McDonald’s, Burger King and Taco Bell Beat Expectations with Strong Q1 2026 Same-Store Sales Growth

U.S. same-store sales growth in the first quarter of 2026 as value menus helped them gain share from cost-conscious diners even as lower-income households cut back visits. S.

9% in Q1 2026. The company attributed its Q1 2026 same-store sales growth to Extra Value Meals and McValue menus. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski warned on May 8, 2026 that elevated gas prices will disproportionately impact low-income consumers.

Fast food visits from households earning $45,000 or less are continuing to decline. 8% in Q1 2026. 8% was roughly double analyst expectations of about 3%.

99 King Junior Meal. 5% in Q1 2026. Yum Brands reported Taco Bell same-store sales growth of 8% in Q1 2026.

Taco Bell’s Q1 2026 same-store sales growth was largely due to its Luxe Value Menu. Yum Brands CEO Chris Turner said the company is planning on adopting Taco Bell’s value playbook across its other brands. 7% year-over-year in Q1 2026.

Wingstop management cited rising fuel prices that stressed the balance sheet of the lower-income consumer. 5% in 2026 after it cut prices on Lay's, Tostitos, Doritos and Cheetos by as much as 15% in February 2026. 8% year-over-year in Q1 2026.

Wendy’s chief accounting officer Suzie Thuerk said the company is performing better with the higher income consumer than the lower income consumer. S. 8 in April 2026.

One-third of University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey respondents in May 2026 cited gas prices due to the Iran War. 30% of University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey respondents in May 2026 mentioned President Donald Trump’s tariffs.