There’s no denying that the QSR industry is in constant fluctuation. This is true as much on a global scale as it is on a regional scale. And since it seems that trends are always being set in the good ole United States, we figured we’d take a quick look at the top six QSR brand in that region. In no particular order, because that’s how we roll.
Burger King
Burgers may have helped the king attain his royal status, but recent menu item additions have taken the brand into other kingdoms. Burger King has spent the last couple of years rolling out novelties (the Whopperito mash-up and the Mac n’ Cheetos) and entirely new platforms (Grilled Dogs, which the company claimed were one of its biggest menu investments ever).
Starbucks
Starbucks has pledged a greater commitment to food; its Mercato line and Protein Boxes attract lunch crowds, while new developments like the Sous Vide Egg Bites appeal in the morning. The company is even partnering with grab-and-go specialist Snap Kitchen in several Texas locations.
McDonald’s
Leading the way in the golden arches’ approach is technology and its effect on how customers experience the brand. Great example: a new mobile-order-and-pay platform is rolling out to all locations, and a partnership with UberEATS is offering delivery from thousands of stores. There’s also the “Experience of the Future” prototype, which includes touch-screen kiosks and partial table service.
Subway
Subway’s days of opening 1,000 locations a year appear to be over. In 2016, the company reported closing 359 locations as it struggled through its first year without founder Fred Deluca, who died of leukemia in 2015. Deluca’s sister, Suzanne Greco, took the reins as CEO and seems to be preparing the company for a new season of growth. Subway unveiled a new logo and branding last year, and this year made a play for millennial consumers by serving free mini sandwiches at several music festivals across the country.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell’s brand voice continues to gain younger consumers, as new items like the Naked Chicken Chalupa LTO (a taco with fried chicken as the shell) started a national conversation, and outreach materials like the brand’s Snapchat account and chatbot ordering platforms engage with Gen Z and millennials where they spend most of their time. Those older Taco Bell fanatics shouldn’t fear, though; the company continues to invest in its Cantina concept, including a huge new Las Vegas flagship location.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s CEO Todd Penegor inherited a company firing on all cylinders. Products like the Sriracha Chicken Sandwich, Crispy Chicken BLT, and Power Mediterranean Chicken Salad are innovative while remaining solidly within the brand’s domain, and the company’s commitment to value (the 4 for $4 deal) and freshness (reaffirming its fresh-never-frozen beef promise) continue to make it the strongest burger competitor to McDonald’s.
So that’s the top six right now in the USA, and of course, there are a lot more we could have covered. Many brands are rising to the stature of our top six quickly and could easily make this list next-time around. Got a favorite QSR that you think should be in the list? Let us know!