Industry Analysis

MAR 20, 2026 · 6 MIN READ

McDonald's vs Jollibee: The Global Fast Food War Nobody Saw Coming

Jollibee operates 1,700+ stores across 18 countries, growing 8-10% annually while McDonald's grows at 2-3%. In the Philippines, Jollibee owns 50% of the QSR market while McDonald's sits at 15%. The fast food map is being redrawn.

industry

Industry Analysis

How Wawa Is Quietly Becoming a QSR Giant

With $18.6 billion in estimated revenue and food accounting for over 50% of sales, Wawa's 1,200-plus locations are pulling breakfast, lunch, and dinner traffic from traditional QSR brands. The convenience chain plans to nearly double its store count to 1,800 by 2030, and the competitive implications are enormous.

MAR 20, 2026 · 8 MIN READ

MAR 20, 2026 · 12 MIN READ

Ghost Kitchens in 2026: What Survived the Hype

CloudKitchens closed facilities. Local Kitchens shut half its locations. Ghost kitchen funding dropped 95%. The delivery-only restaurant model collapsed when operators discovered platform commissions and rent costs left no margin. Here's what actually survived and why the $85 billion market looks nothing like the 2020 hype.

Fast Food Nutrition Comparison: Calories, Sodium, and Healthiest Options by Chain

Fast food meals range from 300 to 3,000 calories. Subway and Panera offer healthiest options while Five Guys tops calorie counts. Complete chain comparison with sodium and sugar analysis.

MAR 20, 2026 · 10 MIN READ

Restaurant Failure Rate Statistics: First Year, Five Year, and What Causes Failure

Restaurant failure rates: 20% in year one, 35% by year three, 50-60% by year five. Academic research debunks the 90% myth and reveals the real causes of restaurant closures.

Five Guys: The Anti-Franchise Franchise

No drive-thrus. No freezers. burgers. Five Guys built a billion brand by breaking every QSR rule. Why the model works - and why it won't scale like McDonald's.

Domino's vs Pizza Hut: A Tale of Two Turnarounds

Domino's bet on technology and delivery. Pizza Hut clung to dine-in real estate. One is worth B and growing. The other is closing 250 stores and fighting for survival.

MAR 20, 2026 · 5 MIN READ

Popeyes After the Chicken Sandwich Boom: Did They Keep the Momentum?

Five years after the legendary chicken sandwich launch, Popeyes' same-store sales grew just 0.6% in 2024. Did the boom fade, or did operational chaos kill the momentum?

MAR 20, 2026 · 6 MIN READ

How Taco Bell Went From Punchline to Innovation Powerhouse

Under CEO Sean Tresvant, Taco Bell transformed from late-night joke to QSR innovation leader. Doubling innovation output, tripling international footprint, targeting M AUVs and 10,000 units.

MAR 20, 2026 · 5 MIN READ

What Changed After Roark Capital's $9.6 Billion Subway Acquisition

Roark Capital paid $9.6 billion for Subway in the largest franchise deal ever. 18 months later: 600+ more closures, franchisee pushback, and a brand still searching for a turnaround.

The Real Cost of a Raising Cane's Franchise and Why the Waitlist Is 5+ Years

With $6.6 million in average unit volume and 90% company ownership, Todd Graves has built the most in-demand franchise opportunity in America by refusing to franchise.