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| In its aim for 100% digital sales, KFC has overcome challenges with a composable content platform from Contentful. This transformative approach allows swift updates, personalized experiences and global campaign consistency. The platform’s flexibility enabled KFC to link menu aspects to promotions, boosting app downloads. U.S.-based Ashley Travis, Senior Director of Digital Experience and Product Growth for KFC Global, has employed a guiding principle known as “freedom within a framework” to inspire her digital teams to craft innovative marketing campaigns. |
| KFC U.S. has introduced the $20 Taste of KFC meal, a national family deal featuring six pieces of Original Recipe fried chicken, four sides and four biscuits. Priced at $20, the meal encompasses a variety of KFC’s classic menu items. This nationwide launch follows a successful test in the Austin-Waco, TX area during the previous fall. |
| Forbes reported on the pizza industry in 2024, which is witnessing a dynamic evolution with diverse trends. Unconventional toppings like vegan alternatives, sweet and hot peppers and regional influences are gaining popularity. Pizza Hut noted a surge in demand for sweet and spicy options, particularly among Gen-Z. Capitalizing on this trend, Pizza Hut U.S. is introducing hot honey offerings nationwide, starting February 1st, for a limited time at select participating locations. |
| 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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| Starbucks reported challenges in its China sales, citing a slower-than-expected recovery and increased competition in the Chinese coffee market. CEO Laxman Narasimhan highlighted the emergence of mass-market competitors, particularly Luckin Coffee, which surpassed Starbucks in revenue despite the Seattle-based chain having fewer stores. Starbucks adjusted its same-store sales projections for China from 4-6% to the “low single digits.” |
| During Starbucks’ Q1 earnings call, CEO Laxman Narasimhan unveiled key announcements. The coffee giant is partnering with GoPuff for late-night and overnight deliveries, conducting a pilot program where Starbucks baristas prepare orders in GoPuff’s micro-fulfillment centers. Additionally, Bank of America joins Starbucks Rewards as its second external partner, following the Delta Airlines collaboration. |
| Popeyes is teaming up with DoorDash to offer two deals for the upcoming Super Bowl season. On Pro Bowl Sunday (February 4), customers spending $15 or more with Popeyes on DoorDash can use the code “WINGIT” to enjoy a complimentary 12-piece Wings order. From February 9 to 11, a Super Bowl Deal kicks in, providing a free 12-piece Wings with a $15+ purchase from Popeyes on DoorDash. Dashpass holders can upgrade this offer to a free 12-piece Combo with a $15 minimum spend. |
| The U.S. cattle herd has dwindled to its lowest level since 1951, with 87.2 million cattle as of January 1, down 2% from the previous year, according to the US Department of Agriculture. The ongoing culling of cows for the past four years due to factors like droughts, rising feed costs and elevated interest rates has led to a shortage of fattened animals, driving up cattle prices and impacting meat processors’ profits. While improved conditions may encourage ranchers to reverse the trend, a significant rebound in herds is not expected before 2026, influenced by factors like urbanization and competition for farmland. |
| The restaurant industry, despite facing challenges such as pandemic-induced debt and closures, is growing, with nearly 632,000 restaurant locations in 2023. However, the pricing gap between restaurants and grocery stores, where prices have decreased for 16 consecutive months, has led to a survey finding that one in three customers are limiting restaurant spending due to perceived higher costs. While restaurant market share was nearly 56% in December, up from 53% in 2022, the challenge remains as customers manage their frequency of visits and spending. |
| Brinker International, the parent company of Chili’s Grill and Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy, plans to continue its television advertising push to counteract a decline in traffic in January. The company, based in Dallas, reported second-quarter results and highlighted the success of its “3 for Me” value platform priced at $10.99, $14.99 and $16.99. Chili’s experienced improved traffic trends in October when it resumed television advertising after a three-year hiatus. |
| According to Technomic’s Global Service Navigator Program, Latin American consumers are the most enthusiastic about combo meals, with 82% saying these deals significantly impact their decisions about where to eat. In the Middle East, 78% see combo meals as a draw, while in Asia, the Philippines leads with 90% interest. In contrast, only 58% of U.S. and Canadian restaurant customers place high importance on combo meals. |
| Inspire Brands has appointed Jason Maceda as Chief Development Officer (CDO), taking over from Don Crocker, the company’s previous CDO. The company announced several organizational changes designed to provide greater focus and resources to Inspire franchisees by creating a dedicated franchise development organization. The changes involve shifting responsibility for company store development to a unit headed by John Kelly, Inspire’s President of Company Restaurants. Maceda, in his role as CDO, will oversee all aspects of franchise development. |
| A pilot program in New York City is training immigrant asylum seekers for kitchen jobs in local restaurants and hotels. The program, called Careers through Culinary Arts Programs (C-CAP), offers instruction in foodservice fundamentals, aiming to equip participants with the skills needed for entry-level cooking and baking positions. C-CAP, a longstanding work-prep program, is handling the placement of trainees. The program, part of New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s initiative, is funded by the state and aims to provide employment for asylum seekers while awaiting asylum decisions. |
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