Insights

New Unit Investment

New Unit Investment Report provides average building cost estimate details (excluding land) for the $1B+ Chains in addition to new store ROI, franchisor incentives, franchise fees and new prototypes.

Dunkin’s famous coffee, donuts & munchkins are legendary in core Northeast markets and the Dunkin’ way (get in, get out & get on your way) is consistent with its famous “America runs on Dunkin'” tagline. Dunkin’ is progressing in its strategy to execute a more upscale repositioning, allowing the chain to tap into the purchasing power of a new, younger clientele to layer onto a stream of sales from the brand’s core base of middle America.

KFC 2023

KFC is a leader in traditional hand-breaded, bone-in Southern fried chicken with considerable brand equity around its Original Recipe seasoning and Extra Crispy option. While KFC’s efforts to improve its relevancy are bearing fruit, the chain must currently deal with material inflationary pressures around chicken prices that are stressing core customers.

Jersey Mike’s 2023

Jersey Mike’s is well positioned to continue its outperformance given a reasonably healthy economy by leveraging its core equities around off-premise, a compelling quality/service positioning, a brand commitment to give back to its customers as well as its communities and effective digital/loyalty marketing efforts.

Pizza Hut 2023

Pizza Hut enjoys substantial scale and strong brand equity as the 2nd largest national player in the $1B+ chain pizza segment by domestic system sales.

Remodel 2022

Remodel data and analysis on 50+ national chains, including: (1) remodel progress/system condition; (2) investment costs; (3) post remodel sales increases; (4) franchisor remodel incentives; and (5) program scope.

Carl’s Jr. 2022

While Carl’s Jr. is building upon its positioning as a purveyor of tasty burgers, the chain remains challenged to meet the growing demand for value in a tough economic environment given elevated operating costs associated with its West Coast orientation.

Wingstop 2022

While Wingstop enjoys strong positioning and adept execution around an extremely popular menu item (propelling the chain into the big league), its progress is dependent on mitigating volatile wing costs which is key given the brand’s orientation towards a lower-income demo in a challenging macro environment.

Hardee’s 2022

While Hardee’s has improved its relevancy around its brand positioning, the need to strengthen its value positioning may still be required to drive its top and bottom lines.