Fast-food chains' success during the pandemic have helped meatpackers regain lost restaurant sales, Bloomberg reports. Industry insiders have been keeping a close eye on the sandwich wars. Steve Crichlow, the founder of Compass Restaurant Consulting, wrote in a November report that increased competition will affect Popeyes' "domination of the chicken sandwich market. For comparison, Popeyes tops sandwiches with mayo, as do most fast-food chicken sandwiches. McDonald's will begin testing the new menu item — which they say could be used in burgers, breakfast sandwiches and other items — in select regions globally in 2021 before a … The company announced Tuesday in a series of separate statements that, along with its franchisees, it plans to invest $6 billion in total to modernize most of its U.S. units by 2020. ... McDonald's plans to further develop these areas in their new strategic growth plan. Easterbrook has a solid plan and shareholders have every reason to believe in his vision, but getting from stability to Experience of the Future almost certainly contains problems as yet unseen. ET First Published: Jan. 6, 2021 at 2:11 p.m. The fast-food giant appears set to launch three chicken sandwiches, made with a new "thicker and juicier" chicken fillet, on February 24, McDonald's confirmed. McDonald’s is looking to reduce the size of its carbon footprint by changing up the way it packages the Big Mac, fries and other food items. Except for the deluxe option, the new crispy chicken sandwiches will be served in a foil bag - a presentation style that Popeyes and Chick-fil-A use, but that McDonald's has previously eschewed. ET Chicken-breast prices are at five-year highs, according to FreightWaves' newsletter The Stockout, reaching $3.41 per pound. "Millions of people have been coming back for the chicken sandwich, but it's been really exciting to still see a significant number of first-time purchasers in Q3.". McDonald's to debut 'McPlant' in 2021, ... producers have been closely watching McDonald's plans as it is one of the few national chains yet ... a year ago and plans to give more in the future. According to Mason Smoot, McDonald’s USA chief restaurant officer, the company plans to open side-by-side order lanes and three drive-thru windows so that the service can cater to … McDonald's is taking a clear aim at Chick-fil-A in the 2021 chicken-sandwich wars, an internal memo viewed by Business Insider shows. KFC US Chief Marketing Officer Andrea Zahumensky said at the time in a press release. ", "From what we have tested and heard (excluding McDonald's version), we expect Wendy's to have the biggest impact," Crichlow wrote. McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) CEO Steve Easterbrook has succeeded in his efforts to turn his company's once-flagging fortunes around. In addition, it has introduced new buns that do not contain high-fructose corn syrup and it has removed artificial preservatives from its Chicken McNuggets. All of this is a bit of a tightrope for the company. Here's everything we know about the looming fast-food battle. Those are great numbers and encouraging results, but the CEO made a point that even if the ship has been righted, it will still need to be steered in different directions. The chain reveals plans to temporarily increase technology fees, and ends $300 a month Happy Meal subsidy McDonald’s tells franchisees to expect new fee charges in 2021 | Nation's … McDonald's will launch three chicken sandwiches in February as it tries to reach new customers with more poultry on its menu.. As a private company, it is difficult to know how Chick-fil-A has fared financially in 2020 - but, as one of the industry leaders in drive-thru technology, it is likely thriving in the pandemic. Aside from the continued evolution of its food toward using healthier, more natural ingredients, McDonald's plans to change its in-store experience. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. In its most recent quarter, the company saw global sales increase by 3.5%, operating income rise by 7%, and earnings per share (EPS) increase by 9% in constant currencies. Founded in 1993 by brothers Tom and David Gardner, The Motley Fool helps millions of people attain financial freedom through our website, podcasts, books, newspaper column, radio show, and premium investing services. He pointed out that the company has already taken some big steps toward improving its food. Here's everything we know about the looming fast-food battle. 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