There were lots of shakeups in the fast food industry this week. Jersey Mike’s Subs is expanding its international footprint, Flippy the fast food robot finds its way into new restaurant chains, and your nearest 7-Eleven might soon offer tacos at a drive-thru. Read on for all the top fast food news of the week for January 15-19, 2024.
Convenience stores have been upping their game, blurring the lines between fast food and “gas station” food in recent years. 7-Eleven has just taken a major step in potentially transforming its reputation as a convenience store chain into a full-blown restaurant business by fully acquiring Laredo Taco Company, trade publication CSP Daily News reports. - Angela L. Pagán Read More
The worldwide frenzy for smash burgers doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon, and for good reason: It’s just a delicious, practical way to enjoy a burger, and the food science backs that up. Surprisingly, even Jack in the Box has capitalized on the moment by rolling out its brand-new Smashed Jack and Bacon Double Smashed Jack burger for a limited time only. - Danny Palumbo Read More
People tend to get pretty upset when their favorite fast food items get taken away. So that’s why when Arby’s Potato Cakes were quietly discontinued in 2021, we understood the sentiment behind the collective groan across the internet. But thankfully, not everything that heads to the fast food graveyard is destined to stay at rest forever. - Dennis Lee Read More
We may be just a few weeks into the new year, but already a robot is making more professional progress than most New Year’s resolutioners. Do you remember Flippy, the burger-flipping robotic arm? Well, Restaurant Business reports that Flippy has stepped beyond the fryer and is set to debut an upgrade that could bring its expertise into even more restaurant chains this year. - Angela L. Pagán Read More
If you didn’t already associate Subway with footlong foods, the sandwich chain is making sure you will now. Subway has announced the introduction of a whole new menu category, Sidekicks, which includes a footlong cookie, footlong churro, and footlong pretzel. Why should sandwiches have all the fun? - Angela L. Pagán Read More
Fast-growing American sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s is making some big moves by inking a major deal in Canada. This marks the first significant expansion of Jersey Mike’s into an international market. With all those new locations, what can we expect from the brand in the coming months? - Dennis Lee Read More