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August 2019: Chicken feathers flew, QSR sales grew

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September 11, 2019

Consumer spending on restaurants was up in August this year over last, according to the NPD Group, which said QSRs were the main recipients of the increased patronage, reporting same-store sales up a smile-inducing 4.4% during the month, according to a release. 

Specific to QSR chains, NPD said overall restaurant transactions were positive for throughout the month, though the full-service segment of casual and midscale/family chains remained relatively soft compared to a year ago. 

The launch of a new chicken sandwich in mid-August and the subsequent Twitter-centered "food fight" helped drive even more attention to the QSR segment's already infinitely popular chicken sandwich offerings. NPD Group said that although chicken-centered chains like Popeyes and Chick-fil-A profited from the feud, some burger chains lost out in all the hubbub. 

"Warmer weather, vacations, and a slower pace have historically made summer a stronger season for the restaurant industry," NPD Food Industry Adviser David Portalatin, said in the release. "You add the excitement of a chicken sandwich battle and social media feud, and you've got an even greater gain in transactions — albeit temporary."