1851

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/taco-bell-sales-surge-kfc-saucy-expansion/746728/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell-2729219" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">recent Restaurant Dive article</a> reports that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tacobell.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell-2729219" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Taco Bell</a> had a strong start to 2025, with U.S. same-store sales growing 9% in the first quarter — the biggest jump it’s seen in a couple of years. According to the latest earnings report from parent company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell-2729219" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Yum! Brands</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/taco-bell-franchise-deep-dive-2720788">Taco Bell’s</a> performance helped drive systemwide sales up by 5% and pushed operating profit to $586 million, an 8% increase from the previous year. Taco Bell alone now brings in about 80% of Yum’s U.S. profit.“This quarter, Taco Bell saw a significant expansion in consumer penetration, reflecting our efforts to elevate our positioning and broaden our relevance, which helped us to grow traffic [in] low-single digits,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-w-gibbs/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell-2729219" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">David Gibbs</a> said on the earnings call.&nbsp;Taco Bell’s success comes from a mix of smart pricing and new menu items. Popular additions like Crispy Chicken Nuggets, Steak and Queso Crunchwrap Sliders and Cheesy Dipping Burritos have kept customers coming back. Meanwhile, value deals like the $5 and $9 Luxe Cravings Boxes continue to be a hit, especially among budget-conscious diners.Digital growth is another key focus. Taco Bell is expanding its loyalty program and digital ordering options, which Yum! estimates could add $225,000 in sales per store by 2030.“Our connected brands strategy continues to leverage digital and technology across our system, strengthening operations, enhancing consumer experiences, and unlocking new insights,” wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-turner-192239112/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell-2729219" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Christopher Turner</a>, chief financial and franchise officer, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/christopher-turner-192239112_yumearnings-activity-7323375306243743745-55Mt?utm_source=share&amp%3Butm_medium=member_desktop&amp%3Brcm=ACoAAB5CDGwBxs5oYi9Scy3V5t51RRBesqarvYA&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell-2729219" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn post</a>. “Yum’s digital sales are approaching $9 billion, with a digital mix of approximately 55%.”While Taco Bell is thriving,&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.pizzahut.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell-2729219" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pizza Hut</a> continues to struggle. U.S. same-store sales dropped 5% in the first quarter, and that weighed down Yum’s overall revenue.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfc.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell-2729219" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KFC</a> also saw U.S. sales dip 1%. But Yum! is trying something new with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kfc-franchise-deep-dive-2720768">KFC</a> — a spin-off concept called&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/fast-company-kfc-introduces-spin-off-restaurant-saucy-2728138">Saucy by KFC</a>. The pilot location, which focuses on chicken tenders, sauces and drinks, is already one of the top 15 performing KFCs in the country.“Sales [at Saucy] are at more than double the U.S. system average,” said Gibbs. “We’re planning a phased expansion to at least 20 stores targeting sites that allow us to unlock marketing synergies through geographic proximity.”Yum! is also continuing to invest in tech across all its brands. Its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/news/press-releases/introducing+byte+by+yum+an+ai+driven+restaurant+technology+platform+powering+customer+and+team+member+experiences+worldwide?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell-2729219" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Byte by Yum! platform</a> and other tools are being rolled out systemwide, with digital sales now making up more than half of the company’s total sales.&nbsp;Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/taco-bell-sales-surge-kfc-saucy-expansion/746728/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell-2729219" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.&nbsp;Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell-2729219" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

Yum Brands Q1 2025 Earnings Rise with Help from Taco Bell

1851 Franchise

Yum’s first-quarter earnings highlight the power of its digital strategy and Taco Bell’s continued momentum in the U.S. market.

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

Lawn Doctor

Design with photo of John Perry and Lawn Doctor logo

How a 20-Year Industry Veteran Tripled His Sales With a Lawn Doctor Franchise

lawn-doctor-franchise-success-story-john-perry

Fitness Premier

The Secret to Fitness Franchise Success? It's Not Just the Workouts

fitness-premier-franchise-marketing-support

Fresh Coat

Photo of Fresh Coat vehicle with ladders on top

The Rise of Home Improvement Franchises: Why Now Is the Time to Invest

why-invest-home-improvement-franchise-fresh-coat

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam inspector in red polo and khaki pants, walking by branded vehicle

Real Estate Today: Behind the Drywall: The Truth About Home Inspections

purpose-of-home-inspection

Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite Franchise - DTE - National Service Dog Month - 1851 Franchise

Celebrating Service Dogs: Why Proper Training Changes Lives — And How Dog Training Elite Is Leading the Way

dog-training-elite-national-service-dog-month

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

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

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

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

1851 Franchise Deep Dive graphic with Sparkle Squad logo

Sparkle Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-sparkle-squad-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Design with school-aged child standing on pencil with text "Education Franchises" and "<$500K"

Top Education Franchises Under $500K To Explore in 2025

top-education-franchises-under-500k

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS