Lunch Trends By Most States: What’s Hot On The Menu?

Sandwiches were the most popular menu item against many other menu offerings  at quick-service restaurants in 44 states in Q2 2024.1 

We wanted to see how these tasty sammies were selling state by state and how guests pair them with sodas for lunch. To determine this, Toast analyzed data from applicable quick-service restaurants on the Toast platform from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. 

As we dive into the latest data on sandwiches and sodas, it’s clear that restaurant operators have plenty of opportunities to spice up their menus. From menu optimization to shifting consumer preferences, let’s take a closer look at what’s cooking across the country.

Lunchtime trends

Sandwiches/wraps

The latest trends reveal a tasty growth in sandwich prices, with Delaware (+7.9%), Hawaii (+7.8%), and Oklahoma (+7.5%) leading the pack. Hawaii boasts the highest average price at $13.32, while Idaho lags behind at $8.92, showcasing a budget-friendly market. Arizona (+5.6%), Florida (+6.3%), and Oregon (6.8%) are ripe in a great spot to implement continuous promotions and marketing efforts. Meanwhile, Texas' (+1.4% and Iowa's  (+1.7%) slower growth signal that there’s potentially some saturation in those states. This could be a fantastic time for some creative menu tweaks!

Soda

On average, Americans paid $3 for a soda at QSRs on the Toast platform in Q2 2024, not taking into account size variations.2 Let’s break it down by state. 

Soda prices are popping, as  Maryland ($4.05) reflects a willingness to pay more. Meanwhile, Alabama ($2.71) and Mississippi ($2.84) show budget-conscious trends. Regions with strong price growth, like Oklahoma (+9.83%), are ripe for expanded beverage options.

Comparative insights: four states to watch 

Alabama

• Sandwich: $10.86, +2.0% 

• Soda: $2.71, +4.74% 

Alabama has relatively affordable prices for both sandwiches and sodas. The sandwich price of $10.86 is on the lower end of the spectrum, and the YOY increase of 2% is modest. This may indicate more stable food pricing, especially compared to the rest of the country. 

Soda prices, at $2.71, have risen by 4.74%, which shows a moderate inflation trend but still keeps Alabama as a lower-cost state for food and beverages. If you’re looking for a deal, Alabama might just be your state! 

Arizona

• Sandwich: $12.20, +5.6%

• Soda: $3.29, +5.31%

Arizona shows noticeable price increases for both sandwiches and sodas, with YOY growth exceeding 5% for both. The sandwich price of $12.20 is higher than in Alabama, which could be due to higher costs associated with the growing population in cities like Phoenix, especially as Californians continue to migrate to Arizona. 

Soda prices, at $3.29, have also risen significantly. What are consumers supposed to drink in the desert? Water?

Where does lunch go from here?

To make the most of these insights, consider these tips:

• Emphasize quality: Highlight fresh ingredients and unique flavors to attract discerning diners.

• Localize marketing: Tailor your strategies to resonate with regional tastes and price sensitivities.

• Monitor trends: Stay ahead of price changes and consumer preferences for agile menu adjustments.

By leveraging these insights, restaurant operators can enhance their offerings and grab the interest of today’s evolving lunch crowd.

There’s a lot more where that came from — check out Toast’s Q2 2024 Restaurant Trends report for more data and great insights! 

Methodology

1Toast analyzed transactions at quick-service restaurants on the Toast platform from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, to determine the price increase of sandwiches/wraps. Toast used a cohort of same-store restaurants on the platform since Q1 2023. Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming are not included in this analysis. 

2Toast analyzed transactions at quick-service restaurants on the Toast platform from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, to determine the price increase of soda. Toast used a cohort of same-store restaurants on the platform since Q1 2023. Alaska is not included in this analysis.