Stimulus Checks Create Fast Food Sales Bump

The latest round of stimulus checks to more than 160 million Americans has resulted in a sales bump for fast food franchises like Checkers* & Rally’s, Churches Chicken, McDonald’s and others, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The Journal published on Tuesday a report that says the checks, which topped out at just $600 per adult and $600 per child, created a visible sales increase for several restaurant brands. This trend echoes a similar spending phenomenon observed after the first round of stimulus checks in April and the usual post-tax return bump. 

While drive-thru heavy concepts like Checkers & Rally’s, Churches and McDonald’s have been big winners throughout the pandemic, this round of stimulus money also filtered to some more upscale concepts, like Fogo de Chão, according to the Journal. 

Chris Elliott owner of franchise Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and the Brass Tap* told the Journal he saw a sales increase of 6.5% following the checks.

“People relax a little, and they want some normalcy in their lives,” he said. 

Read the full report here.