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| Nation Restaurant News editors discussed Taco Bell’s new strategy to appeal to a broader demographic by introducing the Cantina Chicken Menu, aimed at younger consumers. Set to launch on March 21, the menu features five items with new ingredients, including Avocado Verde Salsa, and emphasizes fresh produce. Taco Bell aims to dispel the notion of being solely a late-night option and attract more lunchtime traffic. Chief Marketing Officer Taylor Montgomery highlighted the company’s efforts to expand beyond its late-night image and respond to customer demand for more chicken options during the Live Mas Live event in Las Vegas. |
| How Yum! and the University of Louisville are revolutionizing franchising education |
Did you know that the global franchising economy is set to surpass $4.5 trillion by 2025? The University of Louisville's Yum! Center for Global Franchising Excellence, with the support of Yum!'s Unlocking Opportunity Initiative, is paving the way for aspiring franchisees by offering multiple levels of education, from undergraduate to executive. With the recent expansion and addition of the "Accelerating Growth" executive education programs, the Center is impacting more students and professionals than ever before, empowering them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in franchising. Explore the infographic to learn more about how Yum! and the University of Louisville are unlocking opportunity for future franchisees around the world. |  | (For Yum! Eyes Only) |
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| Fox Business News reported that the recent technology outage at McDonald’s highlights the fast-food company’s increasing dependence on tech systems. The outage, caused by a third-party provider’s configuration change, forced stores to accept only cash or close temporarily. McDonald’s emphasized the importance of tech stability in its operations, as outlined in its recent regulatory filing. Despite potential risks, McDonald’s noted that it remains committed to leveraging technology, including AI tools, to enhance efficiency and customer experience, with digital channels contributing significantly to sales. |
| Starbucks Corp. shareholders voted to replace executive bonuses tied to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals with a broader workforce target, increasing compensation tied to financial performance. The change, approved by 92% of shareholders, follows concerns about incentivizing illegal hiring behavior. Starbucks retains DEI goals in its overall compensation structure but removed specific DEI targets from executive bonuses. |
| Papa Murphy’s has reintroduced the Triple Pepp Pizza, featuring a choice of crust with traditional red sauce, mozzarella, cheddar and three types of pepperoni. Priced at $12.99 for a large size, it’s available for a limited time until April 7, at participating locations nationwide. |
| Dairy Queen has introduced limited-time Sauced & Tossed Chicken Strips in two flavors: Parmesan Garlic and Honey BBQ. The Parmesan Garlic variety features crispy-fried chicken strips coated in a creamy Parmesan Garlic sauce, while the Honey BBQ version offers the same chicken strips tossed in a sweet and smoky Honey BBQ sauce. Both flavors are included in the Chicken Basket, which comes with French fries, Texas toast and a choice of dipping sauce. |
| The North American Association of Subway Franchisees (NAASF) has appointed attorney Robert Zarco and his law firm, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., as its new General Counsel. With over 35 years of experience, Zarco and his team have represented franchisees from over 500 franchise systems globally. Their appointment aims to bolster NAASF’s support to its members, advocating for their interests and fostering collaboration between franchisees and the franchisor. |
| As fast-food prices rise, more diners are turning to restaurant loyalty apps for discounts and freebies. Chains like McDonald’s and Wendy’s offer personalized deals and discounts to app users, enticing them to return. Customers accumulate points for discounts or free meals based on spending, encouraging repeat business. Reddit users shared strategies for maximizing savings, while some actively compare deals across multiple apps before ordering. Aggressive discounting on apps aims to retain loyal customers and collect valuable data for targeted promotions, as seen with McDonald’s and Starbucks. |
| QuikTrip is witnessing increased demand for food and beverages during non-traditional meal times, driven by evolving consumer habits and flexible work schedules. This trend presents growth opportunities for convenience stores (c-stores), as seen in rising snack sales and a desire for customizable meal options. C-stores like Pilot Flying J are adapting by expanding their menu offerings to include convenient, on-the-go items and breakfast platters. |
| Ryan A. O’Donnell, who leads the Hospitality practice at the law firm Pullman & Comley, highlighted how the quick-serve industry is experiencing a surge in union organizing activities, posing challenges to operational flexibility and innovation. He noted that employers need to recognize signs of organizing, such as emerging employee leadership and changes in complaints, to create cultures resilient to union agitation. With the National Labor Relations Board reinstating “quickie” election rules, employers must be vigilant. Understanding employees’ motivations, including feelings of powerlessness and disrespect, is key to preventing unionization. |
| Private equity firm NewSpring Franchise has invested in fast-casual concept Shake Smart, which offers blended drinks, acai bowls, wraps and sandwiches. Shake Smart plans to use the investment to expand its presence on college campuses and beyond, capitalizing on the demand for healthy, convenient food options. The existing executive team, including CEO/co-founder Kevin Gelfand, will remain in place, with NewSpring’s Satya Ponnuru and Patrick Sugrue joining the Shake Smart board of directors. |
| Dutch Bros, under new CEO Christine Barone, is prioritizing diverse growth strategies beyond physical expansion. While eyeing new markets like Florida, the brand aims to leverage its fanbase, build brand awareness and enhance its tech stack. Barone emphasized the popularity of customizable energy drinks in new markets and the importance of national brand awareness through physical locations and social media. |
| The U.S. government, through the FTC and DOJ, is pushing for exemptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act to make soft serve ice cream machines at fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s more easily repairable. Currently, only technicians authorized by the machine’s manufacturer can perform digital repairs, leading to long wait times and high costs for franchise owners. The government argues that allowing more repair options would promote competition, reduce downtime and prevent revenue loss. |
| Panasonic Connect North America is set to unveil its latest restaurant technology solutions at MURTEC 2024, featuring the new Stingray JS9900 Kiosk Series and JS988 Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals. These innovations aim to revolutionize the customer experience in fast-casual and quick-serve settings, offering personalized and seamless interactions between customers and their favorite eateries. The solutions prioritize flexibility, efficiency and reliability, catering not only to quick-serve restaurants but also to retail establishments and hospitality operations. With easy-to-use and interactive features, businesses can optimize workflows, promote data-driven processes and empower customers to take control of their ordering experience. |
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