QSR Magazine — page 56

QSR brands are shifting from vanity marketing metrics toward data-driven technology to prove real-world traffic and margin improvements in a high-cost environment.

Mediterranean fast-casual brand CAVA continues to outperform the broader restaurant industry, reporting nearly 10% same-store sales growth and continued unit expansion.

Beverage programs are becoming primary margin drivers for quick-service brands due to high repeatability and lower commodity risk compared to food.

The two coffee giants are locked in an aggressive expansion race, with 7 Brew planning over 400 new locations in 2026 to compete with Dutch Bros' established footprint.

Restaurant brands like CAVA, Marco’s Pizza, and Church’s Texas Chicken are leveraging operational improvements and digital expansion to protect margins amid rising costs.

The Alaskan-inspired coffee franchise reported record financial results for its corporate location, including a significant jump in revenue per square foot.

The burger chain has appointed Kate Savelli as CMO, alongside new leadership roles for non-traditional development and western operations to drive nationwide growth.

Industry veteran Bob Wright returns to the fast-food giant to focus on operational excellence and strengthening the financial model for the brand's franchisees.

The restaurant technology provider is debuting an AI-driven, social-style visual menu interface at the National Restaurant Association Show to enhance digital engagement and SEO ranking for dining brands.

SoundHound AI’s new white paper examines how voice AI and conversation-level analytics can optimize drive-thru performance and revenue for quick-service restaurant operators.

The national Greek street food chain surpassed a major growth milestone with its latest opening in San Diego, operated by multi-unit franchisees.

A former corporate operations leader shares insights into labor management and operational efficiency gained from rising through the ranks of a pizza franchise system.

McAlister’s Deli is expanding its seasonal menu with pineapple-themed cheesecake and lemonade offerings available for a limited time this June.

Checkers & Rally’s continues its Nevada expansion with a new Pahrump location, marking the third site for multi-unit operator LV Foodservice Concepts.

Mobile food truck franchise Kona Ice has partnered with Panini America to launch a special-edition 'Color Blast' shaved ice flavor nationwide this summer.

The Missouri-based pizza chain is entering the Tennessee market with a new location owned and operated by a local military veteran.

Newly appointed CFO Alex Chu is prioritizing unit-level economics, cost reduction, and disciplined growth to improve the financial health of the sandwich franchise's operators.

The Cincinnati-based sandwich franchise is rebranding to Penn Station Sandwiches and diversifying its menu with wraps and bowls to adapt to off-premise dining trends.

The coffee powerhouse enters the Chicago market with a new drive-thru location in Melrose Park as part of its ongoing Midwestern expansion.

The fast-casual franchise continues its Texas expansion with a new Boerne location featuring a drive-thru and signature grand opening giveaways.

A former sit-down restaurant entrepreneur is scaling Thai Chili 2Go, a fast-casual spinoff focused on a streamlined menu of high-performing Thai street food staples.

The iced tea franchise is launching a patriotic collection and retail tea bags to commemorate the United States' semiquincentennial.

The coffee giant is donating $1 from every iced coffee and cold brew sale on May 27 to support children struggling with hunger or illness.

Design agency 3Owl appoints former ezCater executive Shawn Jones to lead its design practice, focusing on digital platform solutions for restaurant operators and multi-unit brands.