Data out today from the U.S. Census shows that restaurants’ market share (with grocery stores/supermarkets making up the other component) was 57.4% in July 2026. This 57.4% figure is a new all-time record in favor of the restaurant industry.
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data shows that prices for food-at-home (grocery stores and supermarkets) rose by +2.7% in July — sequentially the same as June’s +2.7%. This +2.7% number for July compares with price for food-away-from-home (restaurants) that increased by +3.4% year-over-year in July (sequentially identical to June’s +3.4%). This marks the 40th month in a row for which restaurant pricing is outpacing grocery/supermarket pricing.
Earlier today (Friday, August 7th), Wendy’s reported adjusted Q2 EPS of $0.18, coming in ahead of our $0.17 forecast and sell-side consensus (according to Consensus Metrix) at $0.16. Second-quarter adjusted EBITDA was $124.1 million. This was a little above our $123.3 million forecast, and also above consensus of $121.1 million.