Latest news with #CrispyChicken
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Earnings Show Fast-Food Giants Embroiled in a Game of Chicken
Where's the beef? No one cares — show us to the poultry, please. Last week delivered a bevvy of earnings reports from fast-food giants — including McDonald's, Wendy's, Yum! Brands, and Restaurant Brands International — with the results showing the industry's biggest trend continues apace: Customers can't get enough chicken, especially when offered at a discount. READ ALSO: Ford Crosses into Fast Lane With $2 Billion Affordable EV Plan and Paramount Ponies Up $7.7 Billion to Win UFC Rights Winner, Winner, Value Chicken Dinner First things first: Amid a prolonged period of economic uncertainty, the value menu remains invaluable. But even a price war among the world's biggest restaurant chains isn't enough to keep low-income consumers coming through drive-throughs. Instead, they continue to flee fast food in favor of value grocery stores, R.J. Hottovy, head of analytical research at told The Daily Upside. In what may be a macroeconomic bellwether, Hottovy also said low-income consumers are increasingly shifting down even from value grocery chains like Aldi to cheaper convenience stores and dollar stores. Still, value remains a big driver. So much so that in its second-quarter earnings call on Friday, Wendy's said a major driver of a sales decline (that still beat analysts' expectations) was having too many promotions, which interim CEO Ken Cook said 'sent too many different messages' to customers. 'We learned that when we have too many priorities, we have none,' Cook added, before saying that Wendy's will have one top priority through the rest of the year: chicken. (McDonald's seemed to crack the code this past quarter, citing the return of its McCrispy Chicken Strips driving sales growth.) For more evidence of chicken fever, look no further than Yum's portfolio: True, not even chicken could save the colonel: Same-store sales at US Kentucky Fried Chicken locations slid 5%, as the chain continues to suffer amid increased competition from the likes of Raising Cane's and Wingstop. But Taco Bell saw US same-store sales growth of 4%, with Yum citing a new line of Crispy Chicken menu items and the reintroduction of chicken nuggets. In fact, Yum CEO David Gibbs said Taco Bell's chicken sales are up 50% in the past two years. 'Most people are reporting negative quarters. We haven't even had a negative week for Taco Bell,' Gibbs said. Extra Guac, Please: Pricier chains are facing the same pressures — and struggling. Shares of Sweetgreen plunged more than 25% on Friday after the chain lowered its profit guidance for the second consecutive quarter. Meanwhile, Chipotle experienced its second straight quarter of same-store sales declines, with CEO Scott Boatwright saying the chain needs to figure out how to 'communicate value and showcase value.' Did you catch that, Chipotle employees? To our ears, it sounds like your CEO is practically begging you to give us a scoop of guacamole on the house. This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive delivering razor sharp analysis and perspective on all things finance, economics, and markets, subscribe to our free The Daily Upside newsletter.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Taco Bell debuts Crispy Chicken Tacos, Burritos and Strips: See availability
Taco Bell's Chicken Nuggets were just the beginning as the Mexican-inspired fast food chain's crispy chicken era is here to stay with the debut of new items. Starting June 17, Crispy Chicken Tacos and Burritos will be available at locations nationwide for a limited time, the chain announced Thursday, June 12. Both items feature a Crispy Chicken Strip inside and are available with new Spicy Ranchero and Avocado Ranch sauces. "Taco Bell's obsession with its crispy chicken recipe runs so deep, one perfect spokesperson couldn't be crowned," the company wrote in a news release. "The next move was obvious: take the craveable, tortilla-coated crunch fans loved and pack it into the formats that made Taco Bell famous — Tacos and Burritos." For $2.79, the Crispy Chicken Tacos layers its new crispy strip with purple cabbage, lettuce, pico de gallo and shredded cheddar cheese. Meanwhile, the Crispy Chicken Burrito includes two strips, purple cabbage, crisp lettuce, pico de gallo and cheddar cheese for $5.49. The chain is also offering two Crispy Chicken Strips for the price of $3.99, not to be confused with its Crispy Chicken Nuggets, which debuted last December and returned in April. Taco Bell's new Spicy Ranchero Sauce fuses Anaheim and jalapeño chiles with tomatoes, garlic, and onion. The chain described its creamy Avocado Ranch Sauce as a "zesty ranch with a hint of avocado." Both sauces are priced at 60 cents when purchased on their own, or just 30 cents when added to any menu item, according to Taco Bell. The addition of the Crispy Chicken Tacos and Burritos to Taco Bell's menu comes as various chains compete in what appears to be a fast food chicken wrap battle. McDonald's is permanently bringing back its fan-favorite Snack Wrap on Thursday, July 10, nationwide, the company confirmed to USA TODAY on June 3. Popeyes, however, announced on June 2 that it will be adding Chicken Wraps to its menu for a limited time. Popeyes appeared to throw shade at McDonald's on May 30, responding to an April 15 McDonald's X post hinting at the Snack Wrap's comeback. McDonald's post from April 15 read: "snack wraps 0x.14.2025," hinting that the menu item would return on the 14th day of an unidentified month in 2025. "Chicken wraps 0x.02.2025," Popeyes wrote on May 30. Contributing: Gabe Hauari This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Taco Bell debuts Crispy Chicken Tacos, Burritos and Strips
Indianapolis Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Culver's unveils revamped chicken sandwiches. How to get one for free.
Popular fast-food chain Culver's is adding revamped chicken sandwiches to its menu, and you could get one for free. The three new sandwiches, including Crispy Chicken, Spicy Crispy Chicken, and Grilled Chicken, will be available permanently on the menu starting Monday, June 16, following a redevelopment effort by the restaurant, Culver's announced on June 10. The chicken sandwiches, which the restaurant describes as "juicier, crispier, and tastier," include a grilled or crispy chicken fillet on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise. The new recipe comes amid a battle of chicken options among other fast food joints, including McDonald's and Popeyes. It's a wrap: McDonald's, Popeye's kick off latest fast food battle "We know the love our guests have for chicken, so we wanted to give them new chicken sandwich options that are undeniably delicious,' Culver's head of culinary, Kasey McDonald, said in a statement. According to Culver's, in light of the announcement, the fast food eatery is giving away a chicken sandwich to the first 100 customers who order one on June 16 at each of its various locations across the country. 'Every little detail is improved—from the juiciness of the chicken to the soft, new brioche bun it sits on. We took our time to make sure we got these perfect," McDonald continued. "We're certain that once you taste them, you'll love them … so we're giving 100,000 of them away for free.' Culver's opened in 1984 and is based in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. It is known for its frozen custard and ButterBurgers. There are more than 1,000 locations. Earlier this month, the company announced plans to open new restaurants in several states, including Arizona, Illinois, and Tennessee. Customers looking to find the Culver's closest to them can visit Contributing: Saleen Martin, USA TODAY
Indianapolis Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Culver's unveils revamped chicken sandwiches. How to get one for free.
Popular fast-food chain Culver's is adding revamped chicken sandwiches to its menu, and you could get one for free. The three new sandwiches, including Crispy Chicken, Spicy Crispy Chicken, and Grilled Chicken, will be available permanently on the menu starting Monday, June 16, following a redevelopment effort by the restaurant, Culver's announced on June 10. The chicken sandwiches, which the restaurant describes as "juicier, crispier, and tastier," include a grilled or crispy chicken fillet on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise. The new recipe comes amid a battle of chicken options among other fast food joints, including McDonald's and Popeyes. It's a wrap: McDonald's, Popeye's kick off latest fast food battle "We know the love our guests have for chicken, so we wanted to give them new chicken sandwich options that are undeniably delicious,' Culver's head of culinary, Kasey McDonald, said in a statement. According to Culver's, in light of the announcement, the fast food eatery is giving away a chicken sandwich to the first 100 customers who order one on June 16 at each of its various locations across the country. 'Every little detail is improved—from the juiciness of the chicken to the soft, new brioche bun it sits on. We took our time to make sure we got these perfect," McDonald continued. "We're certain that once you taste them, you'll love them … so we're giving 100,000 of them away for free.' Culver's opened in 1984 and is based in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. It is known for its frozen custard and ButterBurgers. There are more than 1,000 locations. Earlier this month, the company announced plans to open new restaurants in several states, including Arizona, Illinois, and Tennessee. Customers looking to find the Culver's closest to them can visit Contributing: Saleen Martin, USA TODAY
USA Today
16-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Culver's unveils revamped chicken sandwiches. How to get one for free.
Culver's unveils revamped chicken sandwiches. How to get one for free. Popular fast-food chain Culver's is adding revamped chicken sandwiches to its menu, and you could get one for free. The three new sandwiches, including Crispy Chicken, Spicy Crispy Chicken, and Grilled Chicken, will be available permanently on the menu starting Monday, June 16, following a redevelopment effort by the restaurant, Culver's announced on June 10. The chicken sandwiches, which the restaurant describes as "juicier, crispier, and tastier," include a grilled or crispy chicken fillet on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise. The new recipe comes amid a battle of chicken options among other fast food joints, including McDonald's and Popeyes. It's a wrap: McDonald's, Popeye's kick off latest fast food battle "We know the love our guests have for chicken, so we wanted to give them new chicken sandwich options that are undeniably delicious,' Culver's head of culinary, Kasey McDonald, said in a statement. How to get a free chicken sandwich at Culver's According to Culver's, in light of the announcement, the fast food eatery is giving away a chicken sandwich to the first 100 customers who order one on June 16 at each of its various locations across the country. 'Every little detail is improved—from the juiciness of the chicken to the soft, new brioche bun it sits on. We took our time to make sure we got these perfect," McDonald continued. "We're certain that once you taste them, you'll love them … so we're giving 100,000 of them away for free.' Where are Culver's locations? Culver's opened in 1984 and is based in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. It is known for its frozen custard and ButterBurgers. There are more than 1,000 locations. Earlier this month, the company announced plans to open new restaurants in several states, including Arizona, Illinois, and Tennessee. Customers looking to find the Culver's closest to them can visit Contributing: Saleen Martin, USA TODAY Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
