Fast-food restaurant sales slump as more people eat at home

Fast-food giants like Yum! Brands, Starbucks, and McDonald's are experiencing a slump in sales as more consumers opt to eat at home due to economic pressures and other factors. Yum! Brands reported a 3% drop in same-store sales in the first quarter, with Pizza Hut and KFC seeing declines, while Taco Bell recorded a slight increase. Starbucks noted a 4% decrease in global comparable store sales, attributed to fewer customer visits and economic concerns.

McDonald's, however, saw a modest rise in sales, up 1.9%, despite broader consumer spending pressures affecting the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. The trend reflects a shift in consumer behavior, with a focus on value and savings leading many to dine at home more frequently. This shift is impacting major QSR brands globally, prompting them to emphasize promotions and value deals to attract customers.