In recent years, McDonald’s and Wendy’s have renovated their respective chains, seemingly from top to bottom, in an effort to stay relevant while fast-casual restaurant chains like Chipotle grow in both market share and popularity.
Despite restaurant industry sales forecasts that surpass $680 billion this year – nearly $100 billion more than in 2010 – fast food chains are less optimistic than fast-casual chains on their own outlook. Only 29% of fast food restaurants predict an increase in sales over 2013, while 55% of fast-casual restaurants do.
As McDonald’s and Wendy’s continue along with their restaurant renovations and brand reimaging improvements, are they becoming less and less fast food options?