Study: Coffee, beverage chains seeing most success in QSR sector
Quick-serve restaurants are seeing increased spending from consumers as value continues to be important.
That’s according to the Restaurant 2026 Mid-Year Outlook report from Consumer Edge, which noted that while total restaurant sales are up 1% so far this year, quick-serve snack and beverage chains are up nearly 6% in the year to date. Consumer Edge noted that chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’, Dutch Bros and 7 Brew are seeing success as consumers substitute full meals out with coffee, refreshers and snacks that feel like an "affordable treat."
Spending at quick-serve hamburger chains grew by 1% so far this year, while McDonald’s and Burger King's value efforts have led to success. In-N-Out and Culver's continue to win on quality, while Wendy’s and others remain behind, according to the report.
Quick-serve chicken chains also saw sales rise 1% to start the year, although the category appears to be “maturing” after its post-COVID expansion phase. While KFC and Popeyes continue to contract and growth for larger brands like Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s has also slowed, newer entrants Dave’s Hot Chicken and Jollibee have seen double-digit sales growth.
"Consumers are spending differently in 2026 as they reprioritize how to spend their food budget amid a shifting economic environment,” said Michael Gunther, senior VP of research & market intelligence at Consumer Edge.The brands winning right now have made a clear case for their value, including compelling bundles, reliable portions and affordable treats, that keeps guests coming back. For restaurant leaders, the question isn't just where spend is going, it's whether their pricing, menu and strategy are built for consumers that are actually walking through the door today."
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Additional insights from the Consumer Edge report include the following:
- McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A and coffee chains are gaining share of sub-$15 transactions, suggesting that value efforts and habitual, lower-cost occasions are resonating with increasingly price-sensitive consumers.
- For larger transactions ($30+), Starbucks, Taco Bell, Burger King, Chipotle and Cava were among the big winners, while KFC, Popeyes, Papa John’s and Pizza Hut lost ground.
- Among consumers aged 65 and up, limited-service restaurant spend has risen 1.5% year over year, the most resilient cohort in that category, while full service spend has fallen 1%. At the other end, 18–24 year olds show the smallest full-service spend decline of any age group at around 2% versus a year ago, while their limited-service spend is nearly flat. Despite visit counts falling around 6% in full service, their average ticket is up over 3%.
