# QSR Industry Trends 2026

> Source: https://qsr.pro/lists/industry-trends-2026
> Publisher: QSR Pro


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

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

- [Restaurant sales expectations shift toward flat](https://qsr.pro/articles/restaurant-sales-outlook-flat-expectations) — Decline expectations fell more than growth expectations.
- [Mike’s Red Tacos turns to an experienced operator for 36 Florida stores](https://qsr.pro/articles/mikes-red-tacos-florida-built-different-brands) — Built Different Brands plans the first Florida opening for 2027 under a 36-store agreement.
- [PrimoHoagies offers 10–15 restaurant resales as it tests a smaller store](https://qsr.pro/articles/primohoagies-restaurant-resales-smaller-store-design) — Retiring owners create an acquisition path while new franchisees develop a 1,100-square-foot format.
- [Krispy Kreme announces 33-shop New York development deal](https://qsr.pro/articles/krispy-kreme-new-york-franchise-development-plan) — Original Entrepreneurs plans 33 shops over five years as Krispy Kreme expands through franchisees.
- [MTY renews its franchising push after strategic review](https://qsr.pro/articles/mty-franchising-strategic-review-restaurant-ownership) — MTY plans fewer company-operated restaurants and a review of its brands.
- [DFI plans takeover of Maxim’s licensed Starbucks interests](https://qsr.pro/articles/dfi-maxims-starbucks-licensed-interests) — The conditional exchange covers licensed interests in seven Asian markets.
- [Hormel agrees to buy chicken processor Brakebush](https://qsr.pro/articles/hormel-brakebush-acquisition-chicken-foodservice) — The proposed acquisition would add chicken portioning, cooking and custom product development to Hormel's foodservice business.
- [El Pollo Loco plans New York entry with three franchise partners](https://qsr.pro/articles/el-pollo-loco-new-york-franchise-development-queens-2026) — The company says its first regional lease is signed in Queens, with an opening targeted for mid-2027.
- [Bad Ass Coffee moves headquarters to Lexington](https://qsr.pro/articles/bad-ass-coffee-lexington-headquarters-distribution) — A new distribution center supports East Coast and destination stores.
- [Slutty Vegan adds Cincinnati to Soul Republic’s Ohio plans](https://qsr.pro/articles/slutty-vegan-cincinnati-soul-republic-ohio) — Soul Republic’s third announced Ohio market follows its plans for Columbus and Cleveland.
- [Higher-income households account for most restaurant spending](https://qsr.pro/articles/higher-income-households-restaurant-spending-september-2026) — New Census income figures and the restaurant association's analysis show how higher-income households contribute to spending on meals away from home.
- [Food-Service Payrolls Rebound in the First August Jobs Estimate](https://qsr.pro/articles/august-2026-food-service-payrolls-first-estimate-revisions) — The September 4 release estimated 59,000 additional food-service jobs. Original release tables also show how July’s decline changed in revision.
- [July Food-Service and Lodging Hires Nearly Matched Departures](https://qsr.pro/articles/july-2026-jolts-hospitality-hires-separations-openings) — July accommodation and food-service hires nearly matched separations. The September JOLTS release shows why stable headcount can still require substantial recruiting.
- [Riko’s buys two franchise restaurants without adding system locations](https://qsr.pro/articles/rikos-merrick-levittown-franchise-buyback-september-2026) — 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.
- [Wonder Sets a First Launch Site for Salt Hank’s After Acquisition](https://qsr.pro/articles/wonder-salt-hanks-acquisition-upper-east-side-launch-2026) — 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.