Whataburger Appoints Ryan Moore as CFO
Whataburger welcomes financial veteran Ryan Moore as its new CFO, signaling a strategic focus on national expansion and sustainable growth for the iconic brand.
Jul 29, 2026
Whataburger welcomes financial veteran Ryan Moore as its new CFO, signaling a strategic focus on national expansion and sustainable growth for the iconic brand.
Jul 29, 2026
DoorDash is changing how it calculates delivery and service fees, with longer-distance orders likely to cost more and shorter, larger orders set to stay the same or decrease.
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Improve kitchen ticket times with practical strategies for better preparation, smoother workflows, stronger communication, smarter staffing, and effective restaurant technology.
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TGI Fridays emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy under new ownership, focused on growth and stability. Discover what's next for the iconic chain and its global operations.
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PopUp Bagels welcomes industry veteran Mike Smith as Chief Operating Officer to lead their next phase of growth, putting quality and guest experience at the forefront.
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Learn how restaurant owners can manage payroll accurately, track labor costs, reduce errors, maintain compliance, and improve workforce profitability efficiently.
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Veteran restaurant executive David Deno assumes the helm at Cracker Barrel, signaling a pivotal moment for the brand’s revitalization. Learn what this means for operators, staff, and industry leaders.
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Noodles & Company achieves historic sales growth and operational turnaround in 2026, sharing critical lessons for restaurant owners on boosting traffic, innovation, and team culture.
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Cicis Pizza’s systemwide sales have surged over 50%, fueled by digital innovation, modern operations, and a revamped franchise strategy. Learn what restaurant owners can take away from Cicis’ transformation.
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Fogo de Chão has announced Daniel Duran as its new CFO, marking a strategic leadership transition designed to enhance global growth and financial innovation for the renowned restaurant brand.
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Explore the divided opinions among McDonald’s franchisees regarding the $5 Meal Deal and its extended impact on sales and customer behavior.
Photo by Amandine Lerbscher
The $5 Meal Deal introduced by McDonald’s has sparked a mixed response among its franchisees. While most have favored extending the promotion for an additional month, there is a division in opinions regarding its overall positive impact. Surveys conducted by analysts reveal varying sentiments among franchise owners, with some expressing optimism about the deal's ability to retain customers and others highlighting concerns about its direct sales contribution. This divergence in perceptions sheds light on the complex dynamics at play within the fast-food industry.
Photo by Amandine Lerbscher
An in-depth analysis of franchisee sales expectations in response to the $5 Meal Deal extension provides valuable insights. Survey results indicate that, on average, franchisees anticipate a modest sales boost of around 1.3%, with some respondents predicting incremental improvements of up to 3%. However, a notable proportion indicated no expected sales lift from the promotion, underlining the nuanced nature of its impact. This data suggests that while the deal may not be a significant revenue driver, it serves as a strategic tool to retain existing clientele.
Observations on customer behavior post-implementation of the $5 Meal Deal offer intriguing insights into consumer responses. Reports reveal a mixed bag of outcomes, with some locations witnessing higher transaction volumes but with a trade-down effect and fewer new customer visits. Notably, urban outlets serving lower-income demographics experienced stronger sales performance, indicating targeted appeal within specific market segments. The deal's popularity, reflected in daily unit sales exceeding projections, underscores its draw among consumers seeking value-oriented options.
One of the key challenges highlighted by experts is the utilization of digital coupons impacting franchisee margins. The prevalence of customers applying additional discounts on the $5 Meal Deal raises operational concerns for McDonald’s operators. Moreover, concerns about potential app abuse and coupon-stacking practices may prompt revisions to the promotion's terms in the long run. As franchisees contemplate extending the offer beyond its initial timeline, questions arise about sustainability and profitability, necessitating a strategic reassessment of promotional tactics.