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| KFC U.S. has introduced Smash’d Potato Bowls, priced at $3.49 at most locations, featuring mashed potatoes, Secret Recipe Fries, bacon crumbles, shredded cheese and cheese sauce. An additional option includes five chicken nuggets for $2 more. KFC U.S. CMO Nick Chavez described it as a unique twist on familiar flavors. “If you like our Famous Bowls, you’re going to love this new bowl,” Chavez said. The chain also launches a $20 Taste of KFC meal, comprising six pieces of chicken and four sides. |
| KFC Singapore is offering free limited-edition HuatWear shorts on Feb. 6, with the purchase of any Chicken Bak Kwa meal or bundle from the Lunar New Year menu. The 888 available red shorts feature symbols like the God of Fortune, prosperity coins and longevity peaches, designed in consultation with Singaporean Feng Shui Master Jet Lee. |
| Pizza Hut Hong Kong has introduced a unique mahjong set with pizza motifs, tapping into the Chinese New Year trend of themed collaborations. Available in red and classic limited editions, the set features tai tiles with designs of a pizza box, delivery rider, salad bowl and chicken wing, adding a twist to traditional mahjong. Tong tiles take the form of orange slices, with the first marked by a Pizza Hut-inspired circle. The set includes other essentials, like wind indicators and dice, in Pizza Hut’s signature red hue. |
| Diversified Restaurant Group (DRG) achieved notable growth in 2023, adding 33 new Taco Bell restaurants through acquisitions and openings. The company expanded into new markets, particularly in San Diego and Riverside Counties, making it one of the top 10 largest Taco Bell franchisees in the U.S. DRG introduced innovative restaurant concepts, including a Taco Bell Cantina and a Ghost Kitchen with food-delivery robots. In the realm of technology, DRG is testing kiosks for 100% dining room orders and investing in sustainability with solar power and EV charging stations. |
| The national Taco Bell Foundation has granted $29,133.98 to Junior Achievement of the High Plains for financial education. The funds will be utilized to provide financial education to low and moderate-income high school students in the Panhandle. The Taco Bell Foundation, since 1992, has impacted over 4 million young people nationwide, awarding over $110 million in Live Mas Scholarships and grants to nonprofit organizations emphasizing education and career readiness. |
| 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! |  | (For Yum! Eyes Only) |
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| Domino’s Pizza Enterprises has attributed sales challenges in Asia, particularly in Malaysia, to consumer reactions against U.S. brands due to the Israel-Palestine crisis. The company cited a decline in same-store sales in Asia, linking it to the impact of geopolitical events on consumer sentiment. This phenomenon, affecting various U.S. brands globally, has been observed in the context of conflicts, leading to protests, boycotts and even vandalism against American businesses. Similar challenges are being faced by McDonald’s and Starbucks in the Middle East due to their perceived associations with conflicting parties. |
| Burger King is introducing two new limited-time menu items, the Candied Bacon Whopper and the Fiery Big Fish sandwich. The Candied Bacon Whopper features the classic flame-grilled beef patty, tomatoes, lettuce, crispy fried onions, garlic aioli, sweet bacon jam and brown sugar candied bacon on a sesame seed bun. It is available at participating Burger King locations nationwide starting January 29. The Fiery Big Fish, a spicier version of the classic Big Fish sandwich with lettuce, pickles, tartar sauce and a spicy glaze on a brioche-style bun, will be offered at select locations starting February 14. |
| Starbucks is set to launch its Oleato drinks, featuring olive oil infusions, in all U.S. stores starting Tuesday. Originally introduced in Italy in February 2023 by former CEO Howard Schultz after observing locals incorporating olive oil into their daily routine, the drinks faced initial negative reviews upon their debut in select U.S. stores. The Oleato line includes a latte and an iced espresso drink. |
| Papa John’s Chief Operating Officer for International, Amanda Clark, is set to leave the company on March 1, taking on the role of CEO for another undisclosed company in the franchise segment. Clark joined Papa John’s in February 2020 as Chief Development Officer and later expanded her role to include international business, ultimately being promoted to COO, International in September. During her tenure, the chain experienced significant growth, adding over 700 net new units and securing major deals. Papa John’s CEO, Rob Lynch, stated that they will assess internal and external candidates to fill Clark’s position. |
| Chick-fil-A is bringing back its Heart-Shaped Trays for Valentine’s Day, providing customers with a way to share love. Starting Monday, the trays offer a variety of sweet and savory options, including a 30-count of Chick-fil-A Nuggets, 10-count of Chick-n-Minis, 12 halves of Chocolate Fudge Brownies and 6 Chocolate Chunk Cookies. |
| Steve Ells’ semi-automated, plant-based restaurant Kernel, backed by $36 million in Series A funding, has attracted celebrity investors, including New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. Both players received equity stakes in Kernel in exchange for their investments. Kernel, set to open its first storefront at 315 Park Ave South in New York City’s Flatiron District on February 12, aims to have 15 locations over the next two years. The restaurant will feature a mostly robotic kitchen and storefront, offering a meat-free fast-food menu, with a focus on plant-based sandwiches and sides. |
| Round Table Pizza is offering various deals in February. On National Pizza Day, February 9, customers can get a Large Double Play Pizza for $22.99 with code DOUBLEPLAY. From February 12 to Valentine’s Day, February 14, a $5 discount is available for any Large or XL Pizza, and Large Pizzas can be shaped like hearts, qualifying for the deal with code HEART5. |
| FAT Brands has highlighted the impact of its FAT Brands Foundation in its first year. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $250,000 to 43 local non-profits across 19 states and Washington D.C., supporting causes such as food insecurity, health, education, youth development and the arts. The foundation played a crucial role in aiding communities affected by events like the fires in Maui, Hawaii and the tragedy in Allen, Texas. |
| IHOP is introducing a “pancake of the month” feature to its menu, offering a new flavor each month as a full stack, side or part of a pancake combo. The initiative aims to provide novelty for customers and allows IHOP to gauge the reception of new pancake recipes for potential inclusion in the permanent menu or other limited-time offers. The first pancake of the month is chocolate strawberry pancakes, featuring chocolate chip pancakes topped with cheesecake mousse, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and chocolate chips. |
| Nala Robotics, a company specializing in robotics for commercial kitchens, is leveraging ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence model, to enable its autonomous chefs to prepare a wide range of recipes. The integration of generative AI allows Nala’s robotic systems to handle tasks ranging from ingredient preparation to delivery, addressing labor shortages and hygiene concerns in the food industry. Nala Robotics has been operating one of the only robotic commercial kitchens in the U.S. for over 25 months, offering robotic fryers, automated kitchens and dish-loading robots. |
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