The year ahead for the big three burger chainsThe year ahead for the big three burger chains

McDonald's introduced new Quarter Pounders when it discontinued its Angus Third Pounder sandwich line.

The nation’s three largest burger chains — McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s — are taking different approaches as they wrap up the year and head into 2014, causing industry observers to scrutinize which brand will have the most momentum to succeed during a time of expected slow macroeconomic growth.

Based on the most recent same-store sales reports, Wendy’s appears to have achieved the most traction with its latest menu and marketing moves. The company reported same-store sales increases of 3.1 percent at franchised restaurants and 3.2 percent at company-owned units in the third quarter, topping McDonald’s 0.7-percent gain for the same period and Burger King’s 0.3-percent decline in the quarter.

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