By Interviewy Team — Oct 11, 2024

October 11th QSR Roundup: From SpongeBob to Sweet Treats, the Culinary Scene is Buzzing with New Tastes and Strategies

QSR news for Oct 11th, 2024. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 71 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 163 minutes. It'll take you only 7 minutes to catch up.

SpongeBob SquarePants Invades Menus Worldwide

Limited-time menu offerings featuring SpongeBob SquarePants are making waves across restaurants, boosting traffic and fan engagement.

Cultural Reach: Translated into over 30 languages, SpongeBob reaches 90 million viewers quarterly.
Iconic Inspiration: The Krabby Patty, a staple from the show, inspires collaborations with eateries globally.
Wendy’s Exclusive: Launching the Krabby Patty Kollab Burger and Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty, delighting fans nationwide.
Creative Takes: Restaurants like Harlem Shake and Pincho craft their unique versions, showcasing the show's universal appeal.
Global Collaboration: Nearly 120 restaurants worldwide participate, with offerings available until October 27.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Fast-Food Giants Unveil New Offerings

McDonald's and other chains are shaking up their menus with exciting additions.

McDonald's Introduces the Chicken Big Mac

Nationwide Launch: The Chicken Big Mac features tempura-battered chicken patties, offering a new twist on a classic.
Consumer Demand: Responding to the growing popularity of chicken, matching beef in sales at McDonald's.
Social Media Buzz: Fans eagerly awaited this launch, showcasing strong customer engagement.
Limited Time: Available now, prices vary but align with the traditional Big Mac.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at McDonald's

Expanded Partnership: Krispy Kreme doughnuts are rolling out to over 1,000 McDonald's locations by year's end.
Free Doughnut Promotion: Customers presenting a McDonald's receipt from October 10-14 receive a free Original Glazed doughnut at Krispy Kreme.
Future Growth: Plans to reach 12,000 locations by 2026, offering favorites like Original Glazed and Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled.

Source: Restaurant Business, QSR Magazine, QSR Web

Restaurant Openings and Expansions Across the U.S.

The dining scene is bustling with new locations and growth plans.

Doughbird Lands in Dallas

Fifth Location: Fox Restaurant Concepts opens Doughbird in Dallas, a 5,258-square-foot space seating over 220 guests.
Evolving Menu: Originally pizza and chicken-centric, now offering a wider range of artisan dishes.
New Culinary Destination: Expanding beyond Arizona and Nashville, meeting the demand for versatile dining in Texas.

Subway's Global Ambitions

Strategic Shift: Moving from traditional BDAs to Subway Market Operations and master franchise agreements.
International Growth: Plans to double restaurant openings in 2024, with significant expansions in China (4,000 stores) and India (2,000 stores).
Non-Traditional Outlets: Exploring opportunities in hospitals, universities, and even vending machines in high-traffic areas.

Eggs Up Grill Expands in Knoxville

Three New Locations: Franchise Owner Ken Bates to open more restaurants, totaling eight under his leadership.
Focus on Breakfast: Meeting local demand for quality breakfast and brunch options.
Aggressive Growth: Over 100 locations planned in the next decade, aiming to lead the better breakfast segment.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News, QSR Magazine, FSR Magazine

Sales Trends Show Resilience and Challenges

Despite market pressures, some brands report growth while others adapt strategies.

Domino's Resilient Performance

3% U.S. Same-Store Sales Growth: Achieving four consecutive quarters of positive sales.
Creative Promotions: Initiatives like the Emergency Pizza BOGO and revamped Rewards Program drive customer engagement.
Third-Party Delivery Success: 2.7% of U.S. sales now from platforms like Uber Eats, attracting less price-sensitive customers.
Global Footprint: Operating 21,002 restaurants worldwide, with plans to open 175 new U.S. stores annually.

Consumer Preferences Shift

McDonald's Chicken Big Mac: Catering to rising demand for chicken options.
Chick-fil-A Popularity Among Teens: Though top ranking dropped to 17%, remains a favorite.
Value Promotions Impact: McDonald's $5 Meal Deal increased average checks by 12%, but struggled to attract new customers.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News, Restaurant Business

Notable Industry Figures and Leadership Changes

Key players in the restaurant world make significant moves.

Candace Nelson's Sweet Success

Founder of Sprinkles: Credited with starting the cupcake craze.
From Finance to Baking: Left corporate roles to pursue her passion, attending pastry school.
Innovative Approach: Redefined cupcakes using premium ingredients and artisanal techniques.
Expansion: After selling Sprinkles, launched Pizzana, now with seven locations.
Continued Innovation: Launching the Cacio Club loyalty program, investing in new ventures.

Slim Chickens Promotes Christina Vaughan to COO

Focus on Growth: Aiming to enhance operations and franchisee satisfaction.
Expansion Plans: Approaching its 300th location, with a 20-store rollout in Germany.
Franchise Strength: Over 1,200 locations in development, showcasing significant momentum.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News, QSR Magazine

Tech Innovations and Sustainability Efforts in Food Industry

Advancements are shaping the future of food safety and environmental responsibility.

Tackling Food Waste with Anaerobic Digestion

Sustainable Solution: AD processes organic waste without oxygen, converting it into renewable energy.
Financial Benefits: Potential savings of $3 billion annually for restaurants.
Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet tightening regulations like California's SB 1383.
Reducing Food Waste: Aims to address the 63 million tons of wasted food annually in the U.S.

Advancements in Food Traceability

FSMA Mandates: Increased tracking from farm to fork to improve safety.
Technology Role: AI, IoT, and Blockchain enhance monitoring and transparency.
Impact: Aims to reduce the 48 million foodborne illness cases in the U.S. each year.

Source: QSR Magazine, Food Industry Executive

Legal and Financial News Impacting the Industry

Companies navigate challenges and strategic acquisitions.

7-Eleven Closes 444 Stores Amid Struggles

Consumer Spending Pressures: Traffic dropped 7.3% in August.
Profit Guidance Downgraded: Net income projected to drop by 44%.
Strategic Moves: Closing underperforming stores to boost operating income by $30 million.
Sale-Leaseback Deal: Worth $750 million, netting $520 million in profit.
Potential Takeover: Parent company facing a $47.2 billion bid from Couche-Tard.

Darden Restaurants Acquires Chuy's

$605 Million Deal: Expanding Darden's portfolio to 10 chains.
Chuy's Tex-Mex Appeal: Over 100 restaurants across 15 states.
Strategic Fit: Aligns with Darden’s business model and growth targets.

McDonald's Sues Beef Giants Over Price-Fixing

Defendants: Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef Packing Company.
Allegations: Engaging in anticompetitive actions to inflate beef prices since 2015.
Market Control: Companies represent over 80% of the U.S. beef market.

Source: Restaurant Business, Salon

Marketing Strategies and Consumer Engagement

Brands innovate to attract and retain customers.

Holiday Hiring Strategies for Restaurants

Rethink Approach: Treat seasonal hires as potential long-term employees.
Attractive Job Listings: Include salary details and highlight benefits like flexible hours.
Fast Hiring Processes: Use texting for quick applicant responses.
Tap into Experienced Workers: Prioritize those with prior food service experience.
Creative Interviews: Implement group interviews and practical assessments.

Consumers Crave Novelty in Products

Successful Brands: M&Ms, Coca-Cola, and Doritos introduce new flavors and experiences.
Discovery Era: Global study shows consumers driven by personal growth and thrill-seeking.
Antifragile Approach: Brands encouraged to adapt swiftly to market changes for continued relevance.

Source: QSR Magazine, Food Industry Executive

Online platforms reflect industry trends and challenges.

Taco Bell's Double Decker Taco Returns

Fan Favorite: Relaunched on October 10th, satisfying nostalgic cravings.
Mixed Reactions: Discussions on pricing and menu consistency.
Desire for Past Items: Fans express longing for other discontinued favorites.

Popeyes Tests New Chicken Dippers

Local Buzz: Testing in Baltimore, MD area.
Customer Curiosity: Comparisons to existing chicken tenders.
Hope for New Sauces: Fans eager for the return of favorites like blackened ranch.

Restaurant Owners Discuss Employee Meal Policies

Varied Practices: From free meals to significant discounts.
Importance of Guidelines: Preventing abuse while boosting morale.
Community Building: Family meals contribute to team bonding.

Source: Reddit - r/fastfood, r/restaurantowners

Noteworthy Updates and Offers

Exciting promotions and product launches to watch.

Long John Silver's October Deals

Free Cheesecake: From The Cheesecake Factory with any Family Meal purchase on Oct. 14.
BOGO Variety Platters: From Oct. 14 to Oct. 29, celebrating National Seafood Month.
Fish Tacos Promotion: Buy 2 for $2 from Oct. 21 to Oct. 27.
Snacks and Sides for 31 Cents: Available from Oct. 28 to Oct. 31.

7-Eleven Introduces New Breakfast Items

Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich
Chicken & Waffles Roller
Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza
Customer Reactions: Mixed excitement and optimism about food evolution.

Source: QSR Web, Reddit - r/fastfood

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!