Is Gen Z killing hamburger joints in favor of chicken sandwiches? Data from Circana’s 2025 trends report showed that between 2019 and 2024, nearly 2.8K chicken spots opened in the U.S., while 1.2K burger joints shut their doors. During that same time, chicken sandwich consumption jumped 19%, while burgers’ dropped by 3%, according to research firm Placer.ai. Experts say this shift is driven by Gen Z and their values: it’s seen as both healthier and more environmentally friendly due to the excessive greenhouse gas emissions produced to raise cattle.. Big names like McDonald’s and Popeye’s—two of Gen Z’s favorite food chains—are leaning into the trend with new products and flavors too, like Popeye’s new Pickle Glazed Chicken Sandwich and McDonald’s McCrispy Strips, to keep their young customers happy. (Newsweek)
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