Coffee & QSR
.avif)
INSIDER
Report
The Forces Shaping Consumer Traffic in 2026Explore how higher gas prices, the search for value, and nostalgia-driven demand shaped consumer traffic and behavior in H1 2026.
Placer Research
July 27, 2026
Articles & Executive Insights

Article
Decoding Shake Shack & Wingstop's Q2 2025 Visit PerformanceShake Shack Q2 visits up 13.7% (per-venue -1.7%). Wingstop visits up 3.6% (per-venue -6.3%). These divergent paths show brand resilience. Shake Shack appeals to higher HHI. Wingstop's lower HHI family base faces budget pressure, impacting loyalty. Both brands adapt for future success.
Shira Petrack
July 23, 2025
2 minutes

Article
McDonald's Snack Wrap Return Drives Immediate Foot Traffic SurgeMcDonald's Snack Wrap re-launch on July 10 drove a significant visit surge, up 15.0% from the 2025 YTD daily average. This initial success highlights the power of nostalgia-driven menu innovation to boost traffic, crucial for McDonald's ongoing efforts to reverse recent sales and traffic plateaus
Shira Petrack
July 17, 2025
1 minute

Article
Chipotle & McDonald’s Halfway Through 2025McDonald's and Chipotle show diverse paths in Q2 2025. McDonald's visits rebounded, driven by innovation. Chipotle's overall visits grew, but its per-location traffic saw a dip. Both companies are expanding aggressively, shaping the dining landscape and demonstrating resilience amidst market challenges.
Bracha Arnold
July 17, 2025
3 minutes

Article
Beyond the Discount: Can Protein and a "Back to Basics" Approach Re-energize Starbucks?Starbucks faces stiff competition and flat visit frequency. Its "Back to Starbucks" plan focuses on innovation and experience to boost loyalty. Despite challenges, the brand's core customer base remains stable, positioning it for a potential turnaround through strategic in-store enhancements.
R.J. Hottovy
July 1, 2025
3 minutes

Article
How Limited Service Is Succeeding in 2025Limited-service dining thrives. Coffee's growth is led by small chains and affluent visitors. Short visits boost coffee and fast-casual. Chicken's share grew, impacting burger chains. The category evolves through diverse strategies, showcasing resilience.
Bracha Arnold
June 27, 2025
4 minutes

Article
Capturing Diners With Creative Offers: LTO Home Runs in 2025Chipotle, IHOP, and Jack in the Box used LTOs to drive visits. Chipotle's hockey BOGO surged traffic. IHOP's charity pancake day and Jack in the Box's T-Pain collab boosted visits. These show LTOs' power via local trends, charity, and pop culture.
Lila Margalit
June 18, 2025
3 minutes

Article
Local Eats on the RiseLocal favorites Pura Vida, Mendocino Farms, and P. Terry’s thrive. Pura Vida grew and shifted to earlier peaks. Mendocino benefits from affluent customers. P. Terry’s became a weekend destination. Their diverse strategies drive growth amidst market challenges.
Bracha Arnold
June 12, 2025
4 minutes

Article
Burger King’s Fire-Breathing LTO Drives VisitsBurger King launched a limited-time menu inspired by the upcoming "How to Train Your Dragon" movie. The offering immediately boosted foot traffic, with launch day visits up and the following Friday becoming the chain's busiest day of the year so far. This initial success suggests potential for increased traffic post-movie premiere.
Lila Margalit
June 6, 2025
1 minute
Reports
.avif)
INSIDER
Report
Dining In 2026: All Roads Lead To ValueHow shifting consumer priorities are reshaping value perceptions across QSR, fast casual, and casual chains.
Placer Research
July 9, 2026

INSIDER
Report
10 Top Brands to Watch in 2026Meet the ten retail and dining powerhouses, including H-E-B, Walmart, and Dave’s Hot Chicken, redefining success and winning consumer loyalty in 2026.
Placer Research
January 12, 2026
.avif)
INSIDER
Report
6 Coffee-Inspired Strategies That Can Reshape Dining in 2026Dive into the data to see how coffee became one of this year’s strongest dining performers – and explore strategies that can drive restaurant success across concepts in 2026.
Placer Research
December 18, 2025

INSIDER
Report
3 Strategies for Full-Service Success in 2025Dive into the data to uncover strategies helping full-service restaurant chains succeed in what remains a challenging environment.
Placer Research
February 20, 2025




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