When you run a fast food restaurant, you're operating in one of the most competitive, constantly evolving industries out there, and you're always fighting to stay on top of the trends.
At Hitchcock Farms, we know how important it is to keep your menu and messaging current.
From tech tools to health fads, in this blog, we're sharing the marketing strategies that will drive fast food sales in 2026.
What's Transforming the Fast Food Industry Today
Digital Ordering
Diners in search of a quick and casual meal love placing mobile orders for pick-up or ordering at in-store kiosks.
In 2025, mobile orders made up 60% of all digital restaurant transactions. Quick-service restaurants made 75% of their sales from online and phone orders.
It's efficient, it allows guests to customize their orders, and it streamlines operations for the restaurants.
Not only do diners enjoy placing contactless orders, but they also buy more food when they do so.
One digital ordering platform reported that their clients saw an increase of 25% to 40% in customers' baskets after adopting their ordering system.
The message is clear: If you're not offering contactless ordering, you're already falling behind.
Premium Offerings
Fast food is meant to be quick and easy, but that doesn't mean that quality needs to suffer.
In 2026, expect to see a growing demand for premium menu items like artisanal breads and cheeses, and housemade sauces and dressings.
Rising food costs have caused many consumers to scale back on eating out.
Quick-service restaurants have the unique opportunity to win over customers by offering premium menu items for a fraction of the cost of a fine dining establishment.
Health-conscious consumers also have a growing interest in personalization.
Diners love to build their own protein bowls and salads to craft their ideal balance of macros and flavors.
Local Focus
In 2026, we'll see a continued interest in sustainability and community.
One way that quick-service restaurants are embracing sustainability is by partnering with local vendors and farms, such as Hitchcock Farms.
Not only does this reduce shipping needs, but it keeps money in the local economy, which sustainably minded diners love.
Fresh Marketing Ideas for Your Fast Food Restaurant
1. Offer hidden deals with QR code menus
Combine 2026's digital ordering craze with consumers' love of personalization by providing QR codes with hidden deals and discounts.
Include codes on receipts to turn one-time visitors into loyal diners.
2. Introduce an AI chatbot for order customization
AI is rapidly advancing, and conversational AI is an incredible resource for fast food restaurants.
If your restaurant isn't ready to introduce AI at a drive-thru, consider adding an AI chatbot to your website to help customers place orders or troubleshoot issues.
3. Develop a loyalty app with gamification
Consumers in 2026 want good deals above almost anything else.
Introduce an app that rewards your diners' loyalty by offering points, badges, or leaderboards.
This will keep your guests engaged and give them the rush of knowing that they're getting a deal.
4. Run a UGC campaign
User-generated content is one of the best ways to generate local buzz around your restaurant.
Assess which social media platform your restaurant performs best on, and encourage your followers to submit photos, videos, or text posts about their dining experience.
5. Cycle through seasonal menus
A rotating menu of seasonal favorites is an excellent way to keep diners engaged and showcase the freshest produce.
Incorporate in-season produce, and feature menu items centered around holidays or current trends.
6. Lean on nostalgia
Nostalgia marketing works in practically every industry. It connects with people on a personal level in a way that few other strategies can.
Bring back an old favorite menu item for a limited time, or create an ad campaign with a retro theme.
Combine classic favorites with new twists to keep your menu exciting while reminiscing on the past.
7. Offer discount days
Consumers love getting a bargain, so themed discount days are the perfect strategy for growing a dedicated base of loyal, budget-friendly diners.
Let kids eat for free on Wednesdays, or offer dollar drinks on Thursdays.
Advertise your discount days on social media and on your website so that customers can plan their visits.
8. Collaborate with local vendors
People are craving a sense of community in 2026, and supporting local businesses is a great way for consumers to feel connected.
Collaborate with nearby farms, breweries, butchers, or other vendors to emphasize your local roots.
Include your ingredient sourcing on your menu, so diners know exactly where their meals came from.
9. Get involved with local programs
Create a sense of goodwill among your guests by partnering with youth sports teams, clubs, or other community programs for a one-night fundraiser.
When diners come in to support the fundraiser, the organization gets a percentage of your sales.
You can also get the word out about your restaurant by sponsoring a local team, program, or community event.
By connecting with these local programs, you'll reach busy families and build returns that extend beyond immediate revenue to long-term customer loyalty.
11. Develop eye-catching menus and signs
It's no secret that attention spans have dwindled, and people are distracted by their phones in 2026.
To attract new customers, your restaurant needs to stand out from the rest.
Design an eye-catching logo and sign for your restaurant, and make sure your website is clear, concise, and easy to navigate.
12. Get creative with your food presentation
Innovative food presentations can generate interest on social media, especially when posted by your customers.
Develop menu items that not only taste great, but also catch the eye of curious diners.
13. Create packaging that pops
For fast food restaurants, packaging is another opportunity to tell your brand's story.
Instead of generic paper bags or takeout containers, use branded packaging that sets your kitchen apart from the rest.
Here to Help You Thrive
Here at Hitchcock Farms, we're proud to offer premium produce to a wide variety of commercial kitchens.
From fast casual restaurants to high-end establishments, we strive to offer the very best.
We're excited to see what you'll accomplish in the new year and look forward to partnering with you to deliver the quality produce your restaurant needs.
FAQ
How can small fast-food businesses market on a budget?
Social media is one of the most effective and budget-friendly marketing tools, especially if you manage it yourself.
Discounts, deals, and loyalty promotions can also help you expand your customer base without much up-front investment.
What metrics should I track to know if my fast food marketing is working?
Online engagement and reviews are great metrics to track when trying to develop a loyal customer base.
You can also track the total number of orders and the average value of an order to assess the success of your marketing strategy.
What are common mistakes in fast food marketing?
One of the biggest mistakes local restaurants make is failing to engage with their customers.
If a diner leaves a review or comments on your social media, respond to it. Consumers like to see that there are humans behind the operation of any business, especially a local eatery.
Another common mistake is poor or inconsistent branding. Your restaurant should have a clear identity both in-person and online, including logos, colors, and the tone of your messaging.
