1851

As the restaurant industry grapples with inflation, shifting consumer behaviors and increasing operational costs, many major franchise brands are launching large-scale remodeling efforts to stay competitive, as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/fast-food-restaurant-chains-remodeling-design-rcna197805?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels-2729105" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">recently reported by NBC News</a>.&nbsp;For franchisors, these remodels are more than just cosmetic upgrades. They're essential tools for revitalizing the brand and preserving long-term unit-level profitability.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-burger-king-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720751">Burger King</a>, for example, has unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://burgerbeast.com/burger-king-sizzle-restaurant/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels-2729105" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">a refreshed aesthetic called “Sizzle”</a>, already deployed in 90 U.S. and Canadian locations, with plans to remodel hundreds more in 2025. Backed by a $2.2 billion investment — including the acquisition of its largest franchisee to accelerate the rollout — Burger King’s update includes digital menu boards, self-order kiosks and branding-laden booths, creating a more immersive and tech-driven customer experience.Other franchise brands are following suit.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-popeyes-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720998">Popeyes</a> is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsbreak.com/kristen-brady-2112698/3811889427834-popeyes-updating-technology-to-reduce-wait-times-improve-efficiency?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels-2729105" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">incorporating tech upgrades</a> aimed at improving speed, accuracy and employee efficiency.&nbsp;<a href="https://dennysfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels-2729105" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Denny’s</a>, which has invested approximately $250,000 per remodel, is already seeing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrn.com/family-dining/denny-s-plans-to-get-back-to-net-unit-growth-by-2026?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels-2729105" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">6% lifts in traffic and sales</a> in refreshed locations.&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.chuckecheese.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels-2729105" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chuck E. Cheese</a> has added&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chuckecheese.com/toledo-sw/blogs/chuck-e-cheese-teams-up-with-harlem-globetrotters-for-sports-family-entertainment-collaboration/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels-2729105" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">dynamic digital displays</a> to keep the guest experience feeling fresh. Even historically nostalgic brands like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-applebees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722848">Applebee’s</a> are in the midst of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrn.com/casual-dining/applebee-s-will-prioritize-marketing-and-remodels-in-2025?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels-2729105" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">redesigns</a> to appeal to today’s value-conscious consumer.This movement has clear implications for the franchise industry. First, it underscores how crucial brand modernization is for both consumer perception and franchisee success. Second, these remodels increasingly emphasize efficiency through technology. From self-ordering kiosks to potential AI-driven drive-thrus, tech investments are helping franchise operators offset rising food and labor costs — up 40% and 35%, respectively, over the past five years, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/economic-indicators/food-costs/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels-2729105" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">National Restaurant Association</a>. As franchises seek to protect margins, tech-enabled remodels are becoming less of a luxury and more of a strategic necessity.For franchisors, the key takeaway is clear: Investing in the guest experience through smart design and digital upgrades can yield measurable ROI, support brand longevity and help franchisees remain competitive in a turbulent market.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/fast-food-restaurant-chains-remodeling-design-rcna197805?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels-2729105" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.&nbsp; Growing and selling franchises is difficult. No great franchise did it alone. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisors grow their franchises with confidence? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels-2729105" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and see what we can do for you.

Franchise Restaurant Remodels: Brands Investing in Modern Designs & Tech

1851 Franchise

As consumer traffic slows and costs rise, brands like Burger King, Denny’s and Popeyes are investing in modern designs and tech upgrades to boost franchisee performance and future-proof their systems.

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

Image Studios

IMAGE Studios Celebrates Record Growth in 2025 With 35 Openings and 50 Units Awarded

image-studios-franchise-growth-2025

Dillas Quesadillas

Design with photo of Michael Mabry and Dillas Primo Quesadillas logo

Franchise Times: New Franchise Exec Says Dillas Is Bringing ‘Excitement’ Back to QSR Category

michael-mabry-franchise-growth

Lawn Squad

Greener, Faster, Smarter: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Lawn Squad 

Greener, Faster, Smarter: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing Lawn Squad as a Treatment-Only Lawn Care Franchise

lawn-squad-franchise-opportunity

Jollibee

How Jollibee’s Veteran Leadership Team Is Rewriting the Playbook for U.S. Expansion

franchise-leadership-growth

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of guest checking in at Woodhouse Spas reception desk

franchise-questions-answered

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising

Boutique vs. Big Box Gym Franchises: Which Offers Best ROI in the $7 Billion Fitness Market?

buy-fitness-franchise-boutique-big-box-comparison

Pieology Pizza Enters Chapter 11 Following Costly Bid To Save Struggling Stores

pieology-pizza-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy

CNBC: McDonald’s Will Assess if Franchisees Are Offering Value for Customers Under New Standards

mcdonalds-franchise-standards-value-metric

How AI Is Transforming Restaurant Operations and Franchises

ai-impact-restaurants-franchises-human-centric-technology

Round Table Pizza Franchisees Take FAT Brands to Court Over Marketing Fund Mismanagement

round-table-pizza-franchisees-take-fat-brands-to-court-over-marketing-fund-mismanagement

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

ai-job-cuts-franchising-path-forward

Paris Baguette Welcomes Zac Sulma as New Chief Operating Officer

new-coo-zac-sulma

Callaway Sells Majority Stake in Topgolf to Private Equity for $770 Million

callaway-sells-majority-stake-in-topgolf-to-private-equity-for-770-million

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

Photo of group of dogs standing together in day care facility

Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2025

top-pet-boarding-daycare-franchises

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Eli Cohen, Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

C5 Restaurants Grows its Texas Footprint with 40 Layne’s Chicken Fingers Locations Planned Statewide

eli-cohen-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS