Restaurant Industry in Review: Trends from February 2025

In fact, it was the top-performing segment in 2024 based on same-store sales growth. Additionally, one of only two segments that was able to achieve positive YOY sales growth during the year (fast casual was the other). But now, quick service is paying the price of that strong performance a year ago.

Same-store sales growth for the last three months (December 2024 through February 2025) was -0.7% compared with the same period a year ago. This places quick service among the bottom two performing segments during the period. However, stepping back and calculating same-store sales growth over a 2-year period provides a much different picture.

Quick Service posted positive 2-year growth and remains a top performer in the industry. Put plainly, the segment is now lapping over the strong performance a year ago.

This makes their YOY growth rates look relatively poor, but they continue to be a strong performer in the long run.