Across the broader QSR segment in Q4 2025, many restaurants faced financial pressure—but Yum! Brands’ (the parent company of Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill) portfolio continued to outperform on foot traffic in 2025, according to foot traffic research firm Placer.ai’s latest report.

The research firm noted that Yum! Brands’ recently expanded AI-enabled tools likely played a “supporting role in several operational areas” and contributed to growth.

The company’s portfolio posted year-over-year (YoY) foot traffic growth in every quarter last year, outperforming the broader QSR category, which recorded YoY visit declines during much of the year according to the research.

“Q4 2025 average visits per location were positive for Taco Bell (2.8%), KFC (0.8%), Pizza Hut (1.3%) and Habit Burger & Grill (1.0%). However, Taco Bell continues to stand out as the portfolio’s primary growth driver, with its promotional strategy and menu innovation serving as a model for the broader system and the QSR space,” Placer.ai wrote.

Taco Bell delivered the “largest and most consistent” YoY monthly overall visit and same-store visit growth throughout Q4 2025, with National Taco Day promotions and the return of Cheesy Dipping Burritos likely contributing to elevated traffic, per the report.

Yum! has spent the past year expanding its suite of AI-driven technology tools across its brands—platforms designed to optimize restaurant operations, delivery and digital ordering. The ultimate goal is reportedly to move all orders through digital channels instead of human order-takers, an effort Yum said will boost sales. Yum will also use AI to enhance a number of the company’s internal operations.

Placer.ai said that even as economic pressures continue to reshape how consumers engage with limited-service dining, Yum! Brands appears well positioned to navigate ongoing uncertainty.