industry
Industry Analysis
Fast Casual Is Dead, Long Live Fast Casual: The Great QSR Convergence
The line between quick service and fast casual is disappearing — and that changes everything about how the industry competes
MAR 18, 2026 · 8 MIN READ
Industry Analysis
How restaurant chains operate abroad
Starbucks, Chipotle and McDonald’s illustrate different operating arrangements.
MAR 18, 2026 · 3 MIN READ
industry
Industry Analysis
Starbucks Under New Management: How Brian Niccol's Chipotle Playbook Is Reshaping the World's Largest Coffee Chain
Eighteen months into his tenure, the former Chipotle CEO has closed 600 stores, cut 2,000 corporate jobs, and finally delivered the traffic growth Wall Street has been waiting for
MAR 18, 2026 · 9 MIN READ
industry
Industry Analysis
The Regional Chain Advantage: Why Whataburger, Culver's, and Wawa Are Outperforming National Brands in Customer Satisfaction
While McDonald's languishes at the bottom of satisfaction rankings, regional powerhouses are proving that disciplined growth, owner-operator culture, and geographic identity are the real competitive moats in QSR.
MAR 18, 2026 · 9 MIN READ
industry
Industry Analysis
The Value Meal War: How McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's Are Fighting for America's Shrinking Fast-Food Dollar
With traffic declining and middle-income consumers fleeing to grocery stores, the Big Three burger chains are locked in the most aggressive value battle since the dollar menu era
MAR 18, 2026 · 9 MIN READ
industry
Industry Analysis
The Rise of Chicken: How Poultry Overtook Beef as America's Dominant QSR Protein
From Chick-fil-A's $22 billion empire to Raising Cane's explosive expansion, chicken has reshaped the quick-service landscape — and the transformation is accelerating
MAR 18, 2026 · 9 MIN READ
industry
Industry Analysis
QSR Pro's Inaugural Power Rankings: The 25 Chains That Matter Most in 2026
A data-driven ranking of the top 25 quick-service chains by unit growth, same-store sales trajectory, and breakout potential — plus our predictions for who crosses 5,000 units by 2030
MAR 18, 2026 · 14 MIN READ
industry
Industry Analysis
Chick-fil-A's Expansion Strategy: What Every Franchise Brand Can Learn
Chick-fil-A generates $9.3 million per location while closed every Sunday. How their operator selection, menu simplification, and unit-level focus create a model other franchise brands should study.
NOV 12, 2025 · 6 MIN READ
industry
Industry Analysis
Why Raising Cane's Refuses to Franchise (And Why That's Brilliant)
Raising Cane's operates 700+ company-owned locations generating $3M+ AUV with zero franchises. Here's why the company-owned model delivers better results than franchising.
NOV 7, 2025 · 9 MIN READ
industry
Industry Analysis
Shake Shack vs Five Guys vs In-N-Out: Which Premium Burger Model Actually Wins?
All three charge $8-$12 for burgers, but their business models couldn't be more different. Here's which premium burger franchise is accessible, profitable, and worth the investment.
NOV 7, 2025 · 8 MIN READ
industry
Industry Analysis
The Panda Express Franchise Myth: Why You Can't Buy One (And How They Actually Work)
Panda Express doesn't franchise in the US. Here's why the 2,400+ location chain stays company-owned, how they generate $2M+ AUV, and what this means for prospective franchisees.
NOV 6, 2025 · 8 MIN READ
industry
Industry Analysis
Why Tim Hortons Keeps Failing in the US (Despite Dominating Canada)
Tim Hortons has 4,000+ Canadian locations and 75% market share. In the US? Under 650 struggling stores. Here's what went wrong and why Canadian dominance doesn't translate south.
NOV 5, 2025 · 9 MIN READ