March 15th QSR Roundup: Dining Alone in Cars, Top Franchise for Women, and More QSR topics from Reddit

Interviewy Team

Mar 15, 2025 — 14 min read

QSR news for Mar 15th, 2025. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 68 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 225 minutes. It'll take you only 15 minutes to catch up.

Kona Ice's Innovations Delight Health-Conscious Consumers

Kona Ice celebrated its annual Konvention with exciting new products:

Blended Smoothies: Offering three servings of fruit per cup, flavors include Strawberry, Tropical Breeze, Mango, and Strawberry Banana.
Edible Kona Kandy Spoons: A fun and eco-friendly replacement for disposable utensils.
New Flavor in Topz Line: Introduced Green Apple to expand choices.

The company has also given back over $200 million to communities, emphasizing its mission of community support.

Source: QSR Magazine

Ellianos Coffee: A Top Franchise for Women

Ellianos Coffee was named a 2025 Top Franchise for Women by Franchise Business Review. Key highlights:

Outperformed among 350 brands, based on feedback from nearly 9,000 female franchise owners.
88% of women franchisees enjoy their involvement with the brand.
CEO Mallory Pruitt is proud of fostering opportunities for women in the coffee industry.
Ellianos is expanding in the Southeast, seeking franchisees in Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Source: QSR Magazine

Dickey's Barbecue Brings Texas Flavor to Toronto

Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants opened a new location in Toronto, Ontario:

Located at 2150 Bloor Street W.
Offers iconic slow-smoked meats like brisket and ribs.
Franchisee Muhammad Sameer aims to provide an authentic Texas barbecue experience.

Special promotions and giveaways are part of the grand opening celebrations.

Source: QSR Magazine

The Rise of Dining Alone in Cars

The trend of solo dining is increasing as off-premises dining becomes more popular:

Many consumers are choosing to eat alone, often in their cars.
This shift presents challenges and opportunities for restaurants to adapt to changing behaviors.

Source: Restaurant Business

Starbucks Redesigns Cafes to Enhance Experience

Starbucks is testing new cafe designs focusing on:

A more inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating and outlets for devices.
Dedicated areas for mobile orders to streamline pickup.
Enhancing the espresso-making experience for customers.

These changes aim to reclaim Starbucks' place as a social hub.

Source: Restaurant Business

Fast-Food Traffic Dips Amid Consumer Cutbacks

Fast-food restaurants face declining traffic:

Overall traffic down 2.8% in February.
Breakfast visits plunged 12.6%, as consumers skip morning meals.
Lunch traffic decreased by 3.6%, while dinner traffic slightly increased by 0.5%.
Price hikes led to a 3.6% increase in average check amounts.

Chains like McDonald's report significant drops in visits from low-income customers.

Source: Restaurant Business

Restaurants Adapt Five Years Post-Pandemic

Significant changes in the restaurant industry include:

Sales Rebound: Recovering from a drop to $31 billion in April 2020 to surpassing pre-pandemic sales by May 2021.
Workforce Impact: Nearly 48% of restaurant employees lost jobs; independents were hit hardest.
Consumer Habits: Increased spending on dining out but with higher expectations and sensitivity to pricing.
Delivery Services Boom: Growth of platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Shift to Remote Work: The percentage of people working from home doubled, affecting customer demographics.

Source: Restaurant Business

Leadership Changes Across Restaurants

Notable executive appointments:

Amanda Potts joins A&W Restaurants as VP of Marketing and Innovation.
Tom Leeper becomes Senior VP of Operations at Slice House by Tony Gemignani.
Fred Frey is the new VP of Franchise Development at 16 Handles.
Jodie Chau named VP of Supply Chain at HTeaO.
Steven Adyani promoted to COO at Mountain Mike's Pizza.

These changes aim to drive growth and operational excellence.

Source: Restaurant Business

Fast-Food Industry Updates

Key developments:

El Pollo Loco plans a brand relaunch for modernity and consistency.
McDonald’s forms a new Restaurant Experience Team to specialize in fast-food operations.
Starbucks redesigns stores to create a more inviting atmosphere.
Wonder merges with Tastemade to establish a media network.

These initiatives reflect efforts to enhance competitiveness and customer experience.

Source: Restaurant Business

TGI Fridays Celebrates 60 Years

Highlights of the celebration:

Hosting global events on March 15, including a $19.65 meal deal.
Reintroducing the Long Island Iced Tea in collectible cups.
Launching the #ShareYourFlair social media challenge.
Aiming to enhance guest experiences in nearly 400 locations worldwide.

TGI Fridays continues to emphasize its cultural significance and inclusive spirit.

Source: FSR Magazine

Golden Corral Honors First Responders

Golden Corral in California offers:

Free buffet for first responders on March 18, from 4 p.m. to close.
Valid for those in uniform or with ID.
Continues the tradition of community support, similar to their Military Appreciation Night.

Guests can enjoy over 150 items, reflecting Golden Corral's commitment to variety and quality.

Source: FSR Magazine

Home Run Inn Pizza Lands at O'Hare Airport

Key points:

Home Run Inn Pizza opens in O'Hare International Airport's Terminal 1.
Serves classic Chicago-style pizzas like cheese and sausage.
Part of a broader expansion within the airport to showcase local cuisine.
Enhances the traveler experience by offering a taste of Chicago's food culture.

Source: FSR Magazine

Nathan's Famous Opens Modern Standalone Location

Highlights:

New restaurant in Rock Hill, South Carolina, featuring a modern design.
Includes a double drive-thru and updated point-of-sale systems.
Offers specialty ripper dogs and blends New York loft style with local architecture.
Aims to reverse the decline in domestic store counts and expand virtual kitchen programs.

Source: Restaurant Dive

Casey's General Stores Boosts Sales with Food Innovation

Notable achievements:

Inside same-store sales increased by 3.7% in Q3 fiscal 2025.
Introduction of Darn Good Coffee and chicken wings in test markets.
Hot sandwich sales surged over 50%; bakery items grew nearly 10%.
Innovation in fresh food drives growth more than promotions.

Source: Restaurant Dive

Restaurants Face Staffing Shortages Post-Pandemic

Key challenges:

Significant labor shortages as many workers didn't return post-pandemic.
Hiring difficulties despite higher wages; experienced staff are scarce.
Restaurants invest more in training due to less skilled new hires.
Industry shifts toward offering comprehensive benefits and better work environments.

Source: Eater

Laurie Woolever's Memoir 'Care and Feeding'

Insights:

Memoir offers a humorous and candid look at her life in NYC.
Explores themes of addiction and working with Mario Batali and Anthony Bourdain.
Discusses the complexities of her professional relationships.
Highlights the cathartic yet challenging process of writing.

Source: Eater

Fast-Food Chains Embrace Seafood for Lent

Highlights:

Wendy’s offers the Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich until April 20.
Other chains like Del Taco, Arby’s, and Popeyes expand Lenten menus.
Lent influences consumer choices, leading to 75 million Filet-O-Fish sold by McDonald's during the season.
Calls for more inclusive menus for various cultural observances.

Source: Eater

Ninja CREAMi's Swirl Adds Soft-Serve Option

Features:

Ninja Swirl by CREAMi offers 13 dessert programs, including soft-serve.
Requires overnight freezing of bases; weighs 21 pounds.
Users enjoy turning protein shakes into frozen treats.
Priced at $350, it delivers scoopable ice cream superior to many home machines.

Ideal for health-conscious dessert lovers with space for the appliance.

Source: Eater

Making Corned Beef at Home Simplified

Tips:

Brining takes about a week; cooking takes 3.5 hours.
Use pink curing salt, sugar, garlic, and spices for flavor.
Flat cut brisket is recommended for easy slicing.
Minimal effort after initial prep; simply turn the brining bag occasionally.
End result is a delightful pink brisket perfect with cabbage and potatoes.

Source: Eater

Plant-Based Eggs Rise Amid Egg Shortages

Key points:

U.S. faces severe egg shortage due to avian influenza.
Egg prices soared by 132%; predictions near $5 per dozen in 2025.
Plant-based egg alternatives offer cost stability and health benefits.
These alternatives are cholesterol-free and more sustainable.
Food businesses consider plant-based options to mitigate supply issues.

Source: Total Food Service

Red Gold's All-American Tomato Success

Highlights:

Red Gold began in 1942, supporting WWII efforts.
Family-owned, focusing on high-quality, American-made tomato products.
Brands include Red Gold®, Redpack®, Tuttorosso®.
Supports Folds of Honor with educational scholarships.
Led the way in BPA-free packaging and offers clean-label products.
Committed to supporting foodservice operations with quality tomatoes.

Source: Total Food Service

Tariff Concerns Among Restaurant Operators

Important notes:

45% of restaurant operators fear financial trouble due to tariffs.
Potential costs could exceed $12 billion.
Consumers might cut back on dining out if prices increase.
Fine dining may suffer more than fast casual due to price sensitivity.

Operators are looking for ways to mitigate impacts and retain customers.

Source: Modern Restaurant Management

Tech Transforming Restaurant Kitchens

Key developments:

Adoption of Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) enhances efficiency.
Replaces old paper tickets, reducing errors and improving order tracking.
High-volume chains like Subway benefit from streamlined operations.
Balances tradition with technology to survive in a modern market.

Embracing tech advances is essential for future kitchen management.

Source: Modern Restaurant Management

Supporting Small Farmers Through Cooperative Banking

Key information:

Southern Farmers Financial Association (SFFA) aims to aid Black farmers.
Faces uncertainty due to potential federal policy changes.
Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is at risk.
Black farmers have historically faced discrimination and financial barriers.
Emphasizes the need for financial literacy and cooperative support.

The SFFA seeks to lower credit access barriers and support rural communities.

Source: Civil Eats

Summer's New Frozen Treats

Exciting launches:

JonnyPops introduces mini cream pops in fun flavors.
Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream offers the We Love Peanut Butter pack.
Häagen-Dazs debuts new sorbet flavors like summer blueberry and lemon.
Embracing bold fruit pairings for the summer season.

"Sorbet will be this summer's hottest treat," says Häagen-Dazs marketing head.

Source: Food Business News

Economic Uncertainty Amid Tariffs and Inflation

Key points:

The U.S. economy shows signs of fragility with ongoing inflation and tariff threats.
Government spending exceeds revenue, highlighting debt issues.
GDP growth slows from 2.9% to a projected 2%.
Job openings decline by one-third, but mass layoffs haven't occurred.
Tariffs may increase consumer prices, adding to economic uncertainty.

Inflation rates show slight improvement, but overall outlook remains cautious.

Source: Food Business News

Innovations in Snacking Respond to Consumer Needs

Trends:

Snacks as Meal Replacements: 1 in 4 calories consumed comes from snacks.
Demand for convenient, nutrient-dense, and portion-controlled options.
GLP-1 Compatible: Snacks designed for those on weight loss medications.
Manufacturers explore alternative ingredients due to commodity challenges.
Emphasis on brand trust and balancing taste with health benefits.

Taste remains a critical factor in customer satisfaction.

Source: Food Business News

West Virginia Moves to Ban Synthetic Food Colors

Important developments:

House Bill No. 2354 aims to prohibit specific synthetic colors in foods.
Ban includes colors like Red No. 3, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1.
Schools to stop selling affected products by August 1, 2025.
State-wide ban effective January 1, 2028.
Health concerns like hyperactivity in children drive the legislation.
Similar laws are emerging in states like California, Florida, and Oklahoma.

Reflects a growing trend toward cleaner food labels.

Source: Food Business News

The Crispy Delight of Frico

Culinary insights:

Frico are crispy cheese crisps made from heating cheese like Parmesan.
Enhances dishes like pasta and salads or enjoyed as a snack.
Originated from Friuli, Italy, traditionally using Montasio cheese.
Cooking frico requires balancing cheese quantity and cooking time.
A simple yet unforgettably delicious treat that's easy to make.

Perfect for adding a savory crunch to meals.

Source: Salon

Hummus Recall Due to Plastic Fragments

Key details:

King Harvest recalls nearly 72,000 tubs of hummus.
12 flavors affected, sold in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Expiration dates from February 2 to March 2.
No injuries reported; consumers can return products for refunds.
Flavors include roasted garlic, lemon, and jalapeño.

Opportunity to try making homemade hummus instead.

Source: Salon

Comforting Boozy Fish Stew Recipe

Recipe highlights:

A hearty Boozy Fish Stew perfect for unpredictable spring weather.
Incorporates fresh seafood with a rich tomato base and a splash of alcohol.
Paired with Easy Biscuits infused with chives for a festive touch.
Total cooking time is about 1 hour, serving 4-6 people.

A comforting meal to bring warmth and cheer.

Source: Salon

Trade War Heats Up with Tariff Threats

Important points:

President Trump threatens a 200% tariff on European wines and spirits.
Retaliation for the EU's 50% tariff on U.S. whisky.
The EU plans counter-tariffs on American goods worth $28.31 billion.
The conflict affects significant export markets for U.S. spirits.

Highlights the escalating tensions in international trade relations.

Source: Salon

New Food and Beverage Launches Excite Consumers

Product debuts:

Vita Coco releases Orange & Creme coconut milk beverage.
Jordan’s Skinny Mixes introduces Skinnyccino™ cold brew coffee.
Little Sesame unveils two new hummus flavors: Green Goddess and Golden Garlic.
Sargento launches Cheese Bakes snacks in collaboration with Mondelēz.

Innovations cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

Source: Food Industry Executive

Pretzelmaker Expands at Great Wolf Lodge

Key developments:

Pretzelmaker opens units in select Great Wolf Lodge locations.
Offers unique snacks like Pretzel Bites and breakfast sandwiches.
Aims to increase brand visibility and sales by targeting families.
Plans to expand to two more resorts this year and explore non-traditional venues.
Top-performing units have shown significant sales success.

Strategic partnership enhances growth and profitability.

Source: QSRweb

Jollibee Opens Franchising Opportunities in North America

Highlights:

Jollibee launches its first franchising program in North America.
Targets multi-unit franchisees with operational expertise.
Seeks to expand from 76 stores in the U.S. and 28 in Canada to 350 stores.
Offers various ownership opportunities, including urban storefronts.

Aims to bring its unique hospitality experience to more customers.

Source: QSR Web

Insights:

Owners commonly use suppliers like Sysco, US Foods, and Restaurant Depot.
Some prefer local vendors for items like gloves and take-out boxes.
Choice of supplier often depends on the type of restaurant and specific needs.
Emphasis on understanding supply needs when making sourcing decisions.

Networking with peers can provide valuable sourcing strategies.