry? Any Emerging Trends You’re Excited About?

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The restaurant industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, especially in response to the pandemic, with a notable shift toward off-premise dining, carryout, and third-party delivery services. Multi-unit franchisees highlight the growing role of technology, including AI and predictive analytics, to improve operations, customer experience, and labor management, while emerging trends focus on convenience, diverse global flavors, and new dining formats blending quick service with fine dining.

https://www.franchising.com/articles/20260420_where_do_you_see_the_future_of_the_restaurant_industry_any_emerging_tre.html

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