Taco Bell Lifts Same-Store Sales 7% as McDonald's Gains 1.3% on Discounts Alone
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 11
Taco Bell Lifts Same-Store Sales 7% as McDonald's Gains 1.3% on Discounts Alone
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 11
Summary
Taco Bell posted a 7% same-store sales increase in the quarter, far outpacing McDonald's 1.3% global comparable-sales gain as U.S. fast-food demand stayed pressured.
Its $5, $7 and $9 meal boxes drew budget-conscious diners, but new menu items, clearer value and smoother execution helped lift spending beyond entry-level deals.
McDonald's said loyal customers drove about two-thirds of its traffic shortfall, with CEO Chris Kempczinski blaming execution rather than the value strategy itself.
Wendy's and Wingstop showed the limits of heavy promotions: Wendy's U.S. same-restaurant sales fell 7% and it withdrew guidance, while Wingstop's U.S. same-store sales dropped 7.5% despite $1 wings.
Burger King, Domino's and Chipotle also suggested the broader lesson from the quarter: value still matters, but convenience, product quality and menu innovation now matter just as much.