Demand for crispy french fries has gotten a tad soggy

Oct 21, 2024
Lamb Weston, the Idaho-based maker of frozen potato products, has been struggling as of late.
The Idaho-based supplier of McDonald's french fries saw its stock price drop more than 30% at one point this year.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

For this fast-food chain, rural Southern towns are the special

Sep 13, 2024
Unlike most fast-food chains, Jack's Family Restaurants has made its mark in a handful of rural regions, boosting public coffers there.
Jack's Family Restaurants has created a large footprint in rural communities.
Getty Images

Are McDonald’s collector cups worth more than the liquid assets inside?

Aug 27, 2024
McDonald's has released multiple cup collections over the years. We spoke to a memorabilia expert on whether you should buy, sell or hold.
McDonald's has released Collector's Edition Cups that feature characters like Grimace, Hello Kitty, Shrek and Barbie.
McDonald's USA, LLC

California's fast-food workers got a big pay hike. Franchise owners say they're struggling.

Aug 19, 2024
The state's $20-an-hour mandate pressures some outlets to raise prices and risk turning away low-income customers.
Jaylene Loubet, a McDonald’s cashier and fast-food worker advocate, says the pay boost helps cover her family's expenses.
Megan Jamerson/KCRW

Senate advances bills that boost privacy and safety for kids

Jul 26, 2024
The legislation would force tech companies to do more to prevent harm. Subscribe to get the "Make Me Smart" newsletter every Friday!
Getty Images

Fast-food chains may need to offer more value meals to lure customers

May 13, 2024
McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut have reported soft sales as customers reject inflated prices. That means franchises have to get creative.
Fast-food restaurants hope that meal deals will bring back patrons who feel that eating out has become too expensive.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The days of free refills may be over

May 13, 2024
McDonald’s announced that it would phase out its self-service machines by the end of 2032. More restaurants may follow suit.
Self-serve refill machines will be phased out at McDonald's by 2032.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

As drive-thrus get bigger, some cities aren't lovin' it

Apr 18, 2024
The rise of online ordering drives restaurant chains to build more drive-thrus, but traffic and walkability concerns have led to bans.
Cars swarm the drive-thrus at a CosMc's in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The brand, owned by McDonald's, only serves customers in drive-thru lanes.
Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images

How fast casual restaurants pick new locations

Apr 16, 2024
"There's a lot of science and a little bit of art" involved in finding the perfect place, a Chipotle executive says.
Shake Shack has cracked the code on scouting locations, says hospitality consultant Talia Berman.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Teens have "kept the economy going," and their workforce numbers show it

"About 37% of teens worked last year," says Abha Bhattarai of The Washington Post. "These teens are really excited," employers tell her.
Teen employment reached a 14-year high in 2023, according to the Labor Department.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images