# QSR Pro Independent quick service restaurant reporting for operators and franchisees. HTML is canonical; Markdown is an alternate representation of public content. ## Start here - [QSR Pro](https://qsr.pro/index.md): Independent quick service restaurant industry reporting. - [All Articles](https://qsr.pro/articles.md): Latest QSR Pro articles. - [QSR Franchise Costs and Requirements](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs.md): Sourced franchise fees, investment estimates and eligibility for major QSR brands. - [Compare Franchise Requirements](https://qsr.pro/compare.md): Source-backed franchise comparisons for selected peer brands. - [Newsletter archive](https://qsr.pro/newsletter/archive.md): Original QSR Pro weekly editions. - [QSR Chain Database](https://qsr.pro/chains.md): Restaurant chain profiles and recorded operating metrics. - [QSR News Categories](https://qsr.pro/categories.md): Browse QSR Pro reporting by editorial desk. - [Our Team](https://qsr.pro/authors.md): QSR Pro editorial bylines. - [Article Collections](https://qsr.pro/collections.md): Curated QSR Pro article collections. - [Curated Reading Lists](https://qsr.pro/lists.md): QSR Pro reading lists by editorial topic. - [Article Archive](https://qsr.pro/archive.md): QSR Pro reporting grouped by coverage month. ## Reporting - [Workers pay more for family health coverage at smaller firms](https://qsr.pro/articles/family-health-premiums-small-firm-workers-2026.md): KFF compares family premiums and worker contributions. Separate federal data distinguish benefit access from enrollment. - [Chipotle’s brisket return revisits a food-cost tradeoff](https://qsr.pro/articles/chipotle-brisket-return-2026-food-cost-tradeoff.md): Chipotle plans a November 5 return. Its third-quarter 2024 results show how brisket success also changed the protein-cost mix. - [USDA reports record-low September feedlot placements](https://qsr.pro/articles/october-2026-beef-market-data-cattle-prices.md): September feedlot flows fell; inventory barely changed year-over-year. - [Teriyaki Madness reports 5.5% Q3 same-store traffic growth](https://qsr.pro/articles/teriyaki-madness-q3-2026-traffic-catering-growth.md): Company figures distinguish existing-shop gains from expansion. Earlier interviews describe catering operations and digital-order constraints. - [What Blodgett’s $21,736 four-chamber oven asks of a QSR kitchen](https://qsr.pro/articles/blodgett-imvection-four-chamber-oven-qsr-buyer-guide.md): Blodgett pitches faster tickets from four cooking chambers. Its own documents show the temperature, pan, power and installation questions a franchise operator should settle first. - [Taco Bell keeps PepsiCo for 11 years as KFC moves to Coca-Cola](https://qsr.pro/articles/taco-bell-pepsico-11-year-renewal-kfc-coca-cola.md): Taco Bell renewed PepsiCo through 2036 while KFC plans to switch to Coca-Cola. Two Café Refrescas are scheduled for national Taco Bell menus in December. - [Bojangles extends AI drive-thru deal, plans 100 more sites and line-aware upsells](https://qsr.pro/articles/bojangles-bo-linda-extension-100-more-ai-drive-thrus.md): Bojangles and Hi Auto plan 100 more Bo-Linda sites and a queue-aware upsell feature. What owners can test when it arrives. - [Dunkin's Spidey D Coffee Giveaway Has a Five-Day Afterlife](https://qsr.pro/articles/dunkin-spider-donut-giveaway-five-day-afterlife.md): Dunkin's October 21 coffee-code offer is over, but certificates remain valid for five days after entry. Halloween collectibles and a Salem makeover precede a November 4 Marvel menu. - [Restaurant sales projection cut $190 billion after Census benchmark](https://qsr.pro/articles/restaurant-sales-estimate-benchmark-reset-growth-forecast.md): New Census benchmarks shrink the estimated market but leave the 2026 growth forecast intact. - [PrimoHoagies offers 10–15 restaurant resales as it tests a smaller store](https://qsr.pro/articles/primohoagies-restaurant-resales-smaller-store-design.md): Retiring owners create an acquisition path while new franchisees develop a 1,100-square-foot format. - [Square’s $1,999 voice kiosk targets franchise operators](https://qsr.pro/articles/square-voice-ordering-kiosk-menu-kitchen-costs.md): Voice ordering and chain-level controls come with always-on internet, Square POS connections and monthly software fees. - [Mike’s Red Tacos turns to an experienced operator for 36 Florida stores](https://qsr.pro/articles/mikes-red-tacos-florida-built-different-brands.md): Built Different Brands plans the first Florida opening for 2027 under a 36-store agreement. ## Franchise research - [How Much Does a McDonald's Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/mcdonalds.md): Sourced McDonald's franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Chick-fil-A Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/chick-fil-a.md): Sourced Chick-fil-A franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Subway Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/subway.md): Sourced Subway franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Taco Bell Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/taco-bell.md): Sourced Taco Bell franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Dunkin' Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/dunkin.md): Sourced Dunkin' franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Wendy's Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/wendys.md): Sourced Wendy's franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Burger King Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/burger-king.md): Sourced Burger King franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Sonic Drive-In Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/sonic.md): Sourced Sonic Drive-In franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Jimmy John's Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/jimmy-johns.md): Sourced Jimmy John's franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Domino's Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/dominos.md): Sourced Domino's franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Pizza Hut Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/pizza-hut.md): Sourced Pizza Hut franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a KFC Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/kfc.md): Sourced KFC franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Popeyes Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/popeyes.md): Sourced Popeyes franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Five Guys Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/five-guys.md): Sourced Five Guys franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Jersey Mike's Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/jersey-mikes.md): Sourced Jersey Mike's franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Wingstop Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/wingstop.md): Sourced Wingstop franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Arby's Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/arbys.md): Sourced Arby's franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Firehouse Subs Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/firehouse-subs.md): Sourced Firehouse Subs franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Culver's Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/culvers.md): Sourced Culver's franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Jack in the Box Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/jack-in-the-box.md): Sourced Jack in the Box franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Hardee's Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/hardees.md): Sourced Hardee's franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [How Much Does a Carl's Jr. Franchise Cost?](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/carls-jr.md): Sourced Carl's Jr. franchise fees, investment estimates, candidate requirements and operating model, with scope and unresolved facts. - [6 Burger Franchise Cost Guides (2026)](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/burger-franchises.md): Compare source-reviewed burger franchise guides, with each brand’s restaurant format, candidate requirements and financial scope kept beside the figures. - [2 Chicken Franchise Cost Guides (2026)](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/chicken-franchises.md): Compare source-reviewed chicken franchise guides and the financial and operating requirements stated for each brand. - [5 Sandwich Franchise Cost Guides (2026)](https://qsr.pro/franchise-costs/sandwich-franchises.md): Review source-backed sandwich franchise costs, eligibility and operating terms, with format and agreement differences made explicit. - [McDonald's vs Wendy's: Franchise Costs & Requirements](https://qsr.pro/compare/mcdonalds-vs-wendys.md): Compare McDonald's and Wendy's published franchise requirements, availability and operating commitments, with direct sources and scope notes. - [Wendy's vs Burger King: Franchise Costs & Requirements](https://qsr.pro/compare/wendys-vs-burger-king.md): Compare Wendy's and Burger King published franchise requirements, availability and operating commitments, with direct sources and scope notes. - [Hardee's vs Carl's Jr.: Franchise Costs & Requirements](https://qsr.pro/compare/hardees-vs-carls-jr.md): Compare Hardee's and Carl's Jr. published franchise requirements, availability and operating commitments, with direct sources and scope notes. - [Chick-fil-A vs KFC: Franchise Costs & Requirements](https://qsr.pro/compare/chick-fil-a-vs-kfc.md): Compare Chick-fil-A and KFC published franchise requirements, availability and operating commitments, with direct sources and scope notes. - [KFC vs Wingstop: Franchise Costs & Requirements](https://qsr.pro/compare/kfc-vs-wingstop.md): Compare KFC and Wingstop published franchise requirements, availability and operating commitments, with direct sources and scope notes. - [Subway vs Jimmy John's: Franchise Costs & Requirements](https://qsr.pro/compare/subway-vs-jimmy-johns.md): Compare Subway and Jimmy John's published franchise requirements, availability and operating commitments, with direct sources and scope notes. ## Restaurant chains - [Applebee's - QSR Chain Profile](https://qsr.pro/chains/applebees.md): Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar is a Dine Brands Global (NYSE: DIN) casual-dining brand. As of June 28, 2026 Dine Brands counted 1,476 Applebee's locations after dual-brand adjustments, on a development count of 1,557 restaurants (1,439 franchised and 118 company-operated). Domestic same-restaurant sales fell 1.8% in the second quarter. Thrive Restaurant Group's Goodwill success-coach program in nine Wichita Applebee's is in QSR.pro coverage, as is Dine Brands' Applebee's-IHOP dual-brand plan. - [7 Brew - QSR Chain Profile](https://qsr.pro/chains/7-brew.md): 7 Brew is a private drive-thru coffee chain based in Rogers, Arkansas, founded in 2017. Its 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document reported 602 outlets at year-end 2025: 578 franchised and 24 company-operated. Item 7 estimates initial investment at $940,500 to $2,283,500, and the franchisor grants deals for multi-unit development of at least 10 stores. Royalty is disclosed as a range, not a single rate. - [Whataburger - QSR Chain Profile](https://qsr.pro/chains/whataburger.md): Texas-based burger chain with 24-hour service and regional cult following - [Baskin-Robbins - QSR Chain Profile](https://qsr.pro/chains/baskin-robbins.md): Ice cream chain famous for 31 flavors - [Jersey Mike's Subs - QSR Chain Profile](https://qsr.pro/chains/jersey-mikes-subs.md): Submarine sandwich chain with authentic Jersey-style subs ## Newsletter editions - [QSR.pro Weekly: Taco Bell keeps Pepsi, KFC plans Coke](https://qsr.pro/newsletter/editions/2026-10-26.md): Plus Teriyaki Madness traffic growth, a sales forecast reset and USDA’s latest cattle report. - [QSR.pro Weekly: Chick-fil-A’s $10,000 fee, Domino’s earnings](https://qsr.pro/newsletter/editions/2026-10-19.md): Inside the operator model, plus a $92.9 billion restaurant month and Krispy Kreme’s 33-shop plan. - [QSR.pro Weekly: Uber’s $2.3B catering deal, Toast’s AI schedules](https://qsr.pro/newsletter/editions/2026-10-12.md): Plus faster drive-thrus, Wendy’s bid to keep restaurants open and Taco Bell’s next Milk Bar dessert. ## Archives and reading lists - [October 2026 Articles](https://qsr.pro/archive/2026/10.md): QSR Pro coverage for October 2026. - [September 2026 Articles](https://qsr.pro/archive/2026/09.md): QSR Pro coverage for September 2026. - [The Complete Franchise Investment Guide](https://qsr.pro/lists/franchise-investment-guide.md): Everything you need to know before investing in a QSR franchise. From understanding FDDs to unit economics, financing options, and brand-by-brand cost breakdowns. - [The Restaurant Technology Playbook](https://qsr.pro/lists/restaurant-technology-playbook.md): AI ordering, kitchen automation, POS systems, digital menus, and the tech stack powering modern QSR operations. A curated collection of our best technology coverage. ## More - [All public pages](https://qsr.pro/sitemap.xml) - [AI use and attribution](https://qsr.pro/ai.txt)