Restaurant Brands International reported its third-quarter earnings with mixed results, highlighting a strong performance from Burger King in the U.S. amid ongoing challenges at Popeyes. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.10, slightly above analyst expectations of $1.09, while revenue came in just under estimates at $2.53 billion compared with the $2.54 billion forecast. Net income attributable to common shareholders rose significantly to $542 million, or $1.54 per share, versus $315 million, or 96 cents per share, from the prior year.

Burger King led the growth for Restaurant Brands, delivering an 8.4% increase in U.S. same-store sales as it continues executing a multiyear turnaround focused on improving food quality and the restaurant experience. The chain has seen consistent outperformance for over four years, with recent menu upgrades such as relaunching 100% white meat chicken nuggets contributing to a sales jump of over 35%. Plans are in place to improve additional core menu items in the coming year as part of their strategy to sustain momentum.

In contrast, Popeyes underperformed with a 2.2% decline in U.S. same-store sales, struggling to keep pace amid competitive pressures from rival chicken chains offering discounts. The company had anticipated a quicker return to growth but now expects this recovery to take longer, despite some improvement in traffic. Efforts to refocus Popeyes on core menu items and improved restaurant operations are underway, although the recent $6 Big Box promotion generated less sales lift than hoped.

Tim Hortons saw continued modest gains with a 1.8% same-store sales increase in Canada, buoyed in part by a new matcha drink lineup launched in July to attract customers during slower afternoon hours. Internationally, Restaurant Brands’ same-store sales grew 3.9%, largely driven by Burger King locations. CEO Josh Kobza emphasized stability in customer behavior despite industrywide traffic challenges linked to high gas prices, pointing to the strength of the company’s brand portfolio and execution effort.