Tracking the same-store sales of 21 major restaurant chains

Sales at pizza and casual dining brands have struggled, while QSR giants like McDonald’s and Starbucks saw anemic changes and fast casuals Cava and Chipotle made big gains. 

Updated March 20, 2025

El Pollo Loco will open 500th restaurant this year

The chain will open at least 10 units this year, most of which will be outside of California, as the chain works toward regaining unit growth momentum.

Shake Shack rolls out digital menu boards, combos to speed up drive-thru

The drive-thru efforts build on five consecutive quarters of improvements to speed of service and order accuracy.

Consumers expected to spend 7% less on restaurants this summer

A majority of consumers, who are already feeling the pinch of inflation and shrinking incomes, expect tariffs to raise prices, a KPMG report finds. 

McDonald’s to test expanded beverage menu this year

Adding more items to its menu, including energy drinks and coffee, will help the chain compete with sector rivals and boost profitability.

Wendy’s to deploy drive-thru AI to over 500 restaurants this year

The chain has installed Fresh AI at over 160 units as part of its larger strategy to improve the customer experience.

Starbucks’ employee, algorithm investments show signs of paying off

Pilot programs last quarter proved workers, not equipment, are the key to solving Starbucks’ low throughput woes, according to CEO Brian Niccol.

McDonald’s US traffic slides due to economic uncertainty

Low- and middle-income guests pulled back spending in Q1, but the chain expects improved performance from promotions and the launch of chicken strips.

Chipotle brings trading card mania to Roblox with new experience

Ingredient Quest capitalizes on renewed interest in games like Pokémon and card-pull social media videos of fans uncovering rare finds.

Panera is shuttering its dough facilities to speed up innovation

The closures and transition to par-baked bread are part of a brand turnaround effort under its new CEO. 

Taco Bell sales surge, KFC will expand Saucy concept

As Taco Bell succeeds in the U.S., KFC’s spinoff could replicate the Cantina strategy that Taco Bell has used to power its menu innovation.

Starbucks suffers 5th quarter of falling comps

The coffee chain will start cafe remodels to improve its coffeehouse feel in New York and Southern California later this year as its brand turnaround continues.

Fat Brands promotes Taylor Wiederhorn to co-CEO

Taylor Wiederhorn, the company’s chief development officer since 2017 and son of former CEO Andrew Wiederhorn, will work alongside Ken Kuick.

Sweetgreen hires Chipotle vet as COO

Jason Cochran, who served as vice president of operations at Chipotle under Brian Niccol, could help Sweetgreen as it looks to establish itself as a clear segment leader.

Chili’s notches 21% traffic surge

The casual chain’s focus on value is driving success where rivals are lagging, with many competitors reporting sliding same-store sales. 

Fiserv ventures into high-end restaurants

The payment processing giant’s point-of-sale platform Clover will begin catering to upscale dining establishments next month.

DoorDash offers $3.6B for Deliveroo

Deliveroo indicated in filings it was inclined to accept the deal, which would bring DoorDash into major markets including the U.K., France and Italy.

Culver’s promotes CMO Julie Fussner to CEO

Fussner takes the helm as the brand hits the 1,000 restaurant mark, propelled by a $3.8 million AUV.

Independent restaurants could use pandemic-era strategies against tariffs

Navigating supply chain challenges under Trump’s fluctuating trade policy will require both flexibility and conservative cost measures, experts and restaurateurs say.

McDonald’s chicken strips mark first permanent menu addition in 4 years

The chain needs a menu win — and a leg up on fast-growing chicken competitors — after last year’s value and LTO successes were offset by an E. Coli outbreak.

Chipotle wants its workers to smile for customers

The restaurant chain plans to improve CX through friendliness. “The fact is smiles down the line don't slow us down,” CEO Scott Boatwright said.

Bertucci’s goes bankrupt for 3rd time in 7 years

The ailing brand, which closed 7 of its 22 stores, may lean on its fast casual spinoff to weather the rising costs and waning consumer confidence hurting casual restaurants.

How c-stores can pull loyalty from QSRs

Strong value, including meal deals and quality food, could help c-stores make inroads against fast food, says restaurant technology company Tillster.

Jersey Mike’s hires Charlie Morrison as CEO

Morrison, former CEO of Wingstop and Salad and Go, takes over for Peter Cancro, who has led the chain for 50 years. 

Updated April 24, 2025

Jack in the Box will shutter up to 200 stores, mulls Del Taco sale

The brand will also scale back its company-owned development starting next year and sell off real estate to pay down debt.