McDonald’s Returns to Sales Growth with Pop Culture Tie-ins and Budget Meals

McDonald’s Returns to Sales Growth with Pop Culture Tie-ins and Budget Meals

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

McDonald’s has bounced back to growth, reporting a 3.8% rise in global same-store sales for the second quarter of 2025, driven by smart value-driven offerings and creative pop culture collaborations. The uptick marks a positive shift for the brand after four quarters of sluggish or declining growth, helped along by consumer-focused strategies aimed at easing economic concerns.

International markets led the charge, while sales in the US rose by 2.5%, reversing the downward trend seen in previous quarters. The brand’s strong quarter was supported by promotions tied to pop culture, such as limited-time offers linked to the Minecraft movie and Squishmallows collectibles, which drew attention from younger audiences and families alike.

Alongside the promotions, the launch of a $5 meal bundle and the introduction of new chicken items helped McDonald’s connect with budget-conscious customers seeking both value and variety. These strategies appear to have paid off, positioning McDonald’s for continued momentum.

“The overall second-quarter results show that McDonald's strategy is working and could lead to sustained same-store sales outperformance compared to the rest of the industry,” noted Jon Tower, analyst at Citi.

The rebound in the US is particularly notable, especially when compared to competitors like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Pizza Hut, which continue to face challenges in communicating value to consumers. McDonald’s blend of affordability and fun has given it a clear edge, demonstrating how well-timed promotions and accessible pricing can win over today’s cautious diners.


Celebrate Double the Sweetness this Diwali with The Malabar Coast

Celebrate Double the Sweetness this Diwali with The Malabar Coast

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 10, 2025

This festive season, The Malabar Coast is adding an extra dose of joy and sweetness to your celebrations. In honour of Diwali (20th & 21st October) and National Dessert Day (14th October), the brand is offering an irresistible 1+1 on its signature Rawa Kesari dessert, a traditional South Indian delicacy made with pure ghee, aromatic saffron, and a touch of love.

Available at Noida, Gurugram, and Indore outlets, this limited-time offer brings double the happiness and double the flavour. Whether you’re sharing it with family or treating yourself, each bite of this authentic dessert is a reminder of festive warmth and indulgence.

Offer Details:

  • What: 1+1 on Rawa Kesari Dessert
  • When: National Dessert Day (14th October) and Diwali (20th & 21st October)
  • Where: Noida: Block B, Industrial Area, Sector 62, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201309
  • Gurugram: Ground Floor, M3M Atrium, Shops 6–8, Sector 57, Gurugram, Haryana 122003
  • Indore: Phoenix Citadel Mall, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452016

Celebrate the season of light and sweetness with every spoonful of authentic Rawa Kesari. Because happiness, like desserts, is best when shared!.


Celebrate Diwali with Quro – India’s Artisanal Liqueur

Celebrate Diwali with Quro – India’s Artisanal Liqueur

By Hariharan U

Published on October 10, 2025

This Diwali, celebrate the festival of lights with a gift that combines tradition, craftsmanship, and individuality. Quro, India’s first liqueur of its kind, is more than just a drink, it’s an artisanal expression of heritage and bold character, perfect for sharing moments of togetherness.

Crafted from 36 carefully selected ingredients sourced from across India, including vibrant fruits, fragrant flowers, and ancient herbs and spices, Quro is smooth yet complex, familiar yet intriguingly new. Whether raising a toast to new beginnings or enjoying festive gatherings, Quro offers a refreshingly unique gifting experience.

The bottle itself tells a story of culture, care, and creativity. Elegant packaging, inscribed with ‘Quro’ in multiple Indian scripts, celebrates the country’s rich diversity, while its versatile flavour profile makes it ideal for sipping neat, as a spritz, or in signature serves like the Quro Qrisp.

Gifting Quro isn’t just about celebration; it’s about honouring tradition, togetherness, and the spirit of Diwali with something thoughtfully crafted and truly original,” says the team at Inspired Spirits.

About Inspired Spirits:

Founded in 2023 by Anmoll Alok Bansal, Inspired Spirits was born from a vision to bring innovation and creativity to India’s premium spirits segment. Quro is the first offering from the brand, marking the start of a journey to redefine how India experiences homegrown, craft liqueurs.

Additional Information:

  • Availability: Select premium wine stores across Goa

  • Follow on: Instagram and LinkedIn

This festive season, make every Diwali moment memorable with Quro, a gift that’s bold, timeless, and unmistakably Indian.


Blue Lotus at Sayaji Kolhapur Celebrates the Flavours of Konkan

Blue Lotus at Sayaji Kolhapur Celebrates the Flavours of Konkan

By Hariharan U

Published on October 10, 2025

Blue Lotus Restaurant at Sayaji Kolhapur is bringing the vibrant flavours of India’s western coast to the city with a special Konkan Seafood Festival. Running during dinner sessions, this culinary celebration highlights the rich cuisines of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, giving guests a true taste of the Konkan coast.

image

Curated by Executive Chef Kishan Gunjal, the menu features coastal classics such as Kombadi Wade, Chicken Malvani, Malvani Mutton Curry, and Bangda Fry, alongside other regional favourites. Chef Gunjal shared, “The authentic flavours, age-old spices, and reimagined aromas of these dishes allow diners to savour every bite of Konkan’s culinary heritage. From the signature Kombadi Wade and Bangda Fry to the refreshing Solkadhi and indulgent Ras Poli, each dish captures the true spirit of coastal India.”

The restaurant’s ambience complements the coastal theme, with décor inspired by coconut palms, seaside villages, and vibrant Goan-Portuguese architecture. Guests can enjoy an immersive sensory journey where the aromas, textures, and flavours of the Konkan region come alive with every bite.

This festival is a perfect opportunity for diners to explore authentic coastal India in the heart of Kolhapur, celebrating the sea, spices, and sunshine through every carefully crafted dish.

For reservations and more information, visit: sayajihotels.com/kolhapur

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.