February 11th QSR Roundup: Perfect Valentine's Meal, Influencer Marketing Trends, and Operational Tips

QSR news for Feb 11th, 2025. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 99 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 260 minutes. It'll take you only 10 minutes to catch up.

McDonald's Recovery and Chicken Innovations

McDonald’s is bouncing back from a 1.4% dip in U.S. same-store sales in Q4, caused by an E. coli outbreak linked to Quarter Pounders. The company is focusing on value deals and chicken menu enhancements to regain momentum.

• Value Deals Driving Growth:
  • $5 Meal Deal and Buy One, Add One for $1 offers are boosting guest counts.
• Chicken Menu Focus:
  • Plans to reintroduce Snack Wraps and launch the Chicken Big Mac.
  • Introducing new chicken strips in late April.
• Digital Success:
  • The loyalty program has 170 million active users, contributing to $30 billion in systemwide sales.
• Expansion Plans:
  • Opened a net 100 new restaurants in the U.S. in 2024.
  • Plans to open 2,200 new restaurants globally in 2025, especially in the Chinese market.

Sources: QSR Magazine, Restaurant Business, Restaurant Dive, Nation's Restaurant News

Wingstop's Perfect Valentine's Meal 💕

Wingstop is offering a heartwarming 15 Pc Meal for 2 at $25.49 this Valentine's Day, featuring new flavors perfect for couples.

• Meal Includes:
  • 15 boneless and classic wings, large fries, dips, and drinks.
• Flavor Highlights:
  • Hot Honey Rub: A sweet and spicy blend.
  • Sweet Chili Glaze: Combines sweet chili and savory hoisin.
• Extras:
  • Upgrade fries with Hot Honey Rub seasoning.
  • Share a brownie for dessert.
• Enjoy at Home:
  • Wingstop promotes a casual, hassle-free dining experience at home.

Source: QSR Magazine

Innovations and Openings in the Fast-Casual Scene

Cleaver & Co and Torikizoku are making waves with new openings and unique offerings.

Cleaver & Co Opens in Dallas:

• Concept: Fast-casual restaurant specializing in premium burgers and chicken sandwiches.
• Founders: Restaurateurs Pat Garza and Pardeep Sharma.
• Features:
  • Locally sourced ingredients.
  • Hand-spun milkshakes.
  • 2,400-square-foot space with 75-person capacity.
• Expansion Plans:
  • Proving the concept's success with hopes for expansion in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Sources: QSR Magazine, Fast Casual

Torikizoku Opens in Torrance:

• First U.S. location of the popular Japanese yakitori chain with over 600 locations in Japan.
• Affordable Skewers: Prices start at $2 per piece.
• Menu: Variety of kushiyaki including chicken parts, scallops, shrimp, and vegetarian options.
• Ambiance: Upscale minimalist design with a U-shaped bar and grilling over binchotan charcoal.

Source: Eater LA

White Castle Leadership Promotion

White Castle has promoted Melissa Palmisciano to vice president and general counsel.

• Background:
  • Joined White Castle in 2018.
  • U.S. Naval Academy graduate and retired Lieutenant Colonel.
• Leadership Style:
  • Emphasizes decisiveness and continuous improvement.
  • Aims to enhance the company's mission to create memorable moments.
• Personal Life:
  • Enjoys family time and serves on the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation board.

Source: QSR Magazine

Restaurants Leveraging Technology and Loyalty Programs

Restaurants are implementing technology and loyalty programs to boost efficiency and customer engagement.

Golden Corral's Tech Transformation:

• Led by CIO Dawn Gillis, replacing outdated tech after 15 years.
• Improvements:
  • New POS and kitchen systems.
  • Reduced cashier training time from three days to 30 minutes.
  • Franchisees can adjust menu prices locally.
  • Real-time analytics through the Notify app.
• Goal: Enhance business efficiency and meet evolving consumer demands.

Source: Restaurant Dive

McDonald's Loyalty Strategies:

• MyMcDonald’s Rewards has over 170 million active users.
• Loyalty members contribute to $30 billion of the $130 billion global revenue.
• Aim to reach 250 million active users and $45 billion in annual loyalty sales by 2027.
• Implementing the Ready on Arrival system for enhanced service efficiency.

Source: Restaurant Dive

Trends and Changes in the Restaurant Industry

Rise of Salted Egg Yolks in U.S. Restaurants:

• Salted egg yolks featured in 0.5% of restaurant menus.
• 71% increase in four years.
• Appeals to consumers seeking indulgent and sophisticated flavors.
• 23% of Americans have tried them, though awareness is higher.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

International Restaurants Expanding into the U.S.:

• U.S. restaurant industry projected to grow by 4%, surpassing $1.1 trillion in sales.
• Brands like PizzaExpress, WingsUp!, and Eggs Inc. entering the market.
• Reasons for expansion:
  • Favorable food and labor costs.
  • Larger market potential.
• Franchising thriving with an expected 5.4% growth in quick-service franchises.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Notable Collaborations and Promotions

Chili’s NASCAR Partnership Launch:

• Chili’s Grill & Bar partners with Spire Motorsports for the 2025 NASCAR season.
• 'Ride the Dente' Campaign:
  • Highlights the rebranded Presidente Margarita.
  • Features a new country song and music video.
• Daytona 500 Presence:
  • Showcases the No. 7 Chili's car driven by Justin Haley.

Sources: FSR Magazine, Nation's Restaurant News

KFC and Mike's Hot Honey Collaboration:

• Introducing new meal options featuring Mike's Hot Honey.
• $7 Box Meal Deals:
  • Options include Original Recipe Tenders or fried chicken drizzled with hot honey.
• $25 Fan Favorite's Box:
  • Includes bone-in chicken, nuggets, fries, biscuits, and choice of sauces.
• Aim: Combine crispy, juicy, salty, spicy, and sweet flavors.

Source: Fast Casual

Restaurant Operations and Community Feedback

SpotHopper Dilemmas Among Restaurant Owners:

• Discussion on Reddit expressing frustration with SpotHopper.
• Some owners feel it's a financial burden, others find value in its services.
• Mixed Opinions:
  • Some appreciate the cost savings and services provided.
  • Others consider it a waste of money.

Sources: /r/restaurantowners

Best Fast Food Fish Sandwiches:

• Culver's North Atlantic Cod Sandwich voted the best among chefs.
• Reddit users share their preferences:
  • Positive mentions for Arby's and McDonald's Filet-O-Fish.
  • Discussions on regional availability and taste differences.

Sources: /r/fastfood

Leadership Changes Across Brands

Tropical Smoothie Cafe's Leadership Updates:

• Jonathan Biggs appointed as COO.
• Chris Sasser promoted to CFO.
• Karen Wickliffe promoted to General Counsel.
• CEO Max Wetzel highlights the importance of these roles in supporting franchisees and growth.
• The chain has over 1,500 cafes.

Sources: Restaurant Dive, Fast Casual

Subway Canada's Leadership Changes:

• Dennie Downie appointed as head of marketing.
• Reza Kouhang appointed as head of development.
• Focus on enhancing marketing initiatives and brand growth.
• Subway Canada has over 2,900 locations.

Source: Networld Media Group

Food Industry Legal and Financial Updates

CEO of Fat Brands Charged with Fraud:

• Andy Wiederhorn charged with wire fraud for allegedly stealing $47 million.
• Also facing charges of tax evasion.
• Impact on franchises like Twin Peaks and Fatburger.
• Mixed reactions from the community regarding ethical concerns.

Source: /r/restaurant

Post Holdings Q1 Earnings Boost:

• Net income rose 29% to $113.3 million.
• Sales increased to $1.974 billion.
• Foodservice unit profit up 14% due to volume growth.
• Challenges include avian influenza impacting operations.

Source: Food Business News

Culinary Trends and Innovations

True Food Kitchen Goes Seed Oil-Free:

• Transitioned to a 100% seed oil-free menu across all 46 locations.
• Uses only avocado and olive oils.
• Reformulated over 100 menu items.
• Responding to guest demands for transparency and real food options.

Source: Modern Restaurant Management

Homemade Xiao Long Bao Craze:

• Growing interest in making soup dumplings at home.
• Social media sharing tips and recipes.
• Challenges include the two-day prep and dough precision.
• Offers a warm and satisfying cooking adventure.

Source: Eater

Operational Tips and Preparedness

Winter Weather Preparedness for Restaurants:

• Importance of protecting properties from cold weather.
• Key Strategies:
  • HVAC maintenance.
  • Sealing openings and insulating pipes.
  • Reviewing insurance for winter-related risks.
  • Snow removal plans.
• Ensures safety and minimizes potential damages.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Media as an Ally in Recalls:

• Food recalls are at a five-year high.
• Strategies for Managing Recalls:
  • Partner with media for transparent communication.
  • Prepare a communications plan.
  • Show empathy during recalls.
• Maintains consumer trust and reduces misinformation.

Source: Food Industry Executive

Consumer Deals and Promotions

Domino's $9.99 Pizza Deal:

• Any pizza size, crust, and toppings for $9.99 online until March 2.
• Positive feedback on value and customization.
• Crust Options:
  • Hand Tossed, Handmade Pan, New York Style, Gluten Free, Crunchy Thin Crust.

Sources: Pizza Marketplace, /r/fastfood

Subway's BOGO Footlong Offer:

• Buy One, Get One Free Footlong deal for Valentine's Day.
• Available through the app and website with promo code FLBOGO.
• Mixed reactions from customers regarding quality and value.

Sources: /r/fastfood, Nation's Restaurant News

Influencer Marketing Trends in Food Industry

Companies are leveraging the power of influencers to enhance brand awareness and drive sales.

• Types of Influencer Collaborations:
  • Sponsored posts, brand ambassadorships, product reviews, giveaways, affiliate marketing.
• Shift from Celebrity to Micro-Influencers:
  • Nano and micro influencers with niche audiences show high engagement.
• Successful Examples:
  • Gymshark with athlete partnerships.
  • Daniel Wellington's viral influencer strategy.
  • Chipotle adapting marketing efforts.
• Strategic Approaches:
  • Collaborate with digital agencies.
  • Choose suitable influencers carefully.
  • Track campaign performance focusing on ROI and audience engagement.

Sources: BlueCart

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