Taco Bell Franchise Expansion in Midwest
Southpaw adds 43 Ohio Taco Bell restaurants to its impressive portfolio, highlighting franchise growth and strengthening the Midwest QSR landscape.
Jun 26, 2026
Southpaw adds 43 Ohio Taco Bell restaurants to its impressive portfolio, highlighting franchise growth and strengthening the Midwest QSR landscape.
Jun 26, 2026
Discover how Cicis Pizza's rewards program skyrocketed to over one million members in under a year, driving customer engagement and retention. See the lessons for restaurant loyalty programs.
Jun 26, 2026
Darden Restaurants surpassed $13 billion in sales, fueled by robust performance at LongHorn Steakhouse and innovative menu changes at Olive Garden. Explore the strategies driving this industry giant’s continued dominance.
Jun 26, 2026
The fallout of Pizza Hut's mandated AI delivery system rollout has ignited a $100 million lawsuit from a leading franchisee, highlighting crucial franchisor-franchisee lessons for all restaurant owners.
Jun 26, 2026
Founders Table Restaurant Group acquires fast-casual leader Hopdoddy Burger Bar, expanding its reach to over 200 restaurants and accelerating operational growth across the platform.
Jun 25, 2026
LongHorn Steakhouse surpassed $1 billion in quarterly sales for the first time, driven by strong value perception and menu innovation. Restaurant leaders can draw key lessons for thriving when consumer price sensitivity is high.
Jun 25, 2026
Inspire Brands is preparing for an IPO aiming for a $20B valuation. Discover how giants like Arby’s, Sonic, and Dunkin’ are performing as part of this dynamic portfolio.
Jun 25, 2026
Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
Carl's Jr. has launched a "Pass on Jack" marketing campaign rewarding loyalty members with a free Sourdough Star burger for driving past a Jack in the Box to reach a Carl's Jr. location- a direct shot at its California-based burger rival.
Jun 24, 2026
Miso Robotics has acquired Zume Pizza’s technology deck, giving new life to pizza automation and food robotics for forward-thinking restaurant operators.
Jun 24, 2026
Explore the latest forecasts and trends for the restaurant industry in 2025 based on data from Technomic Ignite Company. Discover what to expect in terms of chain sales, category performance, and key players' movements.
Photo by Andrik Langfield
Chipotle's remarkable performance in 2024 positions it as a formidable player in the industry. With consistent year-over-year sales growth and a strategic value proposition, Chipotle is set to surpass competitors like Burger King and Subway in the upcoming Top 500 report. The chain's accelerated unit growth and international expansion ambitions solidify its place among the industry's top contenders.
Photo by Andrik Langfield
The full-service segment faces significant challenges in 2025, with mass closures affecting major players like Denny’s, Applebee’s, and more. Factors such as rising labor and operational costs, along with increased competition from fast-casual establishments, contribute to the contraction in the full-service chain restaurant count. This shift marks a notable change in the industry landscape.
The chicken category continues to drive industry growth, appealing to younger consumers and offering a variety of choices. Established brands like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes are joined by emerging players like Raising Cane’s and Wingstop, all experiencing double-digit sales growth. The forecast indicates a sixth consecutive year of substantial sales increase for chicken chains, showcasing the category's enduring popularity.
Contrary to the chicken segment, burger chain sales are expected to show sluggish growth in 2025. Industry giants like McDonald’s and Wendy’s are facing challenges with low single-digit sales increases. With an overall sluggish performance compared to previous years, the burger category is encountering obstacles that may impact its standing in the industry.
Despite challenges in specific segments, the overall industry is projected to experience a 4.2% increase in chain sales in 2025. While this growth seems promising, factors like inflation may impact the real value of this growth. Technomic Ignite's forecast provides a comprehensive overview of the industry's trajectory for the upcoming year.