Restaurant Brands International, the company behind fast-food giants like Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons, has reported disappointing results for the first quarter. The company cited plummeting consumer demand against a backdrop of economic and trade uncertainties as key reasons for missing both earnings and revenue expectations, according to Reuters.

Despite generating a total revenue of $2.11 billion, the figure fell short of analyst projections, which had anticipated $2.13 billion. Furthermore, RBI's adjusted earnings per share reached only 75 cents, just below the expected 78 cents. Comparable sales growth painted a bleak picture, increasing just 0.1%, a drop from 4.6% in the previous year's comparable period. Paltry sales performances were particularly noticeable in the U.S., with Burger King experiencing a 0.4% decline, and Popeyes confronting a more significant decline of 3.8%.

In light of the economic contraction experienced by the U.S. for the first time in three years, consumer spending patterns have shifted notable towards priority budgets and home-cooked meals over dining out. Rising costs due to tariff changes and supply chain disruptions further aggravated the situation for the fast-food sector. Even with strategies like $5 value meals, RBI found it challenging to entice budget-sensitive consumers, a trend also echoed by other fast-food leaders who reported lackluster sales amid similar circumstances.