December 6th QSR Roundup: Exciting New Fast-Food Openings and Innovations Across America

Interviewy Team

Interviewy Team

— 7 min read
December 6th QSR Roundup: Exciting New Fast-Food Openings and Innovations Across America
QSR news for Dec 6th, 2024. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 93 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 295 minutes. It'll take you only 9 minutes to catch up.

Exciting Fast-Food Openings and Expansion Plans

Chick N Max Aims for 50 New Locations

Chick N Max, known for its chef-crafted chicken dishes, plans to open up to 50 new locations across the Central U.S. in the next two years. With existing restaurants in Kansas, Texas, and South Dakota, they are targeting key markets along the I-35 corridor, including Des Moines, Topeka, and Dallas-Fort Worth. New prototypes will range from 1,500 to 2,400 sq ft, featuring indoor/outdoor seating for 80 customers, drive-thrus, and enhanced digital experiences. Total investment ranges from $650,000 to $2.5 million, with a franchise fee of $35,000.

Sources: QSR Magazine

Krystal Expands in South Carolina

Krystal is opening a new location in Orangeburg, SC on December 9, backed by media star Charlamagne Tha God. The event includes prizes and community festivities. The new menu features unique items like Smash’d & Stack’d burgers and Churro Fries, with operations running 24/7.

Sources: QSR Magazine

Layne's Chicken Fingers Makes Utah Debut

Layne's Chicken Fingers is set to open in Clearfield, Utah by year's end. With franchisee Scott Davis at the helm, Layne's plans to introduce its iconic crispy tenders to Utah, aiming for 16 locations over the next five years.

Sources: Fast Casual

Technological Advancements in Restaurants

Torchy's Tacos Adopts Voice AI Ordering

Torchy’s Tacos partners with SoundHound AI to launch an advanced voice AI Smart Ordering system across all 130 locations. This technology allows customers to place customized orders naturally, while handling multiple calls simultaneously. The system also addresses common inquiries about the menu and store details, enhancing focus on food preparation and service quality. Nearly 80% of diners believe AI will dominate food ordering in the near future.

Sources: QSR Magazine, Restaurant Dive, Networld Media Group

Chipotle Raises Menu Prices Amid Tech Investments

Chipotle is raising menu prices by 2% to offset inflation, marking the first increase in over a year. Despite these changes, Chipotle reports positive transaction growth, with revenues increasing by 13% to $2.8 billion. The focus is on enhancing efficiency and innovation, including investment in new kitchen technologies to maintain food quality.

Sources: Restaurant Business, Restaurant Dive

Community Support and Sustainability Efforts

Sweetgreen Supports LA Farmers Markets

Sweetgreen commits to Food Access LA, supporting eight farmers markets in Los Angeles. This ensures their continued operation through 2025, connecting local farmers with the community and enhancing food security in underserved areas. The markets draw over 10,000 visitors weekly. Sweetgreen's roots in local agriculture date back to its founding, prioritizing partnerships with small growers.

Sources: QSR Magazine, Restaurant Business

Sonny's BBQ's Vision for 2025

Sonny’s BBQ is embracing change as it moves into 2025, focusing on community, technology, and enhancing customer experiences. With over 320,000 members in their new mobile app generating $14 million, they emphasize refinement across price, quality, and guest experience for future expansion.

Sources: FSR Magazine

Innovations in Menu Offerings

McDonald's to Bring Back Snack Wraps in 2025

McDonald's announces the return of the beloved Snack Wraps in 2025, responding to strong customer demand. The wraps feature crispy or grilled chicken with various sauces in a tortilla and have been absent from U.S. menus since 2016.

Sources: Restaurant Business, QSR Web, /r/fastfood

Jollibee Launches Signature Sips

Jollibee introduces a permanent line of premium beverages called Signature Sips, featuring quenchers, freezes, iced teas, and cold brew coffee. Prices start at $4.99. The aim is to attract Gen Z customers and boost sales, especially in North America.

Sources: Restaurant Dive, Networld Media Group

Insights from Industry Leaders

Texas Roadhouse Shares Secrets to Success

Texas Roadhouse stands out with nearly $5 billion in sales at 638 locations in 2023. CEO Jerry Morgan attributes success to empowering owner-operators, celebrating employee performance, and maintaining quality food and service, all without heavy discounting.

Sources: Nation's Restaurant News

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux Transformation

Walk-On's introduces a new restaurant prototype with a smaller footprint and bar-centric layout for increased energy and efficiency. Significant investment by 10 Point Capital drives fresh leadership and enhancements, focusing on improving the bar program for revenue boost.

Sources: FSR Magazine

Labor and Operational Developments

Upcoming Minimum Wage Hikes in 2025

In 2025, over half of U.S. states will increase minimum wages, averaging 75 cents more per hour, with significant variations:

  • Michigan plans two increases, including phasing out the tip credit.
  • California fast-food workers will earn at least $20 per hour.
  • National average expected to reach $11.18 per hour.

These changes underline a considerable divide in pay levels across the country.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Cross-Training Enhances Efficiency and Morale

Cross-training in restaurants leads to:

  • Operational efficiency: Staff can adapt during peak times.
  • Employee growth: Opportunities for promotions and skill enhancement.
  • Boosted morale: Employees feel valued, reducing turnover rates.

Effective cross-training includes identifying key skills and ensuring managerial support.

Sources: Nation's Restaurant News

Burger Trends and Innovations

Burgers dominate menus at 40% with cheese as the top topping at 43%. Prices of cheeseburgers surged by 20% from $9.74 in 2019 to $11.74 in 2023. Trends include:

  • Smashburgers
  • Sliders
  • Unique buns and artisanal ingredients.

Pharmacy Burger in Nashville is embracing local flavors with offerings like the White Oak BBQ Burger featuring Coca Cola barbecue sauce.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Fast-Food Delivery Markup Concerns

A study reveals that fast-food delivery services impose significant markups on menu prices. Consumers express:

  • Disbelief that such a study was necessary.
  • Personal experiences regarding excessive delivery costs.
  • The consensus is that delivery is convenient but not economical, often doubling the price of meals.

Sources: /r/fastfood

Restaurant Operations and Management

Uber Eats Disputes and Challenges

Restaurant owners report frustrating experiences with Uber Eats regarding disputes and denials for driver errors. Issues include:

  • Accountability for mistakes they didn't make.
  • Persistent denial in attempts to resolve issues.
  • Financial losses and feeling misled.

Commenters suggest exploring alternate delivery options like DoorDash.

Sources: /r/restaurant

Managing General Manager Issues

A catering company owner faces challenges with a new GM who cannot work early shifts as expected. Advice from peers includes:

  • Emphasizing accountability
  • Considering replacement
  • Ensuring future hires have clear contracts outlining expectations.

The importance of flexibility and accountability is highlighted.

Sources: /r/restaurantowners

Product Launches and Business Moves

Barry Callebaut Introduces Upcycled Cacao Fruit

Barry Callebaut introduces upcycled cacao fruit into its product lineup, suitable for confectionery, ice cream drinks, dairy products, and snacks. This innovation opens up opportunities for collaboration across different brands.

Sources: Food Business News

Nestle USA Names New CEO

Martin Thompson appointed as CEO of Nestle USA, succeeding in a vital role following his leadership in coffee ventures. He previously expanded brands like Nescafé and Starbucks at Home.

Sources: Food Business News

Holiday Specials and Consumer Engagement

Casa Juancho's Holiday Extravaganza

Casa Juancho in Miami transforms into a dazzling holiday spectacle every December, merging Spanish tradition with festive decor. Highlights include:

  • Thousands of lights and oversized ornaments.
  • Live guitarists serenading guests with Spanish tunes and Christmas carols.
  • A grand Christmas tree creating an opulent atmosphere.

Sources: Eater

Delightful Tinned Fish Candles

For tinned fish enthusiasts, adorable candles designed to resemble tinned seafood are a quirky trend. Scents include:

  • Ocean breeze
  • Tomato leaf
  • Holiday-themed vanilla and egg nog.

These candles encapsulate the fun of the tinned fish craze.

Sources: Eater

Industry Predictions and Future Outlook

Technomic's Restaurant Trends Predictions for 2025

Key predictions include:

  • Chipotle climbing to the No. 7 spot in sales rank, surpassing Burger King and Subway.
  • Full-service dining facing contraction due to rising costs and fast-casual competition.
  • The chicken market maintaining double-digit sales growth, driven by younger consumers.
  • Top 500 sales projected to rise by 4.2%, approaching $440 billion in 2024.

Sources: Nation's Restaurant News

Restaurant Bankruptcy Wave in 2024

2024 saw a surge in restaurant bankruptcies due to:

  • Rising labor costs and dwindling consumer foot traffic.
  • Major brands like TGI Fridays and Rubio’s facing Chapter 11.
  • Rising interest rates making capital harder to access.

Strong brands thrived, but those with weaker propositions struggled significantly.

Sources: Restaurant Dive

Rediscovering Cooking Amid Delivery App Fatigue

  • Personal cooking rebirth: After reliance on delivery apps, individuals are rediscovering the joy of home cooking.
  • Impact on restaurants: Delivery apps hurt restaurants due to high fees, leading to sustainability concerns.
  • Valuing personal connections: Ordering directly from restaurants restores human interaction and gratitude in the dining experience.

Sources: Salon

French Onion Delights and Hot Toddy Tips

  • Elevate classic dishes: Explore recipes that turn French onion soup into grilled cheese or pasta delights.
  • Hot Toddy customization: Use flavored bases like tea, select unique sweeteners, and consider adding butter for richness.

Sources: Food & Wine

Miscellaneous Updates

Rachael Ray Shrugs Off Online Trolls

Rachael Ray remains unfazed by internet trolls discussing her health and appearance. She emphasizes not caring about negative opinions and focuses on her work.

Sources: Salon

Pantone's Color of the Year 2025

Pantone selects 'Mocha Mousse' as its Color of the Year for 2025, described as a mellow, rich brown that evokes feelings of comfort and warmth.

Sources: Salon

Employee Well-being and Work Culture

Sick Leave Dilemma in the Restaurant Industry

Workers face pressures regarding calling out sick, with expectations to work even when ill. The consensus emphasizes:

  • Prioritizing health over work.
  • Recognizing that customer safety is paramount.
  • The need for better working conditions and understanding from management.

Sources: /r/restaurant

Best Shoes for Bar Staff

Bartenders seek supportive and comfortable shoes for long hours on hard floors. Recommendations include:

  • Servsafe Vans
  • On Cloud and Saucony with gel inserts.
  • Non-slip shoes like Birkenstocks, Birkis, and Crocs.

Sources: /r/BarOwners

Financial Insights and Business Performance

First Month Earnings for New Bars

  • Earnings vary greatly depending on concept and location.
  • Reports range from $12,500 to $15,000 in first-month earnings.
  • Marketing and patience are crucial, with profitability often taking up to a year or more.

Sources: /r/BarOwners

Chipotle's Rise in Sales Rankings

  • Chipotle is set to surpass Burger King and Subway for the No. 7 sales spot.
  • Despite having fewer locations, consistent sales growth and international expansion drive success.
  • They raised menu prices by 2% to combat rising costs.

Sources: Nation's Restaurant News

Stay tuned for more concise news updates delivered right to your fingertips, saving you valuable time. As industry professionals and restaurant operators, your time is precious—spent on running your businesses, innovating menus, and enhancing customer experiences. Let us keep you informed with quick, comprehensive summaries so you can focus on what you do best. Subscribe now and join us again for the latest insights in the restaurant industry!

Read more