Issue #14 August 1999
“America’s Hottest Chains: The QSR 50”
Just short of two years after QSR began, we unveiled The QSR 50—a ranking of the industry’s best performing chains. An early attempt at a similar ranking called America’s Hottest Chains eventually transformed into the magazine’s most- popular annual feature and chains’ litmus test for success. Like this year’s ranking, McDonald’s came out on top that first year, too, but was about 1,000 units shy of its current domestic number. Below McDonald’s, however, the rankings have been anything but consistent. There have been rises (Chick-fil-A), falls (Little Caesars), drop-outs (Round Table Pizza), and even new arrivals (Dunkin’ Donuts) each year. What remains clear is that competition in the industry is fierce and opportunities to grab new customers, more profits, and a higher ranking are always available.
Issue #30 April 2001
“Divine [& Bovine] Intervention”
This 2001 interview with Chick-fil-A CEO Truett Cathy and then president Jimmy Collins remains the most popular piece on QSRmagazine.com. Something about the story of how a regional brand reached $1 billion in sales without operating seven days a week continues to resonate with readers. In fact, any story about Chick-fil-A drives traffic. People simply want to know more about the brand. Whether it’s the faith of the Cathy family or sales figures that have long surpassed the $1 billion mark, or a mix of the two, that draws readers in, we’ll never know for sure. But with a third-generation of Cathys now involved in the business, it’s sure that the values that carried Chick-fil-A into its 40th year will remain firmly rooted.
Issue #31 May 2001
“The Total Package”
Tin foil-wrapped burgers and Styrofoam cups won’t cut it in today’s industry. Now, customers want more—more durability, more choices, and more convenience. And since 2001, the quick-serves that best answer those demands are featured in QSR’s annual Packaging Awards. From napkins to cups to trays, the fast-food industry has come to use specialty packaging as another avenue to promote brand awareness.
Although competition was thin that first year, the awards have grown to feature technology like anti-fog film on take-out boxes, easy-pour liquid containers for large groups, and even Etch-It Smart Tags that stick to the outside of drinks. Each year the awards are bigger, better, and more competitive as companies try to stay ahead of consumers’ demands and the competition.