All articles tagged with #chain restaurants
In 2025, chain restaurants saw major trends like the popularity of chicken tenders, hot honey flavor, appetizer combos as main dishes, nostalgia marketing, and value meal deals, while trends like trendy flavors such as Dubai chocolate and certain limited-time offerings may decline in 2026.
The viral cheese pull trend on social media has significantly boosted chain restaurants like Chili's, helping them recover from financial struggles by attracting customers through engaging content, though experts warn this focus on virality may impact authenticity and the true dining experience.
Despite facing increased costs from tariffs and inflation, American chain restaurants maintain their affordability and consistency through rigorous cost management, standardization, and strategic sourcing, with major distributors like Sysco playing a key role in supply chain efficiency.
American chain restaurants remain popular due to their familiarity, nostalgic value, and consistent experience, which emotionally connect with customers and help them withstand economic and industry challenges, with brands leveraging social media and pop culture to reinforce their appeal.
Chain restaurants like Chili’s and Rainforest Cafe are becoming popular again among younger customers, especially Gen Z, due to nostalgia and a desire for stability during uncertain economic times, leading to a resurgence in their appeal.
Several chain restaurants are offering Valentine's Day deals, including Chick-fil-A's heart-shaped trays filled with select menu items, P.F. Chang's free "DUMPlings" for the recently dumped, Pizza Hut's limited-edition hot honey "goodbye pies," Sonic's Reba McEntire's Sweetheart Meal, Panera Bread's 20% off You Pick Two menu for MyPanera members, Popeyes' heart-shaped strawberry biscuits, and Jimmy John's red velvet desserts.
National Cookie Day 2023 is on Monday, December 4th, and several chains and franchises are offering free cookies and deals to celebrate. Circle K is giving away a free cookie with a coupon in their app, Fatburger is offering a free cookie with the code COOKIEDAY, Great American Cookies has a buy five, get one free deal, Insomnia Cookies is giving out a free classic cookie and $1 deluxe cookie, and Johnny Rockets is offering a free chocolate chip cookie with any in-store purchase. Subway is also testing out their new footlong cookie at select locations, giving away a free one with the purchase of a footlong sub.
Chain restaurant menus may contain hidden risks, including cross-contamination at buffets, parasites and bacteria in sushi, foodborne bacteria in rare meat, salmonella in soft-boiled eggs, pollution and toxins in shellfish, non-vegetarian ingredients in vegetarian options, Listeria in pre-made sandwiches, and perishable ingredients in tuna or chicken salads. Diners should be cautious, choose reputable establishments, ask about preparation methods, and prioritize food safety to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Actor and writer B.J. Novak, known for his love of chain restaurants, is launching ChainFEST, the world's first chain food festival. The two-day event, taking place in December, will feature reimagined menu items inspired by iconic chain restaurants such as Chili's, Dunkin', Jack in the Box, Panda Express, Pizza Hut, Sonic Drive-In, and Red Robin. The festival aims to celebrate and give respect to chain food, offering a unique culinary experience paired with beverages from Pepsi and specialty cocktails. Novak's Chain concept started in 2021, hosting exclusive events in secret locations with a waitlist of 20,000 people. Tickets for ChainFEST are available for presale, with all food and beverage included in the price of entry.
A family of four tried Bahama Breeze, a chain restaurant specializing in Caribbean-inspired food, for the first time and found it to be a great value. The $160 meal included appetizers and multiple alcoholic drinks, and everything was delicious. Although they used to avoid chain restaurants, the family has started visiting some of the classics, like Bahama Breeze, at the request of their teenagers.
Actor and foodie B.J. Novak's nostalgia-themed restaurant, Chain, offers elevated versions of classic chain restaurant dishes, such as Taco Bell's crunchwrap supreme and Outback Steakhouse's bloomin' onion. The restaurant started as a pop-up in Los Angeles and has since evolved into a semi-permanent outpost in a rented home, with a rotating menu released in "drops." Chain's VIP guests include Dakota and Elle Fanning, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, and Mindy Kaling. The waiting list for the all-inclusive entry and meal tickets has reached 15,000 names.