Three big US restaurant chains report Q3: Starbucks comps up 7.7%, McDonald’s US comps down 0.2%
According to JETRO, three major US restaurant chains reported July–September 2026 results. Starbucks’ US same-store sales rose 7.7%, Chipotle’s total sales rose 9.6% to $3.3 billion, and McDonald’s total sales grew just 1.0%, below market expectations.
Key points
- McDonald’s: total sales $7.157 billion (+1.0% y/y, below the $7.29 billion expected); US same-store sales −0.2%
- Starbucks: US same-store sales +7.7% (expected +6.5%); 1,700+ North American stores remodelled; operating margin about 14%
- Chipotle: total sales +9.6% to $3.3 billion, same-store sales +2.1%; low-income spending growth outpaced high-income for the first time in 2026
Background
Reportedly, McDonald’s has spent two years in a discounting race to win back price-weary consumers. It is now promoting value bundles and relaunching promotions in its app to bring back frequent visitors. Net profit rose 9.0% to $2.486 billion.
What it means for shops
Even in the same market, chains built on discounts and chains built on remodels, operations and limited-time menus are posting different results. For restaurants in Japan, it is a hint to create reasons to visit through experience and limited menus, not discounts alone.
What shops should do
- Review discount campaigns by customer count, average spend and profit
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Summaries are written by Seiichi Studio based on the original releases. Always check the source for the exact details.