Americas
QSR pizza sales turned negative in 2025, according to new report
While the overall industry has decelerated for four consecutive years, quick-serve pizza has actively declined below the line, according to data from the Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report. It has been declining since its soaring highs seen during the pandemic. While there have been some key wins in the category, in 2025, the category registered a 0.3% year-over-year sales decline following a nominal gain of just 0.6% in 2024 and an increase of 2.8% in 2023.
Five Guys shuts down over 12 locations across the US
The popular fast-casual burger chain has closed over 12 locations across seven states as budget-conscious customers pull back on spending. More Americans have been trading down to cheaper brands, with brands like Five Guys’ core product being too expensive. “We are seeing a massive correction where the middle-tier brands like Five Guys that sit between fast food and sit-down dining are getting squeezed by a consumer who is watching their wallet,” said Dominick Miserandino, CEO of RTMNexus.
Asia Pacific
Hilton expands lifestyle presence in China’s Yangtze River Delta
The Hilton has expanded its lifestyle portfolio with Two New Hotel Signings in Nanjing and Wuxi. The Curio Collection by Hilton in Nanjing will feature 232 rooms while the Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Wuxi will feature 150 rooms. Both hotels are set to open in 2028, reinforcing Hilton’s growth in experience-driven travel and its broader luxury and lifestyle expansion strategy. This development comes as Hilton continues to expand its lifestyle footprint across China, with other recent openings including in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
Jollibee reviews 2026 plans amid geopolitical uncertainty
Jollibee Foods Group, the Philippines fast food giant, is reviewing key plans it had outlined for 2026, including the pace of store openings, planned capital expenditure, and profitability targets, as geopolitical developments continue to create volatility across markets. According to its recent Q1 2026 report, while first-quarter demand trends remained healthy, recent geopolitical developments have increased near-term input cost volatility.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
UK restaurant chains are rethinking menus as weight-loss drugs continue to reshape demand
UK QSR chains are adjusting menus, portions, and expansion strategies as weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy continue to change eating habits and customer traffic patterns. The impact of the drugs is affecting portion sizes and visit frequency across the sector. Shannon Goldsmith, a senior insight analyst at the Institute of Grocery Distribution, said “The focus has been on efficiency – in energy costs, tighter staffing models, reduced trading hours, and automation – but there is only so far operators can go,” she told QSR Media UK.
YouGov: KFC tops growth in Saudi dining consideration according to new
A YouGov report on dining brands in Saudi Arabia has highlighted that KFC was the most improved dining brand based on consumer consideration over the past 12 months (+2.4), followed by Hardee’s (+1.8) and Baskin-Robbins (+1.5). Generational rankings indicate Albaik leads across all age groups, with 48.4% of Gen Z naming it amongst their most considered brands, ahead of McDonald’s (27.7%), Al Tazaj (26.1%) and KFC (21.2%).
Lauren Hurrell
