McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell and Starbucks post strong first-quarter sales
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 7
McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell and Starbucks post strong first-quarter sales
4 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 7
The results came as US petrol prices reached $4.56 a gallon after a 35% rise in March, easing fears the Iran war would quickly curb restaurant spending.
Analysts said first-quarter figures captured only one month of higher fuel costs, so pressure on lower-income diners may become clearer by late May if pump prices keep rising.
Some weakness has already appeared elsewhere: Domino's missed estimates, with same-store US sales up just 0.9%, suggesting consumer budgets may tighten as the conflict enters its third month.
Are wealthy diners masking a fast-food collapse as lower-income customers stay home?
Domino's sales have plummeted. Is the entire fast-food industry about to follow?
As costs rise, are cheap meal deals a winning strategy or a path to ruin for chains?