Fast Food Restaurant

ProHub Comment

This is an unstructured diagnostic case that tests a candidate's ability to systematically diagnose a business problem with minimal initial information. The case emphasizes the importance of framing the issue through hypothesis testing (revenues vs. costs, external vs. internal factors) before diving into solutions. The suggested response demonstrates strong problem-solving methodology: breaking down profit decline into component causes, conducting competitive and customer research, and then synthesizing findings into prioritized recommendations.

Estimated Time 15 minutes
Difficulty Medium
Source Harvard
50 / 100
Six months out of HBS, a frustrated classmate calls you to complain that the fast food burger joint that he bought has been steadily losing money for the last 3 months. He wants to know what you think he should do about it.

Clarifying Information

Not provided in separate section. Candidates must ask clarifying questions to diagnose the issue.