Financing

A deep look at the fast-food chicken sandwich wars

In this week’s episode of the RB podcast “A Deeper Dive,” editors Jonathan Maze and Patricia Cobe discuss the chicken sandwich wars.

Fast-food chains are gung-ho for chicken sandwiches these days.

This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast “A Deeper Dive” explores why. Patricia Cobe, RB’s menu editor, discusses the industry’s sudden fascination with upgraded chicken sandwiches and why.

Numerous chains have upgraded their chicken sandwiches lately, including giants like Wendy’s, McDonald’s and KFC, all in a bid to compete with Chick-fil-A and Popeyes. Cobe tells us about how many chains have upgraded their chicken sandwiches.

But there’s a reason for this fascination. These sandwiches mean real dollars for the concepts themselves—both Popeyes and Chick-fil-A have thrived with their versions, forcing other chains to work to replicate that success.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Leadership

Restaurants bring the industry's concerns to Congress

Neary 600 operators made their case to lawmakers as part of the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference.

Financing

Podcast transcript: Virtual Dining Brands co-founder Robbie Earl

A Deeper Dive: What is the future of digital-only concepts? Earl discusses their work to ensure quality and why focusing on restaurant delivery works.

Financing

In the fast-casual sector, Chipotle laps Panera Bread

The Bottom Line: The two fast-casual restaurant pioneers have diverged over the past five years, as the burrito chain has thrived while Panera hit a wall. Here's why.

Trending

More from our partners