The restaurant industry is slowly recovering post pandemic. QSRs, with a lower price point and ease of service, remains a favorite dining segment. We looked at the most-clicked news stories on QSRweb in 2023 and here's what we found:

  1. A&W opens location in a South Carolina Walmart

Back in February, we ran a brief about an A&W opening in the Rock Hill, South Carolina-based Walmart. It was the first A&W location to open with the supercenter.

"We believe the Carolinas have the capacity to house several more additional successful restaurants. We are excited about our new franchise partner and that we have been able to help him achieve his dream of opening multiple A&W restaurants," John Palumbo, A&W's senior director of franchise development, said in a press release. "For over 100 years, the A&W brand has resonated with so many Americans across this great country and Rock Hill is no different. This is only the tip of the Root Beer Float for A&W in South Carolina!"

  1. Jack in the Box opens 1st Kentucky unit, inks deal for 6 more in state

Jack in the Box opened its first restaurant in Kentucky in October. The restaurant, located in Louisville, was the brand's second new market within three months, joining Salt Lake City.

"We're pleased to announce the opening of our first Jack in the Box location in the state of Kentucky. This marks a significant milestone for our brand as we continue to expand our presence across the country," Tim Linderman, chief development officer, said in a press release. "With strong consumer appeal for our iconic brand, we know that there is pent-up demand for Jack in the Box in Kentucky."

  1. A&W to expand Wisconsin footprint

A&W Restaurants opened in Altoona, Wisconsin, in January. Franchisees Dee and John Wells also own two other A&W locations and planned a fourth in Cadott, Wisconsin, by the end of May.

"My personal goal is to have 10 restaurants by the time I retire," Dee Wells said in a press release. "If my new locations do well in the future, I will continue to expand in those areas. This is a brand I can see my family being involved in even after I retire, so I want to set them up for success."

  1. McDonald's to replace self-serve beverages

In September, McDonald's announced it would be reducing the number of self-serve beverage stations in dining rooms across the U.S. by 2032. Drinks will be poured by employees behind the counter.

Stores in Illinois had already begun the transition when the news hit.

  1. Checkers reopens 1st of 4 updated units on Long Island

Checkers announced the reopening of a restaurant in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York. It was the first of four re-openings taking place across Long Island. The location is owned by franchisees Manjit Singh and Paramjit Josan, and marks their tenth Checkers location. The restaurant is scheduled to be open seven days a week.

  1. Roy Rogers to open in Northern Kentucky

Roy Rogers Restaurants opened a store in June in Florence, Kentucky. It was the state's first Roy Rogers and the first of two expected in Kentucky. Roy Rogers formerly had a restaurant in front of the Florence Mall in 1985.

"We want to bring Roys back to Northern Kentucky, and Florence is the home of our long-time, very popular Skyline restaurant," Gary Holland, One Holland Corp. restaurant group CEO and founder, said in a press release. "We scouted this corner several months ago, it's well positioned, convenient to the retail hub and area businesses. Soon the community will be enjoying Roy's famous burgers, roast beef and fried chicken, and of course, the Fixins Bar."

  1. Sonic Releases Shortcake Snowball Slush Float

In May, the Strawberry Shortcake Snowball Slush Float featured a blend of real strawberries and a sweet shortcake flavor all swirled into Sonic's signature icy Slush. The slush is then topped with vanilla ice cream and sugary crystals to provide a unique texture and satisfying crunch reminiscent of an actual snowball.

"So many guests remember the feeling of enjoying a strawberry shortcake in the summertime, and our new Strawberry Shortcake Snowball Slush Float is reminiscent of that, but with an innovative twist," Mackenzie Gibson, VP of culinary and menu Innovation at Sonic, said in a press release. "The swirl of real strawberries with the icy shortcake Slush provides a delicious respite from the summer heat, while the ice cream topped with snow crystals provides a creamy and crunchy contrast for an unexpectedly fun eating experience. This Snowball Slush Float is the perfect summertime treat to sip on while road tripping, heading to the beach or barbecuing with family."

  1. Subway unveils Pickleball Club sandwich

Subway's release of the Pickleball Club was a homage to the rising popularity of the game. The sandwich showcases two of Subway's newest ingredients: a new honey mustard and thicker, crunchier dill pickles. The sandwich is topped with Black Forest ham, double the American cheese, hickory smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and red onions on Subway's Artisan Italian bread.

"Subway is as excited as I am about the Pickleball Slam, but also how much fun it is to learn the game and be a part of Pickleball culture," Andy Roddick, the former world No. 1 tennis player and 2003 U.S. Open Winner, said in a press release. Roddick helped promote Subway's sponsorship of the Pickleball Slam, which took place on April 2. "Whether you're a regular in the kitchen or have never even seen a pickleball court, the all-new Pickleball Club has the perfect mix of Subway signature crave and delicious ingredients to keep things fresh."

  1. Jack in the Box to launch meal designed by celeb Snoop Dogg

The meal, designed by the rapper and cooking celeb, featured a Spicy Sauced and Loaded Chicken Sandwich, a classic taco, medium Curly Fries, a baked brownie and a drink. It was available from June 12 to Aug. 6.

  1. Taco John's reopens Rapid City, South Dakota location

Taco John's reopened its Rapid City, South Dakota, restaurant in October. What started as a trailer without a dining room or drive-thru has evolved to a new building next door.

"This will allow us to continue to provide the best possible customer experience for the next 50 years," Lisa Williams, general manager at the location, said in the release.

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