Core Insights - McDonald's Corporation is leveraging the return of the MONOPOLY promotion as a strategic tool to drive traffic and enhance digital engagement in the fiscal fourth quarter [2][4] - The reintroduction of MONOPOLY in the U.S. is aimed at increasing app downloads and user engagement, marking a significant digital-first approach [2][8] - Early results indicate that MONOPOLY has become a major digital customer acquisition event, significantly boosting app activity and expanding the user base [3][5] Digital Engagement and Promotions - The MONOPOLY promotion is designed to align with McDonald's U.S. value reset, running alongside the relaunch of Extra Value Meals to attract new app users [4][8] - The promotion is expected to contribute positively to U.S. comparable sales growth, despite not impacting third-quarter results [4][8] - Digital engagement through promotions like MONOPOLY allows McDonald's to personalize value offerings and improve visit frequency without relying solely on price discounts [5] Stock Performance and Valuation - McDonald's shares have increased by 9.6% over the past year, contrasting with a 6.3% decline in the industry [6] - The company's forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple stands at 8.06, significantly higher than the industry average of 3.29 [10] - Projections indicate a 9.6% rise in McDonald's earnings per share for 2026, while competitors like Sweetgreen and Chipotle are expected to see increases of 15.5% and 4.7%, respectively [14]

Propelling modern Chinese cuisine in Singapore to the world stageSINGAPORE, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Helmed by leading tastemaker Executive Chinese Chef Edward Chong, Peach Blossoms celebrates yet another triumphant year, bringing home debut wins and a run of top honours at major culinary awards on the world stage. Rising from critical acclaim to global recognition, Chef Edward Chong elevates Singapore’s modern Chinese Cuisine with quiet confidence and authority.This year, Peach Blossoms proudly makes ...

Popular Italian Chain Continues Arizona Growth with New Surprise Location LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fazoli’s, a portfolio company of FAT Brands Inc. and America’s beloved fast and fresh Italian chain, officially announces the opening of its fourth restaurant in the greater Phoenix area. Located at 13510 N. Litchfield Road in Surprise, the all-new drive-thru restaurant features all the fan-favorites, including classics such as Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Baked Spaghetti with Meatballs, ...

Financial Performance - Total sales reached $3.1 billion, reflecting a 7.3% increase[10] - Same-restaurant sales grew by 4.3%[10] - Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $466 million[10] - Adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.08[10] Margin Analysis - Food and beverage expenses accounted for 31.1% of sales, a decrease of 90 basis points compared to the prior year[13] - Restaurant labor expenses represented 32.2% of sales, a decrease of 10 basis points compared to the prior year[13] - Restaurant expenses accounted for 16.4% of sales, a decrease of 10 basis points compared to the prior year[13] - Marketing expenses accounted for 1.6% of sales, an increase of 10 basis points compared to the prior year[13] Fiscal Year 2026 Outlook - The company projects total sales growth of 8.5% to 9.3%, which includes approximately 2% total sales growth for the extra week[19, 20] - Same-restaurant sales growth is expected to be between 3.5% and 4.3%[19] - Adjusted diluted net earnings per share are projected to be $10.50 to $10.70[19]

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced its first-ever High Protein Menu that will roll out in the U.S. and Canada on Tuesday, December 23. The curated menu features a High Protein Cup with fresh grilled, hand-cut Adobo Chicken at 32 grams of protein, meeting consumer demand for a quick protein-packed snack. Chipotle's popular Adobo Chicken is humanely raised and never given antibiotics, so the menu makes it easy to enjoy clean, high protein op ...

Core Insights - Darden Restaurants reported an increase in fiscal second-quarter sales and profit, indicating strong performance despite external pressures [1] - The company raised its full-year sales-growth guidance, reflecting confidence in its business outlook [1] - Darden successfully managed to mitigate the impact of rising beef prices on its operations [1] Financial Performance - The fiscal second-quarter sales and profit figures were higher compared to previous periods, showcasing robust financial health [1] - The specific numerical data regarding sales and profit growth was not detailed in the provided content [1] Future Outlook - Darden's decision to raise its full-year sales-growth guidance suggests an optimistic view of market conditions and consumer demand [1] - The company appears well-positioned to navigate challenges in the industry, particularly those related to commodity price fluctuations [1]

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) updated its fiscal 2026 financial outlook, which includes a 53rd week. The updated outlook includes the impact of the additional week. Total sales growth is projected in a range of 8.5% to 9.3%, including approximately 2% growth related to the 53rd week. Same-restaurant sales growth is expected in a range of 3.5% to 4.3%. The company expects adjusted net earnings per share from continuing operations of $10.50 to $10.70, including: approximately $0.20 related to the addition o ...

Core Insights - Darden Restaurants reported strong sales growth driven by demand at Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse [1][2] - The company raised its full-year revenue growth outlook for fiscal 2026 to 8.5% to 9.3% while maintaining its earnings projections [1] - Fiscal second-quarter net income increased to $237.2 million, or $2.03 per share, compared to $215.1 million, or $1.82 per share, a year earlier [2] Financial Performance - Excluding restaurant closure costs and acquisition-related expenses, the adjusted earnings per share were $2.08 [2] - Net sales rose by 7.3% to reach $3.1 billion [2] - The company's shares rose more than 4% in premarket trading following the earnings report [2]

US drive-through coffee chain 7 Brew has appointed Matthew Dunnigan as its new chief financial officer (CFO), as it continues to scale its footprint across the country. Dunnigan will report directly to CEO John Davidson. Dunnigan stated: “After a decade evaluating and building several leading restaurant brands, 7 Brew’s growth potential and franchisee returns stand out as among the most compelling I’ve seen. “Anchored by its authentic mission to cultivate kindness in every community it serves, 7 Brew i ...

What are the key issues facing McDonald's in 2026?The stock market has been volatile this year, including a swoon in March and April after the Trump administration announced tariffs. However, equities have bounced back, with the S&P 500 (^GSPC 1.16%) up 16.1% through Dec. 12.Turning to individual stocks, it's a good time to review how they've done and what to look for in 2026. Turning to ubiquitous fast-food chain McDonald's (MCD +1.33%), it has been an eventful year.It's time to take a look back at how McD ...