RECOMMENDED READING

  • Revamping Papa Johns Brand: Meet the Makers Marketing Strategy

    By Ava Ingram • Mar. 10, 2025

  • Revolutionizing Loyalty Programs: Maximizing Customer Engagement through Personalization

    By Adrianne Irwin • Apr. 17, 2025

  • Chipotle's Halloween Marketing Strategy: Boorito Promotion and Spirit Halloween Collaboration

    By Ava Ingram • Sep. 6, 2024

  • Driving Growth and Engagement: Applebee's Social Media Marketing Strategy Explained

    By Adrianne Irwin • Aug. 21, 2025

  • The Battle of Value Meals: How Convenience Stores are Competing with Quick-Service Restaurants

    By Adrianne Irwin • Aug. 20, 2024

  • Elevating the Cafe Experience: Panera's 'It Just Meals Good' Campaign

    By Adrianne Irwin • Apr. 11, 2025

  • Taco Bell's Breakfast Menu Strategy: A Shift Towards Lunchtime and Growth

    By Alexander Ivanov • Aug. 22, 2024

Restaurant Association Logo

Restaurant Association

Empowering restaurant professionals with free resources, training, and networking opportunities to build successful businesses.

Sign Up Free

Pages

  • Articles
  • News
  • Topics
  • Shows
  • Academy
  • Events
  • Jobs

About

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap

Resources

  • Library
  • Templates

Connect

LinkedInInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
  • Editorial Ethics Policy
  • Review Guidelines
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Restaurant Association. All rights reserved.

logo
  1. News
  2. Topics
  3. Shows
  4. Academy
  5. Events
  6. Jobs
  7. Resources

    Videos

  • No results found

  • Articles

  • No results found

Log InSign Up Free
logo
LoginSign Up

    Videos

  • No results found

  • Articles

  • No results found

  1. Shows
  2. Academy
  3. Events
  4. Jobs

Become a member of the Restaurant Association!

Unlock exclusive access to webinars, events, and the latest news for FREE!

Sign up
Restaurant Association Logo

Understanding the Latest Consumer Trends in the Restaurant Industry

Explore the evolving consumer preferences and the impact on fast-food chains like Domino's Pizza, McDonald's, and Chick-fil-A.

Updated On Oct. 14, 2024 Published Oct. 14, 2024

Ava Ingram

Ava Ingram

pizza on white ceramic plate

Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1576458088443-04a19bb13da6?ixid=M3w2MjYzNjJ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxEb21pbm8lMjdzJTIwUGl6emElMkMlMjBNY0RvbmFsZCUyN3MlMkMlMjBDaGljay1maWwtQXxlbnwwfDB8fHwxNzI4OTI3MDg0fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3

Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash

Impact of Consumer Preferences on Fast-Food Chains

The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, driven by changing consumer preferences and market trends. In recent times, we have witnessed significant shifts in consumer behavior that have directly impacted fast-food chains like Domino's Pizza, McDonald's, and Chick-fil-A. These establishments are continuously adapting to meet the evolving demands of their customers.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1517686469429-8bdb88b9f907?ixid=M3w2MjYzNjJ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxEb21pbm8lMjdzJTIwUGl6emElMkMlMjBNY0RvbmFsZCUyN3MlMkMlMjBDaGljay1maWwtQXxlbnwwfDB8fHwxNzI4OTI3MDg0fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3

Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash

Domino's Pizza: Slower Sales Trends and Market Challenges

Domino's Pizza, a renowned pizza chain, reported a 3% U.S. same-store sales growth in the third quarter. While this growth is positive, it fell slightly below Wall Street expectations, indicating slower sales trends. The tougher environment in international markets further added to the challenges, with sales growth remaining under 1%. This highlights the importance for such chains to navigate through both domestic and international market dynamics effectively.

McDonald's Chicken Big Mac: Meeting the Growing Demand

With consumers' preferences shifting towards chicken, McDonald's introduced the Chicken Big Mac at its U.S. restaurants for a limited time. This innovative move is a response to the increasing demand for chicken options, which now rival the popularity of beef choices at McDonald's. By tapping into this trend, McDonald's aims to cater to the changing tastes of its customer base and stay competitive in the market.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1528830984461-4d5c3cc1abf0?ixid=M3w2MjYzNjJ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw2fHxEb21pbm8lMjdzJTIwUGl6emElMkMlMjBNY0RvbmFsZCUyN3MlMkMlMjBDaGljay1maWwtQXxlbnwwfDB8fHwxNzI4OTI3MDg0fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3

Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash

Teenage Consumer Trends: Evolving Preferences for Fast Food

The preferences of teenage consumers play a significant role in shaping the fast-food landscape. According to the Taking Stock with Teens survey by Piper Sandler, Chick-fil-A and Starbucks continue to enjoy popularity among teenagers. However, there is a slight decline in the number of teens ranking Chick-fil-A as their top choice, dropping from 21% to 17%. This subtle shift reflects the dynamic nature of consumer preferences, even among younger demographics.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1576458088443-04a19bb13da6?ixid=M3w2MjYzNjJ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxEb21pbm8lMjdzJTIwUGl6emElMkMlMjBNY0RvbmFsZCUyN3MlMkMlMjBDaGljay1maWwtQXxlbnwwfDB8fHwxNzI4OTI3MDg0fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3

Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash

Cracker Barrel's Strategic Response to Shareholder Activism

In the face of shareholder activism from Sardar Biglari, Cracker Barrel made a strategic move by offering a concession to the activist shareholder. Biglari is pushing for representation on the family dining chain's board, aiming to bring about changes aligned with his vision. This interaction underscores the importance of corporate governance and responding proactively to investor sentiments in the restaurant industry.

Staying Informed with Restaurant Daily Podcast

For all the latest developments and news in the restaurant industry, tune in to Restaurant Daily podcast. Stay updated on industry trends, market insights, and key announcements that shape the dining landscape. This podcast provides valuable information for restaurant owners, industry professionals, and enthusiasts looking to stay ahead in the competitive market.