Restaurant Winners and Losers in H1 2025: Chili's Leads the Way, McDonald's and Domino's Recover, Chipotle and KFC/Pizza Hut Decline.

In the first half of 2025, restaurant brands faced challenges due to high borrowing costs and inflation. Winners like Chili's benefited from value and price plays, while losers experienced declines in sales, ranging from mediocre to disastrous. Chili's posted a 31% same-store sales increase, driven by traffic and investments in store and equipment changes, labor, and TurboChef ovens. Other winners include McDonald's, Domino's, and Taco Bell, while losers include Chipotle, KFC/Pizza Hut, Jack in the Box, and Sweetgreen.

Danish SaaS company Loyal Solutions A/S reported its second half-year results for the period ending June 30, 2025, showcasing a robust 32% increase in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) to DKK 39,990. This growth was driven by impressive double-digit ARR growth rates across nearly all existing clients' programs [1].

Despite the 32% ARR growth, top-line revenue increased by 4.6% for the second half-year but declined by 2.4% for the full year. The company successfully reduced staff expenses by 5.2%, demonstrating its efficient processes and commitment to operating expenses [1]. Loyal Solutions' EBITDA for the year was TDKK -6,742, which fell short of the forecasted TDKK -8,142 and budgeted TDKK +291, but still marked an improvement over the previous year's TDKK -5,438 [1].

Cash receipts for the year reached TDKK 43,364, an 8% increase from the previous year's TDKK 40,177. The company continues to monitor cash flow closely and aims to achieve EBITDA positive territory in the coming fiscal year [1].

Loyal Solutions expanded its client base significantly during the period. Notable additions include Forbrugsforeningen af 1886, the longest-running loyalty program in Denmark, and E& (formerly Etisalat), a leading telecommunications group. Additionally, Loyal Solutions' technology powered innovative solutions for Virgin Velocity and Emirates Skywards, further enhancing its market leadership [1].

The company's focus on operational efficiency and cash flow management is evident in its continued investment in platform upgrades and security certifications. Loyal Solutions passed the annual PCI DSS Level 1 audit, ISO 27001, 27017, 27018 audit, and maintained SOC2-Type 2 certification, demonstrating its commitment to quality and compliance [1].

Loyal Solutions will present its second half-year report on August 26, 2025, at 10:00-10:30 CET. The audited annual report will be made public on September 25, 2025, and the Annual General Meeting is scheduled for October 23, 2025 [1].

References:
[1] https://news.cision.com/loyal-solutions-a-s/r/loyal-solutions-announces-second-half-year-results-for-1-1-30-06-2025,c4219898