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11 Fast-Food Chains Making Changes in 2027 (We're Excited About #4)

Your favorite fast-food restaurant could look a little different next year.

By Amanda Machado , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Oct. 18, 2026

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Fast food is heading into another year of menu experiments, restaurant makeovers, new technology, and expansion. For diners looking to go out to eat more, those changes matter because a faster drive-thru, a more comfortable dining room, or a new location nearby may make an occasional meal out feel more worthwhile.

The biggest shifts are not happening all at once. Some chains are carrying multi-year projects into 2027, while others already have specific openings or remodels on the calendar. There is also a noticeable push toward protein-heavy choices, digital ordering, and restaurants designed to feel less transactional. That makes 2027 another interesting year for familiar restaurant names.

Editor's note: Plans, opening dates, menus, prices, and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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McDonald's is taking its NEXT strategy into 2027

McDonald's is entering 2027 with a major restaurant and technology push under its new NEXT strategy. The company expects unit expansion to contribute nearly 2.5 percent to systemwide sales growth in 2027 and says annual baseline capital spending from 2027 through 2030 should be about $3 billion. Earlier plans also target 50,000 restaurants globally by the end of 2027, alongside more modernized restaurants and technology.

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Starbucks is accelerating its coffeehouse makeovers

Starbucks' "Back to Starbucks" effort is moving beyond the first round of coffeehouse makeovers. The company says it intends to accelerate its pace of store "uplifts" in fiscal 2027 after targeting at least 1,500 redesigned locations by fiscal year-end 2026. Customers looking for comfortable seating, more outlets, condiment bars, and a stronger café atmosphere may see more of that approach as the refresh expands.

KFC is bringing its new look into 2027

KFC is taking its modernized identity and revamped menu into 2027. Yum Brands says the strategy, centered on boneless chicken, beverages, sauces, and more customization, is intended to reach its top 20 markets by the end of 2027. That makes the coming year big for customers who have noticed KFC leaning harder into tenders, sauces, updated restaurant concepts, and a bigger menu.

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Chipotle has multiple 2027 changes to watch

Chipotle has several 2027 developments worth watching. The chain plans to expand into Mexico City in 2027, while its U.S. operation is building management depth as it grows. Chipotle says it aims to place an Apprentice in every company-owned restaurant by the end of 2027. For diners, that points to a continuing focus on consistency as the restaurant expands and more new locations come.

Burger King's restaurant refresh is still underway

Burger King's restaurant refresh is also a multi-year story extending into 2027. RBI says its Reclaim the Flame program includes remodels, relocations, restaurant technology, kitchen equipment, and building upgrades through the end of 2028.

Franchisees have also supported new advertising contributions through at least 2027. In practical terms, diners may encounter more modernized stores, improved kitchens, and updated service technology along the way.

Taco Bell already has 2027 remodels and new builds

Taco Bell has concrete 2027 construction already appearing on the calendar. A Texas project registered for College Station lists a March-to-June 2027 remodel, while another San Antonio project is scheduled for construction from January through July 2027. These are individual locations, not a nationwide timetable, but they show how store refreshes, new finishes, and new restaurants are continuing into the next year.

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Popeyes is preparing for more expansion

Popeyes is set for continued expansion in 2027 as parent company RBI lays the groundwork for faster development. RBI's outlook calls for roughly 150 to 200 net new restaurants annually in the U.S. and Canada for Popeyes and Tim Hortons combined, roughly split between the two brands. Individual 2027 projects are already appearing, including a planned Dallas restaurant scheduled for completion in April.

Dutch Bros is still chasing bigger 2027 growth

Dutch Bros has expansion on its 2027 agenda, although one piece of the plan became less certain this year. In August, the company announced a potential acquisition of up to 65 Salad and Go sites it expected to convert into Dutch Bros shops in 2027. Later, Dutch Bros declined to raise its offer but said it remained engaged, so that specific batch is still a moving target.

White Castle is expanding deeper into Texas

White Castle is continuing its Texas push into 2027, which should be welcome news for fans who have waited years to see the slider chain move farther south. State project records show a Fort Worth restaurant scheduled for construction beginning in January 2027, with completion targeted for April. The planned location includes a double drive-thru and patio seating.

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CAVA is finally reaching the Bay Area

CAVA is expanding its Mediterranean fast-casual business in 2027, with the Bay Area finally joining its map. During its second-quarter earnings call, the company said it expects to enter the Bay Area in 2027 after opening in other new markets. For diners, the expansion adds another customizable option for bowls, pitas, salads, and protein-filled meals in more communities.

Jack in the Box has more locations on the way

Jack in the Box is not announcing a sweeping nationwide 2027 makeover, but expansion plans are still showing up. The chain's current list of upcoming locations includes a confirmed Arkansas restaurant slated for April 2027, while the company continues working through its JACK on Track strategy. For loyal customers, the more immediate change may be seeing the brand return to markets where it has been limited or absent.

Bottom line

Taken together, these plans show an industry trying to balance convenience with the parts of dining people actually notice. Technology is getting more attention, but so are seating, restaurant upkeep, menu flexibility, and easier ordering. For anyone trying to save on groceries by dining out, those details may be just as important as the next limited-time menu item.

There is another reason to watch these changes closely, because remodels and new openings can take time. A national announcement may take months to reach a neighborhood, and a new menu item could remain limited to participating restaurants. Checking the local app or store listing before driving across town should help avoid wasted trips and make it easier to spot new deals or updated ordering options.

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