Introduction
The fast-food industry is in the midst of a major transformation. In response to changing consumer tastes and preferences, four of the biggest fast-food chains in the world are making drastic changes to their menus and operations. McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and KFC are all introducing new menu items, expanding their delivery services, and making other changes to stay competitive in the fast-food market. In this article, we’ll take a look at the changes these four major fast-food chains are making and how they’re impacting the industry. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make healthier choices when eating at these restaurants.
4 Major Fast-Food Chains Making Drastic Changes Right Now
Fast-food chains are always looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition, and right now, many of them are making drastic changes to their menus and operations. From new menu items to delivery options, here are four major fast-food chains making big changes right now.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is always looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition, and right now, they’re making some big changes. They recently announced that they are adding a new plant-based burger to their menu, the McPlant. They are also expanding their delivery options, partnering with Uber Eats and DoorDash to make it easier for customers to get their food. Finally, they are introducing a new loyalty program, which will reward customers for their purchases.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is also making some big changes. They recently announced that they are introducing a new plant-based protein option, the Beyond Meat Taco. They are also expanding their delivery options, partnering with Grubhub and Postmates to make it easier for customers to get their food. Finally, they are introducing a new loyalty program, which will reward customers for their purchases.
Burger King
Burger King is also making some big changes. They recently announced that they are introducing a new plant-based burger, the Impossible Whopper. They are also expanding their delivery options, partnering with DoorDash and Postmates to make it easier for customers to get their food. Finally, they are introducing a new loyalty program, which will reward customers for their purchases.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s is also making some big changes. They recently announced that they are introducing a new plant-based burger, the Plantiful Burger. They are also expanding their delivery options, partnering with DoorDash and Grubhub to make it easier for customers to get their food. Finally, they are introducing a new loyalty program, which will reward customers for their purchases.
These are just a few of the major fast-food chains making drastic changes right now. As the competition continues to heat up, expect to see more changes from these and other fast-food chains in the near future.
While summer is usually a time for fun seasonal menu items at most fast-food chains, in the past few months a number of top companies have announced plans for significant, long-term changes in their operations. Whether you’re a Chipotle fan or a Subway regular, business-as-usual is about to change.
From a brand new set of ownership rules to improved employee benefits, here’s a look at four major chains making significant changes to the way they operate.
Following the announcement in May of a new restaurant grading system, McDonald’s upped the ante last month with a new set of restaurant ownership rules.
Franchisees will be held to higher standards under the new rules, with franchise applications and renewals subject to a more comprehensive review process In its decision to renew and award franchise agreements, McDonald’s will be giving more weight to performance history and customer complaints, and will be conducting more store inspections.
The chain is also taking steps to phase out legacy franchises: spouses and children of franchisees will no longer receive preferential treatment when applying to run their own restaurants, and will be treated as new candidates.
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The company unveiled its new Subway Series earlier this month—a menu of 12 new sandwiches which the chain hopes will simplify operations at its stores.
While Subway is famous for allowing customers to design their own sandwiches (and is credited with popularizing the customer-facing assembly line), the chain is pivoting away from customization with the new menu, hoping to streamline business and drive sales.
The new menu follows last year’s Eat Fresh, Refresh campaign, during which the chain updated its menu with new and upgraded ingredients.
After a tumultuous year for America’s biggest coffee chain, it seems that big changes are brewing behind the scenes. In a recent open letter to employees, interim CEO Howard Schulz announced the arrival of the “next chapter of Starbucks reinvention.” Seeking to prepare itself for “the evolving behaviors, needs, and expectations of [its] partners [and] customers,” the company seems to be rethinking its operations from the ground up.
Schultz outlined plans for a transformed customer experience (the company promised more details on how they’ll achieve this soon.) Starbucks will also be rethinking its relationship with its employees. Facing a growing unionization movement that started last year, Starbucks is proposing a number of measures to appease its workers, including greater investment in employee safety and increased opportunities for career advancement.
Like other fast-food chains, Chipotle is investing heavily in automation and AI. The burrito chain inked a deal in 2021 with Nuro, a self-driving delivery startup, and a few months ago unveiled “Chippy,” an AI-powered chip-making robot (which will be piloted at a Chipotle location later this year).
The company has also invested in AI-powered labor management tools, helping to more efficiently staff its restaurants and train its employees. Most recently, Chipotle announced Cultivate Next, a $50 million venture fund intended to accelerate investment in labor-saving and customer-experience-enhancing technologies.
Owen Duff