January 29, 2024 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Yum! Brands News
Brand Eating: You can get eight pieces of fried chicken for $10 at KFC at select locations
Food Beast: Pizza Hut has new Hot Honey Pizza and Wings
The Dubrovnik Times: Pizza Hut opens first restaurant in Croatia
Mashed: How Taco Bell Tortillas made an impact on space food
Yum!Now News
This KFC U.S. employee made the leap and you can, too
Competitor Intelligence
Nation’s Restaurant News: McDonald’s invests in sustainable team uniforms made with technology that makes synthetic fibers biodegradable
Chew Boom: McRib returns to McDonald’s Canada for first time in 10 years starting January 30
Restaurant Business: Jack in the Box has some big growth plans
Brand Eating: El Pollo Loco brings back Crunchy Tacos
Industry Trends
Bloomberg: U.S. chicken prices to fall at last thanks to green fuel boom
Restaurant Dive: Boston Market’s fee-free growth push raises questions
QSR Magazine: Meet the burger brand that’s ‘good in every hood’
Restaurant Business: It looks like Bagger Dave's run is about to come to an end
Restaurant Business: As promised, the Midwest's Raydia distribution conglomerate is acquiring another broadliner
Policy & Regulatory News
Restaurant Business: NYC is forming a watchdog agency to regulate delivery services
Restaurant Technology
Restaurant Dive: Panda Express to deploy GridPoint smart building tech at nearly 2,500 locations
Investing in People
CNBC: Workers are paying to get part of their paychecks early. It’s ‘payday lending on steroids,’ one expert says
 
Yum! Brands News
Brand Eating: You can get eight pieces of fried chicken for $10 at KFC at select locations
For a limited time, KFC U.S. is offering eight pieces of fried chicken for $10 through their app or website at select locations, a discount from the usual $20 price. The deal includes two drums, two thighs, two breasts and two wings. Other specials include two wraps for $5, a $20 Fill Up Box with fried chicken, nuggets, fries, biscuits and sauces, 10-piece nuggets for $5 and a $20 Taste of KFC Meal with six pieces of chicken, four sides and biscuits.
 
Food Beast: Pizza Hut has new Hot Honey Pizza and Wings
Pizza Hut has announced it will launch Hot Honey Pizza and Wings nationwide on February 1st. The pizza, available in various crusts, features marinara sauce, cheese, pepperonis and crispy cupped pepperonis drizzled with sweet red habanero sauce and honey. Accompanying this, Hot Honey Wings in bone-in or boneless options are offered, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. Prices start at $11.99 for the pizza and $5.99 for a 6-count of wings, but may vary by location.
 
The Dubrovnik Times: Pizza Hut opens first restaurant in Croatia
Pizza Hut has opened its first restaurant in Zagreb, Croatia, located at Bolnička cesta 34 in the Vrapče neighborhood. Food influencer Marijana Zlomislić praised the light, airy and topping-rich pizzas, with a Pepperoni pizza costing €8 (S), €9.50 (M) and €11.50 (L).
 
Mashed: How Taco Bell Tortillas made an impact on space food
Mashed highlighted Taco Bell’s contribution to space food by developing shelf-stable tortillas in the 1990s. When NASA’s attempt at creating long-lasting tortillas failed, Taco Bell’s variety proved ideal, lasting up to a year without developing unpleasant flavors. The tortillas are preferred for space missions as they don’t produce floating crumbs that could damage equipment in zero gravity. While changes to the space program have occurred, Taco Bell’s scientific impact on space food remains noteworthy, showcasing an unexpected connection between fast food and space exploration.
 
This KFC U.S. employee made the leap and you can, too
Looking to change things up in your career, but not sure where to begin? Check out the latest #3Questions, the series that features conversations between employees and Yum! CEO David Gibbs, to see how Ray Jeffries, KFC U.S. PR analyst, had a vision, made connections and boldly stepped out of his comfort zone to land his dream job. You'll be left inspired and equipped for your next move!
Watch now
(For Yum! Eyes Only)
Competitor Intelligence
Nation’s Restaurant News: McDonald’s invests in sustainable team uniforms made with technology that makes synthetic fibers biodegradable
McDonald’s is investing in sustainable team uniforms as part of its broader sustainability goals. The new crew uniforms will utilize CiClo technology, enabling synthetic materials like polyester to biodegrade at rates similar to natural fibers. While polyester is favored for its durability and washability, it sheds plastic microfibers that contribute to ocean pollution. CiClo technology, activated by microbes and water, enhances durability during use and offers better environmental outcomes. The fabric is now available in McDonald’s classic denim uniforms across all U.S. restaurants.
Chew Boom: McRib returns to McDonald’s Canada for first time in 10 years starting January 30
The McRib is making a comeback to McDonald’s locations across Canada for the first time in a decade, starting January 30. The sandwich consists of a boneless pork patty dipped in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with slivered onions and pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun. Last seen on Canadian menus in 2014, the McRib will be available for a limited time at participating McDonald’s locations, marking its return after a 10-year absence.
Restaurant Business: Jack in the Box has some big growth plans
Jack in the Box, with 2,200 locations mainly in the western U.S., plans to accelerate growth by 2.5% per year by 2027, aiming for over 5,750 locations. The company, along with its acquired chain Del Taco, anticipates opening 90 to 120 units annually. Boosted by an 80% brand awareness, the company has successfully entered new markets in Salt Lake City and Louisville, where restaurants averaged $100,000 per week. The company attributes its growth to increased social media presence, marketing and a new prototype called “Crave.”
Brand Eating: El Pollo Loco brings back Crunchy Tacos
El Pollo Loco has reintroduced its Shredded Chicken Crunchy Taco chain-wide due to popular demand. The taco features a double layer of fried corn tortillas filled with shredded flame-grilled chicken, roasted tomato salsa, lettuce and Jack cheese. Priced at $3.59 each or two for $6.79, the taco is part of El Pollo Loco’s diverse taco offerings, which also include the Chicken Avocado Taco on a soft flour tortilla and the Chicken Taco al Carbon on two soft corn tortillas.
 
Industry Trends
Bloomberg: U.S. chicken prices to fall at last thanks to green fuel boom
The emerging renewable fuel industry’s processing of soybeans for plant-based jet fuel and diesel is expected to lead to a drop in meat prices in the U.S. The renewable fuel production will generate co-product soymeal, a widely used animal feed, making it less expensive for meatpackers to feed animals. The cost savings are expected to take months or even years to reach consumers, but any reduction in meat prices would offer relief to households affected by inflation.
Restaurant Dive: Boston Market’s fee-free growth push raises questions
Boston Market, despite hundreds of closures and legal challenges, has launched a growth and menu development plan called Boston Market Connect. This program, described as an owner- operator profit center initiative, aims to attract partners without franchise fees and focuses on non-traditional growth by targeting real estate such as existing restaurants, delis, gas stations or other suitable establishments. The company plans to add menu items highlighting different cuisines every six weeks.
QSR Magazine: Meet the burger brand that’s ‘good in every hood’
Bandana Burger, a burger and wings concept founded by William LaFlower, started as a virtual concept in Savannah, Georgia, operating one night a week in January 2023. LaFlower leveraged ghost kitchens and third-party delivery services to expand the concept, which gained popularity and eventually settled in Habersham Village. The menu is simple, featuring burgers and wings, and each burger is named after bandana-wearing characters. Bandana Burger has launched its franchise program and catering business, with plans to expand across the East Coast, including locations in Georgia and New Hampshire.
Restaurant Business: It looks like Bagger Dave's run is about to come to an end
Bagger Dave’s, a Michigan-based full-service chain specializing in burgers, sandwiches and pizza, is reportedly on its last legs. BT Brands, which acquired about 40% of the company in 2022, announced that it and Bagger Dave’s are exploring strategic alternatives, and this is expected to lead to the conversion of the remaining six Bagger Dave’s locations. The company plans to begin the process of converting to another concept later this year.
Restaurant Business: As promised, the Midwest's Raydia distribution conglomerate is acquiring another broadliner
Raydia Food Group, the parent company of Midwestern distributors Stanz Foodservice and Troyer Foods, has acquired B+B Foods Distributors, a broadliner and equipment supplier. The move is part of Raydia’s strategy to amass a portfolio of Midwestern distributors while allowing them to retain their individual culture and heritage.
 
Policy & Regulatory News
Restaurant Business: NYC is forming a watchdog agency to regulate delivery services
New York City is planning to create the first urban Department of Sustainable Delivery, aiming to regulate the transport of restaurant meals. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that the new agency’s goal is to protect delivery drivers and consumers. One specific concern mentioned was the potential danger of lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electric scooters for deliveries, posing risks of ignition. The move is part of ongoing efforts to regulate delivery operations in the city, with recent initiatives including a minimum wage requirement for food delivery individuals.
 
Restaurant Technology
Restaurant Dive: Panda Express to deploy GridPoint smart building tech at nearly 2,500 locations
Panda Express is set to deploy GridPoint’s smart building technology platform across all of its nearly 2,500 U.S. locations within the next 18 months. Following a successful 200-store pilot that demonstrated energy cost savings and reduced carbon dioxide emissions, Panda Express will use GridPoint Intelligence to control in-store HVAC and lighting and provide facility managers with real-time operational and environmental insights. The move aims to enhance energy efficiency and ensure a comfortable environment for diners, guests and employees, particularly during peak energy periods.
 
Investing in People
CNBC: Workers are paying to get part of their paychecks early. It’s ‘payday lending on steroids,’ one expert says
Millions of American workers are utilizing earned wage access (EWA) programs, allowing them to access a portion of their wages before payday. These programs have grown rapidly in popularity, offering quick access to funds in emergencies, among other benefits. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for high fees and frequent use, resulting in annual interest rates that can exceed 330%. EWA programs, also known as daily pay, instant pay and on- demand pay, can be either business-to-business models offered through employers or direct-to-consumer versions.
 
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