It’s not your imagination: Service in the fast-food drive-thru lane really has been getting slower. For consumers and restaurant chains alike, that may not be a bad thing.
fast food
Drinkers, Stoners & Insomniacs Wanted as Fast Food Expands Late-Night Menus
Diners with the munchies after midnight have more fast-food options than ever—and they’re becoming wilder and more gluttonous than ever.
Waffles & Pretzels: The Hot, Quirky Features on Fast Food Menus Everywhere
In the quest for new and surprising menu items, fast food chains like Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and Popeye’s have jumped on two comfort foods—waffles and pretzels—and they’re being served in ways you’d never imagine.
The Real Reason Taco Bell Killed Kids Meals
The decision came down to money, not concerns about nutrition or childhood obesity. In fact, after eliminating kids meals, Taco Bell may wind up feeding just as many children as it did in the past—and they’re likely to pay more, while scarfing down even more calories.
Fast Fine Casual Food? The Continued Blurring of Chain Restaurant Categories
When a prototypical fast food chain like KFC pushes into the realm of “fast casual,” what do terms like “fast food” and “casual dining” mean nowadays?
The Dollar Menu For Rent and Gas: McDonald’s Budget Advice for Employees Falls Short
A week after one of its franchisees was hit with a lawsuit alleging low-paid workers were forced to accept their pay on fee-laden prepaid cards, McDonald’s is again in the crosshairs of worker advocacy groups over what one …
Why Golden Corral’s Gross-Out Video Won’t Scare Off Customers
The phrase “public relations nightmare” gets thrown around often. But the truth is that viral videos showing disgusting things happening at chain restaurants don’t really put a dent in sales.
Better Burger Wars: The Saga Continues
McDonald's may have pulled the plug on its pricey Angus “better burger” concept, but the category of $5 quick-service burgers is as hot as ever. Better burgers are taking new shape (sometimes with pretzel buns!), and they’re popping up overseas and even in supermarkets.
Not So Fast: The Relaxed, Slowed-Down, Lounge-ization of Fast Food
The traditional formula for fast food franchises—get ’em in, get ’em fed, get ’em out—is changing. Lately, chains known for being among the quickest of all quick-service restaurants are installing fireplaces and cushy seats for a comfortable lounge vibe that invites customers to linger longer.
Summer of 2013 Must-Taste Fast Food List: The Top Ten
We’ve rounded up ten very interesting, much-hyped new menu items offered by large quick-service restaurant chains — including the Wendy’s Bacon Pretzel Cheeseburger, the Dunkin Donuts Glazed Donut Breakfast Sandwich, and even a few items that don’t contain bacon. Warning: It is not advisable to try all of these on the same day.
McDonald’s McRib Has a Challenger: Burger King Roll Outs Its Own Boneless Rib Sandwich
The battle for boneless rib sandwich supremacy is on. This summer, Burger King menus will feature the BK Rib, a pork sandwich slathered in tangy barbecue sauce that may sound very familiar to loyal fans of the McDonald’s McRib.
Hungry and Lazy Consumers, Rejoice! It’s Getting Even Easier to Order Food
Burgers, pizza, and a wide range of groceries are on the menu for consumers who are too busy, or just too lazy, to make a food run—or even bother picking up the phone.