Value is back on the menu

?? Story of the moment

America's biggest fast-food players just kicked off 2025 with a value menu blitz. McDonald's is going all-in with its new McValue program that's packed with brand partnerships. Subway launched a daily $6.99 meal deal, while KFC brought back its popular $5 Bowls. The timing makes sense. After watching customers pull back in 2024, chains are getting serious about driving traffic.

Why it matters: For restaurants watching closely, this one's tricky. Traffic is down, but launching value menus in 2025 isn't as simple as it was a few years ago. With California's new $20 minimum wage and inflation still lingering, you can't just slash prices and hope for the best. McDonald's approach is worth noting. They've built a permanent value platform that blends digital offers, local choices, and operational simplicity. The key? Creating programs that work for both your customers and your bottom line.

?? Stat you should know

A whopping 80% of CAVA's locations were in suburban markets, proving to be a key part of their success. For brands plotting growth in 2025, CAVA's playbook is worth studying: suburban markets offer lower real estate costs and more opportunities from residential areas. Plus, with hybrid work sticking around, this taps into the growing pool of customers who want their fast-casual fix without driving too far.

??? Tools of the trade

• Your menu redesign takes weeks of meetings and countless revisions but still leaves you wondering if you made the right choices. That's why restaurants are turning to AI tools that analyze customer data to optimize everything from item placement to pricing. It's about turning your menu from a headache into a strategic asset. Want to learn how AI menu tools can help you work smarter? Check out our full breakdown.
• It feels like everyone's adding kiosks, but how do you know if your restaurants need them? While QSR chains are betting big on self-service, the ROI isn't guaranteed for every concept. We've identified 5 clear signals that tell you if kiosks could benefit your operations. Read our full analysis.

?? Content you shouldn't miss

• "We got into voice AI too early," admits BurgerFi's VP of Franchise Development, citing a frustrating error rate in previous trials. But that's changing fast. At this year's Self-Service Innovation Summit, restaurant brands shared success stories with next-gen voice tech that's solving order accuracy issues and speeding up service in real-world environments.
• Virtual brands aren't dead. They're just growing up. CPK partnered with Man vs Fries to add burritos to 118 locations, driving up to $6k in weekly sales per store. While brands like Chili's and Applebee's have backed away from virtual concepts, CPK and Denny's see an opportunity. The difference? These aren't ghost kitchens. They're menu extensions that work for both delivery and dine-in guests.