What you need to know
The COVID-19 pandemic hit the restaurant industry hard, forcing restaurants to ban dine-in traffic across nearly all US states and shift toward takeout and delivery. However, QSRs are arguably in the best position to handle the sudden influx of off-premise traffic. The technology investments many operators made to improve online ordering, delivery, and drive-thru experiences pre-pandemic will be important during and after the pandemic as diners look for fast and safe meals. The segment will also benefit from its focus on value, comfort food, and consistency, areas diners are gravitating toward now, more than ever. Looking ahead, fast food operators will need to emphasize all of these factors, especially in an impending recession where budgets are tight and retail food options create stronger competition.
Key issues covered in this Report
The impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior and the QSR market
How the market will fare in the post-COVID-19 slowdown
Drive-thrus see increased legal bans
How Gen Zs and Millennials are driving the shift of fast food consumption to off-premise
This Report was written March 13–April 6, 2020, and updated on April 28, 2020 with the COVID-19 implications.
Definition
This Report covers industry trends, consumer attitudes, preferences and behaviors surrounding QSRs. This Report builds on the analysis presented in Quick Service Restaurants – US, May 2019.
For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definition:
QSRs – Used interchangeably with “fast food,” QSRs specialize in inexpensive, convenient meals that are less expensive than those available at fast casuals. There is typically no waiter service and no alcoholic beverages. Examples include: McDonald’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Pizza Hut.
