March 5th QSR Roundup: Leaders Drive Change in Restaurant Innovations Digital Strategies and Menu Expansions

Interviewy Team

Interviewy Team

— 6 min read
March 5th QSR Roundup: Leaders Drive Change in Restaurant Innovations Digital Strategies and Menu Expansions
QSR news for Mar 5th, 2025. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 120 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 405 minutes. It'll take you only 8 minutes to catch up.

Leadership Shifts and Insights in the Restaurant Industry

Embracing Nontraditional Paths: Jo Lambert's Journey

  • Jo Lambert, COO of Olo, emphasizes the importance of taking nontraditional career risks to enhance one's trajectory.
  • She advocates for self-advocacy and following one's passion, highlighting the role of mentorship in career development.
  • Lambert practices daily journaling to stay focused and recognize achievements in a fast-paced environment.
  • For effective leadership, she stresses transparency and building trust through direct feedback and clear expectations.
  • Lambert encourages leaders to be outcome-driven, focusing on enhancing guest experiences and leveraging AI.

Source: QSR Magazine

New Faces in Top Positions

  • Patrick Noone joins Slim Chickens as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience from companies like Checkers and Domino's.
    • Aims to drive growth and loyalty by enhancing brand strategy and guest engagement.
  • Biscuitville Fresh Southern promotes four internal leaders to strengthen organizational structure:
    • Heather Banner as Region Director of the West Region.
    • Shawn Dolan as Director of Procurement.
    • Keith Hobson and Chris Smith as Senior Area Directors.
  • A&W Restaurants appoints Betsy Schmandt as CEO and president, succeeding Kevin Bazner.
    • Schmandt aims to enhance the A&W experience and focus on growth, leveraging her over 15 years in restaurant franchising.
  • Starbucks undergoes an executive shake-up with CFO Rachel Ruggeri exiting after 20 years.
    • Cathy Smith, formerly of Nordstrom, steps in as the new CFO.
    • CEO Brian Niccol continues to transform the executive team, emphasizing efficiency and innovation.

Sources: QSR Magazine, Restaurant Business, Restaurant Dive, Foodservice Equipment & Supplies

Growth and Expansion Strategies in Fast Food Giants

Taco Bell's Bold Vision for 2025 and Beyond

Taco Bell is gearing up for significant growth with an ambitious strategy called RING (Relentlessly Innovative Next-Generation Growth). The brand aims to double its menu innovations in 2025 compared to 2024, introducing new products every 2-3 weeks. Key focus areas include crispy chicken, beverages, and the popular Nacho Fries. With an eye on increasing the average unit volume (AUV) from $2.2 million to $3 million by 2030, Taco Bell plans to double profits from $1 billion to $2 billion.

International expansion is a major part of the strategy, with intentions to open over 10,000 locations in the U.S. and expand to 9 new countries by 2025, including France, Greece, and South Africa. By 2030, Taco Bell aims to have over 3,000 international outlets. The company is also pushing for 100% digital transactions, aiming to increase digital sales contributions from 35% to over 60%.

Loyalty programs are central to Taco Bell's growth, with loyal customers visiting 76% more frequently than casual ones. Despite market challenges, Taco Bell achieved 5% same-store sales growth in Q4 and recorded an impressive 24%+ restaurant-level margin. David Gibbs, CEO of Yum Brands, highlights Taco Bell as a vital growth engine for the company.

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

Innovative Menu Additions Delight Customers

Spicy Seafood and Healthy Alternatives

  • Burger King's Fiery Big Fish Sandwich makes a comeback on March 6, just in time for Lent.
    • Features crispy panko-breaded Alaskan Pollock with a spicy glaze, sweet tartar sauce, lettuce, and pickles on a brioche bun.
    • Special offer: Royal Perks members can buy the original Big Fish for just $2 with the purchase of a full-price classic Big Fish.
    • Aiming to attract customers craving a spicy seafood delight.

Air-Fried Delights at Sweetgreen

  • Sweetgreen introduces air-fried Ripple Fries nationwide, offering a healthier take on a fast-food classic.
    • CEO Jonathan Neman notes strong demand for a "permissible indulgence."
    • Part of Sweetgreen's strategy to diversify its menu beyond salads and attract a broader customer base.

Hardee's New Chicken and BBQ Pairing

  • Hardee's launches Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders paired with Duke's Carolina Gold BBQ sauce.
    • Chicken tenders are made from all white meat, hand-dipped in buttermilk, and lightly fried.
    • The Carolina Gold BBQ sauce adds sweetness and a hint of heat.
    • Available in time for the spring basketball season, a peak time for chicken consumption.

Sources: QSR Magazine, Restaurant Business, Fast Casual

Technological Innovations Transforming Dining Experiences

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Customer Engagement

Restaurants are increasingly adopting technology to improve customer experiences and operational efficiency.

Digital Marketing and POS Systems

  • 72% of diners are influenced by restaurant photos online, highlighting the importance of digital marketing.
  • Modern POS systems offer insights into consumer behavior, helping reduce waste and boost profits.
  • Personalized loyalty programs create emotional connections with diners, moving beyond generic rewards.

Sales Channel Reporting and Technology Adoption

  • Sales channel reporting simplifies operations across various order platforms, optimizing sales.
  • Innovative technology increases consistency and efficiency, predicting dining trends, and securing customer data.

Portillo's Embraces Mobile Digital Wallets

  • Portillo’s introduces Portillo’s Perks, a loyalty program utilizing mobile digital wallets instead of apps.
    • Aims to enroll 1.5 to 1.7 million customers by midsummer.
    • Focuses on reward frequency and customer habits, allowing personalized offers.
    • Designed to alleviate common app frustrations and boost traffic.

Starbucks' Digital Evolution

  • Starbucks continues its digital transformation under CEO Brian Niccol.
    • Appoints Cathy Smith as the new CFO, replacing Rachel Ruggeri.
    • Starbucks is streamlining operations, including the elimination of 1,100 corporate positions.
    • Focuses on sustainability and digital innovation, hiring executives from different industries.

Sources: QSR Magazine, Restaurant Business, FSR Magazine, Restaurant Dive

Industry Challenges and Economic Impacts

Egg Prices Affect Breakfast Chains

  • Egg prices have reached all-time highs due to avian influenza, significantly impacting breakfast chains.
    • Eggs Up Grill franchisees implement egg surcharges to manage costs.
    • Waffle House and Denny’s also apply surcharges in response to the pricing crisis.
    • The price hikes affect both franchisees and customers, within the thriving breakfast-and-lunch category.

Tariff Tensions Impact Farmers and Food Prices

  • The U.S. imposes 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 20% on Chinese goods.
    • Farmers rely heavily on fertilizer imports from Canada, with 85% of potash and 25% of nitrogen sourced there.
    • China retaliates with a 15% tariff on American agricultural exports, threatening major markets.
    • Higher food prices are expected as importers shift costs to consumers.

Cocoa Market Surplus Shocks Industry

  • A projected global cocoa surplus of 142,000 tonnes for the 2024-25 marketing year surprises markets.
    • Comes after three years of production deficits.
    • Improved production in Ivory Coast and Ghana due to higher prices and better crop care.
    • World cocoa grindings are projected to drop by 4.8% due to high input costs affecting demand.

Sources: Restaurant Business, Food Business News, Salon

Celebrating Women and Industry Achievements

2025 Silver Plate Awards Announced

  • The International Food Manufacturers Association reveals the 2025 Silver Plate Award recipients across eight foodservice segments.
    • Kevin Hochman, CEO of Brinker International, awarded in Chain Full Service.
    • Michael Skipworth, president of Wingstop, recognized in Chain Limited Service.
  • Winners to be honored at the Gold & Silver Plate Awards during the National Restaurant Association Show.

Women Leading Foodservice

  • Women are significantly influencing foodservice innovation and strategy, transitioning into executive positions.
    • Mentorship programs empower women through guidance and career advancement.
    • Women are redefining food trends, customer experiences, and pushing for sustainability initiatives.
  • The 25 Top Women in Foodservice for 2025 showcase leaders excelling in culinary arts, operations, and innovation.

Sources: Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, Total Food Service, Fast Casual

Texas Wants to Rename NY Strip Steak

  • Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick proposes renaming New York Strip Steak to Texas Strip Steak.
    • Claims credit should go to Texas ranchers, with 12.2 million cattle in the state.
    • Inspired by Trump's suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
    • Restaurant owners argue against government involvement, emphasizing steak's historical significance.

$19 Strawberry Craze at Erewhon

  • California grocery chain Erewhon sells super-sized strawberries priced at $18.99 each.
    • Imported from Kyoto, Japan, known as Elly Amai strawberries.
    • Went viral after influencer Alyssa Antoci's TikTok review.
    • Despite mixed reactions about its price, Erewhon argues it reflects quality and logistics.

Angostura's 200-Year Secret Recipe

  • Angostura bitters celebrates 200 years, keeping its recipe a closely guarded secret.
    • Only five individuals know the complete recipe.
    • Commands an 85% market share, exporting to 170 countries.
    • Launched a special commemorative bitters revealing some botanical components but maintaining secrecy.

Sources: Restaurant Business, Salon, Food & Wine

Consumer Behavior and Sustainability Initiatives

Shifting Shopper Behavior

  • 75% of consumers plan to change shopping habits in 2025 due to financial concerns.
    • 46% are shifting to store brands; 41% plan to use more coupons.
    • Discount retailers like Walmart and Aldi see increased patronage.
    • Consumers expect to buy fewer premium products and stock up during sales.

Traceability in Food Sustainability

  • Companies are adopting advanced traceability technologies to enhance supply chain transparency.
    • Helps meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
    • Non-compliance with new regulations can result in severe penalties and erosion of consumer trust.
    • AI tools play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and optimizing operations.

Sweet Opportunities in Honey Business

  • Honey's popularity as a natural sweetener is booming, leading to diverse business opportunities.
    • The global honey market is estimated at $10 billion.
    • Trends show rising interest in infused and artisanal honey, supported by eCommerce growth.
    • Businesses can explore honey workshops, cafes, or sell beeswax crafts.

Sources: Food Industry Executive, BlueCart

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