Diners with the munchies after midnight have more fast-food options than ever—and they’re becoming wilder and more gluttonous than ever.
McDonalds
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 …
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.
In Fast Food, Five—As in $5—Is Now the Magic Number
It’s not particularly complicated: $5 is a nice round, approachable, affordable-sounding number. At a time when popular fast-casual chains are pushing the average diner bill upward, the $5 price point is especially likely to get the attention of deal hunters. And that’s why fast food customers are seeing more and more of the fiver.
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.
The Charles Ramsey-McDonald’s Episode: How a Viral Marketing Opportunity Can Backfire
The Charles Ramsey-McDonald’s episode is shaping up as an argument that brands should respond to viral marketing opportunities slowly, cautiously—and perhaps not at all.
Efficiency Backlash: Businesses Find Too Much Downsizing Can Hurt the Bottom Line
One national restaurant chain realizes that overburdening its employees hurts sales, as well as the company brand. Will more businesses follow its lead?
Latest Unavoidable Fast-Food Buzzwords: The Rise of Crazy, Premium, Snacks
You’re not crazy. The words premium and snack really are popping up on chain-restaurant menus everywhere. Crazy is making some appearances too.