Despite the ups and downs in the U.S. economy,
overall performance for chain restaurants is about the same as in 2024.
According to Technomic’s latest food service industry insights for the first week of December 2025, the top 1,500
chain restaurants’ sales will grow by 3.1% for the year, a slight increase from the 2024’s 3.0% growth. In dollars, the overall sales volume should reach $480 billion, a $14 billion
increase compared to 2024. Growth from Chili’s Grill & Bar and Texas Roadhouse, as well as “strengthening” sales at McDonald’s, were considered contributing factors.
As QSR prices continue to rise, customers made good use of all those meal deal discounts and coupons. Technomic found that one in five (19%) chain restaurant guests reported redeeming a coupon or
discounted offer during their most recent visit. Those same customers said the visit was routine (not a special occasion), possibly suggesting that “value may play a larger role when the
behavior is habitual.” Also 35% of those customers were dining alone, with over half (56%) picking up their food to go. Domino’s, Marco’s Pizza and Papa Murphy’s Pizza were
cited as the top limited-service chains for coupon/discounted offer reception.
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On the global food front, Technomic found that 57% of global consumers said “they seek out new flavors from
time to time,” while about 35% said “that choosing a meal explicitly to try new flavors is an occasion they visit foodservice for.” Only a third (33%) said they “always”
or “often” order new or unique menu options when dining out. Over half commented that on-trend menu options and limited time offers, which often include new flavors, are important
when deciding where to eat.
Customization is increasing in importance and may be influencing customers to seek out different kinds of limited-time offers. Over two thirds (66%) of customers
said the ability to customize food is “somewhat or very important.” The same customers said they currently customize about 35% of their food and nonalcoholic beverage orders.