Americas
Fast-food, quick-service chains power top 25 brands to $190.1bn in 2026n
The world’s top 25 restaurant brands are projected to grow 9% year-on-year, reaching a combined value of $190.1b in 2026, according to Brand Finance. Growth is being driven by continued demand for takeaway, delivery and quick-service dining, as well as new store openings. McDonald’s remains the most valuable brand, 5% to $442.6bn with its global presence and steady revenue. The US and UK markets may face challenges, says Brand Finance data, with rising affordability concerns. After McDonald’s, Starbucks was second, followed by KFC, Subway and Chick-fil-A.
Waldorf Astoria owners plan to sell iconic NYC hotel months after it reopened
The iconic hotel’s Chinese owners plan to sell only several months after it reopened following its multibillion-dollar delayed overhaul. The firm bought the hotel, which occupies a full city block on Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, for $1.95bn and spent an additional $2bn on construction, bringing the total to more than $4bn. The transformation was completed last year about five years behind schedule and more than $1bn over budget. Developers and real-estate executives say it was the most complicated and likely the most expensive real estate conversion ever attempted in the US.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Radisson Rewards hits over 27 million members, announcing new partnerships
Radisson Rewards, the global loyalty program for Radisson Hotel Group has garnered over 27 million members within three years, demonstrating its rapid growth and strong global appeal. Last year, the program introduced a series of new and expanded partnerships across banking, travel and lifestyle sectors, strengthening its promise to make earning and using points easier, more relevant and more rewarding for members worldwide. The programme has expanded its financial partnerships across key growth markets including the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Fast-food expansion masks 1% visit drop
According to Meaningful Vision data, the UK’s fast-food sector’s small 2025 gains appear to come from aggressive store expansion, rather than stronger consumer demand. Data highlighted that footfall rose by only 0.9% year on year, while restaurants and pubs suffered a combined 7% decline in visits, indicating the category’s relative outperformance. Fast-food operators opened nearly 1300 outlets in 2025. Taking away the impact of the new stores, like-for-like visits declined by around 1%. Geographically, expansion is no longer led by London. Meaningful Vision data shows Northern Ireland recorded the strongest fast-food outlet growth in 2025, followed by the South of England, reflecting lower saturation levels and more targeted development strategies. “Fast-food growth in 2025 was almost entirely expansion-led. While outlet numbers grew by more than 2%, like-for-like sales are not increasing,” said Maria Vanifatova, CEO and Founder of Meaningful Vision.
Asia Pacific
Three special awards announced at The Michelin Guide celebration Saudi Arabia 2026
Beyond its renowned restaurant distinctions, The MICHELIN Guide celebrates the wide-ranging contributions found across hospitality, honoring the industry’s most gifted and motivated individuals, through its Special Awards. The Young Chef Award was presented to Riyadh’s Maiz chef Elia Kaady whose culinary journey began in Beirut, where he refined his skills across several restaurants before moving to Riyadh to further develop his craft. Il Baretto in Riyadh was recognized with the Exceptional Mocktail Award, a testament to the creativity and refinement led by bar manager Santiago Latorre. Thirdly, Jeddah’s Yaza receives the Service Award for delivering an exceptional experience from start to finish.
McDonald’s Malaysia orders 100 new stores in $250m expansion
McDonald’s Malaysia plans to invest over $250m (RM1b) over the next five years to fund its restaurant expansion and increase its workforce. It plans to add 100 new restaurants over the next five year to its footprint of 370 restaurants, aiming to create more than 10,000 jobs in Malaysia. The news comes following the 26% year-on-year growth in 2025. “Our growth has been built through discipline, dedication and a clear focus on investing in the areas that matter most, which are our restaurants, our people and our communities,” said Dato’ Haji Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia. As we expand further, we remain committed to creating stable jobs and real career opportunities for Malaysians nationwide.”
Lauren Hurrell
