| Yum! Brands News | |
| | Yum!Now News | |
| | Competitor Intelligence | |
| | Industry Trends | |
| | Policy & Regulatory News | |
| | | |
| KFC U.K. & Ireland and FareShare have unveiled the “Bucket Bike” to highlight community kitchens and the need for volunteers. Research shows a lack of awareness about local charities despite 11 million Brits facing food insecurity. KFC has donated 1 million meals through FareShare and aims for 2 million by year-end. The Bucket Bike trial in Brighton aims to raise awareness. Jenny Packwood, chief corporate affairs officer at KFC Pan-Europe, U.K. & Ireland, emphasized the importance of local charity awareness. |
| A Twitch streamer ventured to a KFC in China to try their limited-time Durian Double Down Burger. Despite its unusual combination of fried chicken and durian fruit, the streamer, GeezGiselle, found it very enjoyable and praised the burger’s taste. KFC China has been experimenting with unique offerings like this, including driverless delivery trucks in collaboration with Neolix. The streamer’s verdict adds to the intrigue surrounding KFC’s unconventional menu items. |
| How can young leaders gain respect from their older colleagues? |
In the latest episode of #3Questions, Joaquin Soto reveals a lesson that his father taught him that has helped him earn respect when he was promoted at a young age. The now senior director of Operations Systems & Technology at The Habit Burger Grill talks about that and more in the series that features conversations between Yum! CEO David Gibbs and our employees. Watch their inspiring conversation on Yum!Now. |  | (For Yum! Eyes Only) |
|
| McDonald’s will introduce Krispy Kreme donuts at its U.S. locations, starting with a phased rollout in the second half of 2024 and expanding nationwide by 2026. The partnership follows successful testing in Kentucky and Indiana last year. Krispy Kreme’s CEO noted the demand exceeded expectations. The move aims to boost McDonald’s breakfast and coffee sales, competing with Starbucks and Dunkin’. Krispy Kreme’s footprint in the U.S. will significantly expand. Franchisees will decide whether to offer the donuts. |
| Jimmy John’s is introducing a new addition to its clothing line: the Ciao Down Silk Scarf, designed to complement its Caprese Salami Pesto wrap. The scarf, priced at $75, reflects the wrap’s ingredients and can be styled in various ways. Inspired by Italian fashion, the scarf will be available on Jimmy John’s online store, along with the limited-time wrap and sandwich offerings. |
| Burger King is celebrating the upcoming total solar eclipse by offering free burgers on April 8. Royal Perk members can enjoy a buy-one-get-one offer by texting ECLIPSE to 251251. The deal, lasting until April 15, is available through the BK app and website. |
| Starting March 26, Starbucks Reserve locations in Chicago, New York City and Seattle are introducing two menu items infused with hot honey for a sweet and spicy twist. The Starbucks Reserve Hot Honey Espresso Martini blends Starbucks Reserve Espresso, Kalak Single Malt Vodka, vanilla syrup, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur and hot honey, topped with spicy-sweet cold foam and black sesame seeds. The Starbucks Reserve Hot Honey Affogato features vanilla gelato soaked in Starbucks Reserve Espresso and Scrappy’s Orange and Firewater Bitters, drizzled with hot honey and topped with an Amarena cherry. |
| Bojangles has chosen Bikky as its exclusive data and analytics partner to enhance its digital transformation. With Bikky, Bojangles gains insights into guest behavior, allowing for smarter decision-making across all aspects of the customer journey. By understanding guest preferences and behaviors, Bojangles aims to drive incremental sales and enhance engagement. This partnership comes as Bojangles expands into new markets like Texas, Ohio and Las Vegas, aiming to leverage data-driven strategies for success in an increasingly digital dining landscape. |
| One Group Hospitality has announced the acquisition of Safflower Holdings, the parent company of Benihana Group and RA Sushi, for $365 million. This move, expected to close by the end of the second quarter, will be financed through preferred equity and a term loan and credit facility. Benihana, with 88 company-owned units, will contribute $514 million in revenue over the past 12 months and about $70 million in annual run-rate EBITDA. This acquisition, the first since acquiring Kona Grill in 2019, significantly expands One Group’s venue count to 168 and increases systemwide revenue to over $1 billion from $436 million. |
| Danny Meyer’s Hospitality Quotient (HQ) is expanding its reach with the launch of HQ+, an e-learning platform aimed at a broader audience beyond the restaurant industry. HQ, established in 2011 as part of Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), embodies the principles of “enlightened hospitality” outlined in Meyer’s book “Setting the Table.” The new platform aims to share USHG’s approach to hiring, training and brand building, emphasizing the universal benefits of hospitality across industries. |
| On Wednesday, March 27, Jersey Mike’s Subs is holding its 14th Annual Day of Giving, donating all sales, expected to exceed $21 million, to over 200 local charities across its 2,700 restaurants nationwide. This event concludes Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving campaign, during which customers have been donating to partner charities throughout March. Actor Danny DeVito joins founder and CEO Peter Cancro in encouraging participation. |
| Rave Restaurant Group, the parent company of Pizza Inn and Pie Five, has appointed Jay Rooney as its new chief financial officer, along with several other executive appointments. Rooney previously served as CFO at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and brings experience from financial leadership roles at Brinker International Inc. Rave also announced Zack Viljoen as VP of Operations and GM of Pie Five, Denise Wilson as Associate VP of Supply Chain, Carlos Cojulun as Marketing Director of Pizza Inn, Roger Mangum as Director of Operations and Training and Liam Finn as Director of Franchise Development. |
| The city of Berkeley, California, has agreed to cease enforcement of its ban on natural gas piping in new homes and buildings following a legal challenge by the California Restaurant Association. This settlement comes after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a ruling that the ban violated federal law. While Berkeley plans to repeal the ordinance, it will immediately stop enforcing the ban to comply with the court decision. Berkeley’s 2019 ban had sparked a nationwide debate over the future of gas stoves amid climate change concerns. |
| Seattle is reassessing a wage increase for app-based delivery drivers after unintended consequences emerged. The PayUp legislation raised the minimum hourly wage to $26.40, prompting delivery apps to hike prices. However, an influx of drivers and reduced demand led to longer gaps between trips and lower earnings, despite higher wages. Drive Forward suggests a $22.45 hourly wage plus mileage. Delivery apps prefer repeal but are open to alternatives. |
|
|
