Burger King recently made changes to its classic Whopper burger for the first time in almost 10 years, according to the QSR. The chain made changes based on customer feedback. “Burger King is letting guest feedback impact the future of the brand—as proven with the recent initiative inviting guests to call or text President Tom Curtis. Guests have already helped shape operations, restaurant image and the overall Burger King experience and now, they've inspired changes to the iconic, flame-grilled Whopper sandwich,” it said.

Burger King said the “higher-quality” Whopper now includes “a more premium, better tasting bun, served in a box to ensure it makes it to guests exactly the way it left the kitchen.” Whoppers will have freshly cut onions and tomatoes, crisp lettuce, pickles and “better tasting mayo,” Burger King said.

In other Burger King news, the QSR recently introduced an AI chatbot known as “Patty” into its operations. The AI voice headset is powered by an OpenAI-based model, allowing Patty to “live inside employees’ headsets” to collect data on “friendliness” during customer interactions and simplify workflow.

The voice-enabled headset is currently being piloted in 500 Burger King locations.

Over at Zaxby’s, the chicken-focused QSR is expanding its menu with the permanent addition of its new dry rubs lineup featuring garlic parmesan, Nashville hot and lemon pepper. Zaxby’s said the three dry rubs are available for chicken finger and wing meals.

Meanwhile, Panera Bread has launched its new “Mix & Match” value menu, which allows customers to combine up to ten items for $4.99 each. The QSR said this is the first time it has offered a dedicated value menu.

“The new Mix & Match Menu offers half/cup portions of 10 guest favorites, including soups, salads and sandwiches, and a rotating seasonal item throughout the year. Guests can choose from two to all ten options, and each order comes with one free choice of baguette, chips or apple as a side,” Panera said.

In late 2025, McDonald’s financial results showed that its price cuts and combo meals are drawing in customers, with McDonald's global same-store sales rising 5.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

“McDonald’s is not going to get beat on value and affordability,” Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski said at the time, attributing the growth to the company’s multi-year effort to increase affordability.