Best Restaurant Marketing Ideas for 2026
This guide outlines restaurant marketing ideas that help operators attract nearby customers, convert demand faster, and strengthen long-term retention.
Apr 16, 2026
This guide outlines restaurant marketing ideas that help operators attract nearby customers, convert demand faster, and strengthen long-term retention.
Apr 16, 2026
A clear host training process helps restaurants manage greetings, waitlists, reservations, seating decisions, and guest communication more consistently.
Apr 15, 2026
Chipotle reshapes loyalty with Rewards on Repeat, blending in-store promotions, staff incentives, and simpler redemption to boost traffic.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Salah Ait Mokhtar on Unsplash
A refined look at Papa Murphy’s strategy as MTY guides a cautious turnaround amid a crowded pizza landscape—digital play, local marketing, and a new Detroit-style offering.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Sergio Mena Ferreira on Unsplash
Mo’ Bettahs leaves Kansas City as it pivots to a PE-backed national expansion to Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Kate Trysh on Unsplash
Applebee’s O-M-Cheese Burger fuses spectacle with value, driving social buzz and foot traffic—a signal for the skillet-cheese moment in casual dining.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Diego Mattevi on Unsplash
GoTo Foods taps Misra and Lambert to harmonize digital momentum with disciplined development across seven brands, aiming for stronger guest experiences and franchisee economics.
Apr 16, 2026
Bojangles launches Bo’s Chicken Rippers in an eight-week pilot, turning bites into a hands-on, sauce-forward experience with interactive, tear-apart slabs.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Jim Sosengphet on Unsplash
Popeyes teams with One Piece for a limited menu and merch drop, blending bold flavors with anime fandom to boost traffic and loyalty.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by dedy kurniawan on Unsplash
A close look at Jersey Mike’s rapid expansion, leadership shift, and international push under Blackstone’s ownership.
Apr 16, 2026
Explore how McDonald's is navigating sales declines, food safety concerns, and franchisee sentiments post the E. Coli incident.

Following the E. Coli incident in October, McDonald's faced a substantial sales decline, prompting the company to invest $100 million in supporting affected operators. However, of this investment, $35 million allocated towards marketing programs to boost traffic. Despite these efforts, comparable sales continued to drop, leading to growing concerns among franchisees.
Franchisees expressed unease regarding cost-cutting measures introduced under Accelerating the Arches. BTIG highlighted that previous managerial oversight at supplier levels was reduced in favor of self-managed excellence, potentially impacting food safety protocols. While the direct correlation remains unclear, some operators attributed these changes to the recent food safety issues.
Menu innovation emerged as a crucial strategy for McDonald's to drive sales recovery. Successful launches like the Chicken Big Mac and the return of the McRib in December boosted foot traffic significantly. Additionally, upcoming menu additions such as chicken tenders and snack wraps aim to attract customers and drive sales, although these items will be at full price.
A major challenge facing McDonald's is the overdependence on discounts. Franchisees raised concerns about the exceptionally high discount mix, signaling a need to transition customers towards premium pricing. Operators are also grappling with increased food costs as a percentage of sales, indicating margin pressures. Some franchises preemptively raised prices to protect margins, anticipating continued pressure throughout the summer.
Despite the challenges, BTIG forecasts a modest 0.5% comparable sales increase in both the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. McDonald's upcoming Q4 and year-end earnings report is eagerly anticipated to shed light on the company's performance amidst these operational hurdles.