Dining
Explore our collection of blogs covering the restaurant space, from QSR to fast casual to full-service concepts. Find data-driven insights and industry updates for a range of leading and emerging brands.
Wendy’s Bets on Fewer, Bigger Deals in Q3 2025
Wendy’s same-store visits dropped 6.3% YoY in Q3 2025 amid high costs and discounting pressure. But a simplified promotion strategy – led by the $1 breakfast biscuit deal – fueled double-digit breakfast growth in August. The brand’s new “fewer, bigger deals” approach could help reignite momentum heading into year-end.
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Yum! & RBI: QSR in Q3 2025
In Q3 2025, Yum! Brands outperformed the broader QSR category, led by Taco Bell’s continued strength and recoveries at KFC and Pizza Hut. Meanwhile, Restaurant Brands International (RBI) saw overall declines, though Firehouse Subs’ steady visit growth stood out as a bright spot.
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Shake Shack & Wingstop: Navigating Q3 Waters
Shake Shack and Wingstop’s Q3 2025 data reveals diverging trends in the fast-casual sector. Shake Shack’s growth stems from rapid expansion despite flat same-store traffic, while Wingstop faces tougher comps and digital shifts. Promotions remain key traffic drivers.
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Sips Of Success: Coffee in Q3 2025
The coffee segment grew 1.4% YoY in Q3 2025, outperforming broader QSR declines. Starbucks and Dunkin’ saw modest visit drops, Dutch Bros continued to expand, and rising chains like 7 Brew, Better Buzz, Foxtail Coffee, and Black Rock Coffee Bar fueled much of the category’s momentum.
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Texas Roadhouse and Chili’s: Strong Q3 Traffic and a Secret Sauce of High-Income Diners
Amid economic headwinds, Texas Roadhouse and Chili’s are outperforming full-service peers. Location analytics show both brands sustaining traffic through strong value, efficiency, and higher-income appeal — key factors for continued growth.
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McDonald’s and Chipotle Face Headwinds in Q3 2025
In Q3 2025, McDonald’s and Chipotle contended with slowing traffic and sector-wide dining headwinds. McDonald’s faced visit declines despite promotions, while Chipotle relied on expansion to sustain growth. Both chains enter Q4 balancing momentum against mounting pressure.
Black Rock Coffee's Post-IPO Growth Potential
Black Rock Coffee’s $1.32B IPO underscores its rapid expansion, affluent customer base, and similarities to Dutch Bros’ trajectory. With visits up 226% since 2019 and a target of 1,000 stores by 2035, the chain’s strategy highlights significant growth potential in new markets.
Q2 2025 Restaurant Recap: A Cautious Consumer Shapes Dining Trends
Q2 2025 restaurant trends highlight a cautious consumer. QSRs and fast casuals face headwinds as diners trade down to cheaper options, while casual dining brands like Chili’s and Applebee’s outperform with value-driven promotions and bundled meals.
