Explore the expansion plans and latest collaborations of top chain restaurants in the US. Discover the newest trends you will see in the fast food landscape.
In collaboration with Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s, Subway kicked off 2024 with The Subway Sidekicks; there are new menu items: Footlong cookies, churros, and pretzels. The response was a staggering 3.5 million sidekicks sales by the first week of its launch. Continuing with its menu innovation, Subway will focus on gaining more traction by catering to consumers’ appetite for value, cravings, and quality.
Additionally, the sandwich giant has plans to close 300-400 stores in the US. Nevertheless, 200-300 stores find new strategic locations within the US. Subway also plans to remodel 10,000 – 12,000 restaurants in the US and Canada in 2024. There’s more – Subway plans to expand internationally with 15 master franchise agreements already signed and around 3 – 6 agreements in the pipeline. That can mean around 12,000 new stores internationally.
Starbucks is brewing exciting plans for 2024. Expect to see product innovations in their coffee and core menu. But that’s not all – they will perfect all-day breakfast and snacks to meet consumers’ cravings any time of day. With a focus on faster service and enhanced customer experience, expect to see sleek renovations and inclusive Starbucks stores.
The up-and-coming Starbucks stores in the US will have optimized acoustics and vision-friendly store features, among others. While Starbucks plans to expand its stores in the US by 4% in 2024, the aggressive expansion is happening overseas. 3 out of 4 new stores will open in international locations with the long-term aim to hit 55,000 stores worldwide.
While McDonald’s shuttered 200 outlets within Walmart locations, it has planned a whopping 10,000 new restaurants by 2027 as Forbes reports. Expect staggering changes on their menu front as well – With chicken orders soaring, they will push McCrispy in all its markets by 2025. By 2026, McD will also revitalize its burger quality with the Best Burger Initiative.
McDonald’s also has plans to pilot test its new beverage-concept spinoff – CosMc’s. With its first outlet in Illinois, the new stores will have 10 new locations in Texas. The menu has fresh beverage concepts like churro frappe and refreshing drinks featuring flavors like blackberry, cherry, and pear.
In Live Mas 2024, Taco Bell announced an exciting lineup of new menu additions for 2024. A few names that made it to the menu list for 2024 are Crispy Chicken Crispanada, Cheesy Street Chalupa, and Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets. Further, Nacho fries might become a permanent part of Taco Bell’s menu. To kick things up a notch, they’re serving it with a fiery twist, courtesy of their collaboration with Secret Aardvark hot sauce from Portland, Oregon.
Responding to the cravings for iconic Baja Blast, Taco Bell will push Baja Blast Pie and Baja Blast Gelato. Taco Bell also plans to bring back consumer-favorite either Meximelt or Caramel Apple Empanada for Halloween. Additionally, Taco Bell also plans to expand in vegan menu space. That’s not all – expect to find an expanded selection of coffee and shakes at Taco Bell in 2024.
Burger King plans to revamp 600 out of 1000 stores through their acquisition of Carrols. With the plans in 2023 to shutter 400 old and underperforming stores, Burger King keeps a keen eye on long-term viability. Stepping into a new era, Burger King will follow the modern and sleek “Sizzle” aesthetics under the Reclaim the Flame campaign. Sizzle will not only be applied to stores in need of remodeling but also to those that will be built in the future. Hence, franchisees were actively securing permits and seeking out contractors.
The top restaurant chain will also focus on its signature Flame Grilling and its core product, The Whopper. They’re also adding Fiery Buffalo Royal Crispy Wrap, Fiery Buffalo Chicken Nuggets, Candied Bacon Whopper, Fiery Big Fish, and more.
In essence, the top chain restaurants are betting on menu innovation, spotlighting chicken and churros as popular ingredients that cater to consumer demands. Their latest and upcoming menu additions are leaning towards fiery and bold flavors, reflecting a growing appetite for heat. Meanwhile, shedding underperforming stores while simultaneously expanding their global portfolio continues to be the overarching expansion strategy.