How Much Does It Cost to Open a Coffee Shop in 2026?
Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
May 15, 2026
Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
May 15, 2026
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
May 15, 2026
Hardee’s giant Boddie-Noell inks 31-unit Scooter’s Coffee deal for NC and VA, leveraging drive-thru growth and local roots with rollout over 12–18 months.
May 15, 2026
Wingstop turns match weeks into a multi-sensory festival, aligning bold pop-ups with World Cup energy to build brand affinity and measurable momentum.
May 15, 2026
The parent company behind Dunkin', Buffalo Wild Wings, and Arby's has filed for an IPO a move that could reshape how Wall Street views the restaurant sector.
May 15, 2026
Learn how to develop a memorable restaurant brand identity that stands out in a crowded market, attracts loyal customers, and drives repeat business with actionable strategies and affordable tools.
May 15, 2026
Dirty soda chain Swig is expanding into Colorado through a 10-unit franchise deal, riding a consumer beverage trend that's catching the attention of major QSR players nationwide.
May 15, 2026
Papa Johns has teamed up with Alphabet's Wing for drone delivery of its new sandwich lineup in parts of Charlotte marking the first partnership of its kind between Wing and a national QSR brand.
May 15, 2026
A warm, expert-led look at McDonald’s Q1 results, menu makeover, and the refranchise question shaping its growth.
May 14, 2026
A reflective look at Habit Ranch, its immersive desert activation, and what it signals for brand loyalty and mindful, experiential dining.
May 14, 2026
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Explore the latest forecasts and trends for the restaurant industry in 2025 based on data from Technomic Ignite Company. Discover what to expect in terms of chain sales, category performance, and key players' movements.
Photo by Andrik Langfield
Chipotle's remarkable performance in 2024 positions it as a formidable player in the industry. With consistent year-over-year sales growth and a strategic value proposition, Chipotle is set to surpass competitors like Burger King and Subway in the upcoming Top 500 report. The chain's accelerated unit growth and international expansion ambitions solidify its place among the industry's top contenders.
Photo by Andrik Langfield
The full-service segment faces significant challenges in 2025, with mass closures affecting major players like Denny’s, Applebee’s, and more. Factors such as rising labor and operational costs, along with increased competition from fast-casual establishments, contribute to the contraction in the full-service chain restaurant count. This shift marks a notable change in the industry landscape.
The chicken category continues to drive industry growth, appealing to younger consumers and offering a variety of choices. Established brands like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes are joined by emerging players like Raising Cane’s and Wingstop, all experiencing double-digit sales growth. The forecast indicates a sixth consecutive year of substantial sales increase for chicken chains, showcasing the category's enduring popularity.
Contrary to the chicken segment, burger chain sales are expected to show sluggish growth in 2025. Industry giants like McDonald’s and Wendy’s are facing challenges with low single-digit sales increases. With an overall sluggish performance compared to previous years, the burger category is encountering obstacles that may impact its standing in the industry.
Despite challenges in specific segments, the overall industry is projected to experience a 4.2% increase in chain sales in 2025. While this growth seems promising, factors like inflation may impact the real value of this growth. Technomic Ignite's forecast provides a comprehensive overview of the industry's trajectory for the upcoming year.