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QSR Industry Trends 2026

The trends shaping quick service restaurants in 2026: AI, ghost kitchens, health-conscious menus, sustainability, and evolving consumer preferences.

1
Restaurant sales expectations shift toward flat
Industry Analysis

Restaurant sales expectations shift toward flat

Decline expectations fell more than growth expectations.

OCT 31, 2026 · 1 MIN READ
2
Mike’s Red Tacos turns to an experienced operator for 36 Florida stores
Industry Analysis

Mike’s Red Tacos turns to an experienced operator for 36 Florida stores

Built Different Brands plans the first Florida opening for 2027 under a 36-store agreement.

OCT 22, 2026 · 2 MIN READ
3
PrimoHoagies offers 10–15 restaurant resales as it tests a smaller store
Industry Analysis

PrimoHoagies offers 10–15 restaurant resales as it tests a smaller store

Retiring owners create an acquisition path while new franchisees develop a 1,100-square-foot format.

OCT 22, 2026 · 2 MIN READ
4
Krispy Kreme announces 33-shop New York development deal
Industry Analysis

Krispy Kreme announces 33-shop New York development deal

Original Entrepreneurs plans 33 shops over five years as Krispy Kreme expands through franchisees.

OCT 14, 2026 · 3 MIN READ
5
MTY renews its franchising push after strategic review
Industry Analysis

MTY renews its franchising push after strategic review

MTY plans fewer company-operated restaurants and a review of its brands.

OCT 11, 2026 · 3 MIN READ
6
DFI plans takeover of Maxim’s licensed Starbucks interests
Industry Analysis

DFI plans takeover of Maxim’s licensed Starbucks interests

The conditional exchange covers licensed interests in seven Asian markets.

OCT 2, 2026 · 1 MIN READ
7
Hormel agrees to buy chicken processor Brakebush
Industry Analysis

Hormel agrees to buy chicken processor Brakebush

The proposed acquisition would add chicken portioning, cooking and custom product development to Hormel's foodservice business.

OCT 1, 2026 · 1 MIN READ
8
El Pollo Loco plans New York entry with three franchise partners
Industry Analysis

El Pollo Loco plans New York entry with three franchise partners

The company says its first regional lease is signed in Queens, with an opening targeted for mid-2027.

SEP 30, 2026 · 3 MIN READ
9
Bad Ass Coffee moves headquarters to Lexington
Industry Analysis

Bad Ass Coffee moves headquarters to Lexington

A new distribution center supports East Coast and destination stores.

SEP 23, 2026 · 3 MIN READ
10
Slutty Vegan adds Cincinnati to Soul Republic’s Ohio plans
Industry Analysis

Slutty Vegan adds Cincinnati to Soul Republic’s Ohio plans

Soul Republic’s third announced Ohio market follows its plans for Columbus and Cleveland.

SEP 23, 2026 · 1 MIN READ
11
Higher-income households account for most restaurant spending
Industry Analysis

Higher-income households account for most restaurant spending

New Census income figures and the restaurant association's analysis show how higher-income households contribute to spending on meals away from home.

SEP 16, 2026 · 3 MIN READ
12
industry
Industry Analysis

Food-Service Payrolls Rebound in the First August Jobs Estimate

The September 4 release estimated 59,000 additional food-service jobs. Original release tables also show how July’s decline changed in revision.

SEP 4, 2026 · 3 MIN READ
13
industry
Industry Analysis

July Food-Service and Lodging Hires Nearly Matched Departures

July accommodation and food-service hires nearly matched separations. The September JOLTS release shows why stable headcount can still require substantial recruiting.

SEP 1, 2026 · 3 MIN READ
14
industry
Industry Analysis

Riko’s buys two franchise restaurants without adding system locations

Riko’s completed its purchase of Merrick and Levittown restaurants August 31. The transfer changes ownership within a 13-location system as another Long Island site remains planned.

SEP 1, 2026 · 3 MIN READ
15
industry
Industry Analysis

Wonder Sets a First Launch Site for Salt Hank’s After Acquisition

Salt Hank’s planned entry into Wonder begins with one location and continued culinary leadership. The test is whether the product can travel with its reputation.

AUG 20, 2026 · 3 MIN READ
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