Value, technology, and sustainability were hot topics this year, as diners continue to watch their pennies. This fall saw many QSRs creating value meals and offering LTOs to compete in this space, many extending those deals as momentum grew, along with adding technology to improve operations and help address some of the labour shortages into 2025.
McDonald’s has announced the January launch of a new everyday McValue Meal menu. Beginning January 7, the menu will feature the existing $5 Meal Deal, along with local food and drink specials, in-app offers, and a new lunch and dinner Buy One Add One for $1 meal. Replacing the existing $1, $2, $3 menus, the McValue menu will offer a simple way for customers to find money-saving options on the menu, all in one place.
Wendy’s continues to adopt progressive technology, building on the Wendy’sFreshAI, their artificial intelligence-based drive-thru ordering system. In the coming year, they are planning to experiment with an auto-pricing tool, able to intuitively change prices and menu boards based on traffic. Wendy’s intends to use this technology to lower prices during slower periods to help draw in customers and attract attention.
Following complaints of inconsistency from customers, Popeyes found that many of its kitchens were outdated, lacking the technology and tools necessary for consistency and speed. In an effort to provide faster and more accurate service, Popeyes plans to install 30 new updates in its kitchens across the board in 2025, including innovative technology like automatic chicken-breaders.
Burger King has been working on eliminating PFAS (also called “forever chemicals”) in their packaging, in accordance with the EPA’s three-year phase-out initiative that started in 2022. By the beginning of 2025, all Burger King packaging will be PFAS-free, eliminating the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into the food and helping to make the world greener.
As restaurants continue to compete for consumer dollars, operators will need to find ways to up their game, stand out, and attract like-minded customers into 2025 and beyond.
