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| Fast Company published its 2024 Most Innovative Companies List, and Taco Bell is featured on the cover of the latest issue. The brand ranked #1 in the Dining category and #8 on the overall global list. Fast Company’s accompanying article spotlights Taco Bell’s leadership team, its most recent activations and experiential events and the impact the brand has had on the industry and culture at large with innovation at its core. |
| KFC was also named to the Most Innovative Companies List, ranking #14 in the Advertising & Marketing category. KFC's promotions in Canada and Spain were cited as good examples of engaging the gaming community and generating buzz. |
| Pizza Hut U.S. is collaborating with Yeastie Boys to introduce the limited-edition Big New Yorker Pizza Bagel, featuring Pizza Hut’s Big New Yorker Pizza toppings on a Yeastie Boys bagel. Debuting at the Rolling Loud music festival in Los Angeles, the bagel includes sweet marinara sauce, Parmesan, mozzarella, oregano and double pepperoni. Free samples were distributed from a Yeastie Boys food truck. Further giveaways will occur in NYC and LA, with select bagels offering scratch-offs for Pizza Hut gift cards or custom swag. |
| Mountain Dew is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Baja Blast with various offerings. Taco Bell’s beloved flavor inspires Baja Blast Gelato nationwide and expands to grocery stores, with new Baja Laguna Lemonade and Point Break Punch sodas. The return of Hard Mountain Dew’s Baja Blast Mix Pack adds to the festivities, featuring four flavors with 5% ABV and 100 calories. |
| Taco Bell Malaysia has launched Value Bell Deals, allowing customers to customize pocket-friendly meals starting from RM6.95. The promotion offers mix-and-match options for snacks or hearty meals. Additionally, a special Bell Rice Bowl, featuring Mexican rice, Pico de Gallo salsa, nachos and choice of protein and sauce, is introduced for Ramadan and will remain on the menu permanently. |
| 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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| Starbucks Corp. has reshuffled its regional executive structure, appointing Michael Conway as CEO for North America and Brady Brewer as CEO for Starbucks international. The new roles aim to drive growth through end-to-end responsibility, emphasizing operations, marketing and digital efforts. Instead of a chief marketing officer, Starbucks plans to introduce a global brand creative leader. The strategy aligns with Starbucks’ goal to expand to 55,000 locations by 2030, with 75% outside the U.S. Existing China co-CEOs Belinda Wong and Molly Liu will maintain their positions. |
| Starbucks is discontinuing its Starbucks Odyssey Beta program, a limited offer of collectible digital tokens, citing the need to prepare for program evolution. Participants have until March 25 to complete tasks to win NFTs, which will then be transferred to an external marketplace. Despite launching amid NFT hype, Starbucks’ customer adoption of digital stamps remains unclear. The company plans to apply feedback from the program to future initiatives but hasn’t disclosed specific plans for NFTs in its loyalty infrastructure. |
| McDonald’s is undergoing significant expansion and digital transformation, aiming for 50,000 locations globally by 2027. This push includes a focus on development, in addition to delivery, drive-thru and digital initiatives. The company aims to leverage its already significant presence in the U.S. while addressing changing consumer needs, particularly among lower-income segments. With a strong digital focus, McDonald’s plans to enhance its loyalty program, expand digital capabilities, and invest in technology to improve operations and customer experience. |
| Domino’s is offering a 50 percent discount on all menu-priced pizzas ordered online from today until March 24, coinciding with college basketball’s major events. Christopher Thomas-Moore, Domino’s Chief Digital Officer, expressed excitement about the deal, emphasizing the joy of enjoying pizza while cheering for favorite teams. The offer is accessible through Domino’s online platforms, including its website and mobile app. |
| Qdoba has appointed Jeremy Vitaro as its Chief Development Officer and Head of International Business, leveraging his 20 years of development experience, including roles at Little Caesars and Dunkin’ Brands. Vitaro’s expertise in restaurant growth, remodels and real estate will drive Qdoba’s asset-light development strategy, aiming to reach 1,500 units by 2033. His track record of expanding restaurant chains, such as Little Caesars, into new markets and enhancing digital channels, aligns with Qdoba’s plans for aggressive growth following its acquisition by Butterfly Equity. |
| Sonic Drive-In has introduced the Blackout Slush Float, a limited-time offering inspired by the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8. The beverage features a black-colored slush with cotton candy and dragon fruit flavors, topped with white soft serve and galaxy-themed sprinkles. Customers purchasing the drink receive free eclipse viewing glasses. Sonic collaborated with former NASA astronaut Terry Virts to promote safe eclipse viewing. The treat will be available at over 400 Sonic locations in areas where the eclipse is visible until May 5, with staff directing guests to safe viewing spots on April 8. |
| The International Franchise Association’s Economic Outlook report highlighted strong performance in the franchise industry despite economic challenges. Franchised establishments grew by 2.2%, exceeding predictions. The report forecasts 3% growth in personal services and 2.2% growth in quick-service restaurants fueled by rising consumer demand. Trends driving growth include personalized customer experiences, healthier menu options and technology investments. Virtual kitchens and mobile concepts are expected to thrive. Despite labor shortages, the franchise model remains resilient, attracting individuals seeking work-life balance and investment opportunities. |
| The National Restaurant Association (NRA) and its Educational Foundation (NRAEF) have bolstered their leadership teams with key appointments. Sue Hensley will return to the NRA as SVP of member engagement, focusing on member relations and program alignment. Chad Moutray will join as VP of research and knowledge, overseeing data analysis for the restaurant industry. Chris Kenny will assume the role of VP of marketing for the NRAEF, leading marketing strategies for talent development programs. |
| Virtual Dining Concepts (VDC) has acquired Man Vs. Fries, a popular fries-centric comfort food concept owned by William Bonhorst. Under VDC’s ownership, Man Vs. Fries has expanded to 130 locations in 49 cities within three months. VDC has integrated Man Vs. Fries into pop-up dining experiences at partner restaurants like On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina and aims to expand to 1,500 stores by year-end, targeting $50 million in 2024 sales. |
| Andy’s Frozen Custard and the Kansas City Royals have entered a multi-year partnership, making Andy’s the Proud Partner of the Royals. To celebrate, Andy’s will unveil a Royals-inspired treat at their newest store in Tiffany Springs on March 27, with proceeds benefiting the Kansas City Royals Foundation. The partnership includes supporting initiatives like the ‘Kids Run the Bases’ program and Urban Youth Academy events. Andy’s Frozen Custard FreezCretes will be available at Kauffman Stadium during home games. |
| Mike Burns, the new CEO of &Pizza, noted he aims to restore the brand’s edgy identity. Since November, he’s implemented changes including tech upgrades, franchising, menu revamps and emphasizing the counter-culture vibe. Workers are encouraged to express themselves, aligning with the brand’s ethos. Initiatives like the Dead Presidents Club loyalty program and reintroduction of favorites like the Dill Pickle Pizza aim to rejuvenate interest. Franchising and tech enhancements are part of the growth strategy, with future plans for expansion and marketing pushes like Pi Day and 4/20 promotions. |
| California’s labor commissioner clarified the bakery exemption in AB 1228, the legislation increasing the minimum wage for fast-food workers. Contrary to speculation, Panera Bread is unlikely to qualify for the exemption. The commissioner outlined criteria for the exemption, specifying that bakeries must produce bread from scratch on-site. Baking pre-made dough elsewhere doesn’t meet the criteria. This ruling implies that Panera Bread, known for its regional dough production, won’t be exempt. |
| The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must fully reimburse minimum-wage delivery drivers who use their vehicles for work. The court rejected both the IRS mileage rate and a "reasonable approximation” as inadequate standards. Reimbursement must cover 100% of the costs, with the risk of underpayment falling solely on the employer. The ruling applies to Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee but raises awareness for employers nationwide about their reimbursement practices. |
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