Quick-service restaurants have continued upgrading coffee offerings as consumers’ tastes for the drink mature. Nation’s Restaurant News reports that QSRs have been responding to the Third-Wave coffee movement and younger generations’ demand for upscale coffee by offering or expanding premium coffee options. McDonald’s, Burger King and Chick-fil-A are among many QSRs upping their coffee game. Starbucks, meanwhile, has introduced a Third-Wave coffee technique called cold brew, along with its offering of coconut milk and new espresso drink, the Flat White.
VendingMarketWatch reported last year that McDonald’s is counting on the popularity of its McCafé brand to drive coffee sales outside of the restaurant and Chick-fil-A® will start serving specialty- grade coffee in restaurants using the standards of the Specialty Coffee Association of American (SCAA) . Meanwhile, Third-Wave and local coffee roasters provide an opportunity for OCS operators to compete with QSRs by becoming distributors and/or offering a local roast for loyal brand followers.
