trends

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/

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/

Fastest-Growing QSR Categories of 2025: Coffee shops, chicken chains, and Mexican-inspired brands saw growth in visits during the first half of 2025, while traditional fast-food segments like burgers and sandwiches declined. Despite growth, average visits per location decreased, suggesting potential market saturation as chains expand rapidly. However, summer trends hint at declining foot traffic and rising coffee prices, which may impact consumer habits.

https://foodinstitute.com/focus/the-top-3-fastest-growing-qsr-categories-of-2025/