| Yum! Brands News | |
| | Yum!Now News | |
| | Competitor Intelligence | |
| | Industry Trends | |
| | Policy & Regulatory News | |
| | | |
| KFC India has introduced the International Burger Fest, offering five unique Zinger Burgers inspired by global flavors, starting at INR 179. From the classic American Zinger to the spicy Caribbean version and the bold Mexican and Indian variations, there’s something for every taste. The festival also debuts the Paneer Zinger, featuring a crispy paneer patty and tangy sauce. Prepared with 100% real chicken, these burgers promise a flavorful journey for chicken enthusiasts. |
| Pizza Hut Australia has introduced a SpongeBob SquarePants-Inspired Menu across 286 locations, featuring quirky offerings like the world-first Dill Pickle Mustard Swirl & Bacon Bits Ice Cream. Inspired by Patrick’s iconic order in the animated series, the menu includes items like SpongeBob Pizza and Pineapple Sunrise Ice Cream. Simon Stocks, Director of Marketing and Digital at Pizza Hut Australia, expressed excitement over the partnership with Paramount Consumer Products, aiming to create memorable experiences for customers, available both individually and as a bundle. |
| Pizza Hut Sri Lanka offers a slice of hope to marginalized youth |
Did you know that unemployment for Sri Lankan youth hit a staggering 26% last year? That's why Pizza Hut Sri Lanka and Yum!'s Unlocking Opportunity Initiative, our company's investment of $100 million to create more equality in the areas of equity & inclusion, education and entrepreneurship, have joined forces with the Sevalanka Foundation to introduce the Youth Enablement Program. This initiative is specifically tailored to empower them with the essential skills needed to thrive in a job in the quick-service restaurant industry. Read more about how opportunity for meaningful employment is being unlocking, paving a brighter future for Sri Lanka's youth. |  | (For Yum! Eyes Only) |
|
 |
| McDonald’s menu prices have surged over 100% in the last decade, surpassing U.S. inflation rates threefold. Notable increases include the Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal, now at $11.99 from $5.39 in 2014. The iconic Big Mac jumped 50% to $5.99. FinanceBuzz’s study revealed McDonald’s as the worst offender among 13 restaurants, tripling inflation. McDonald’s CEO acknowledged inflation’s impact, hinting at future price hikes. Rising costs force franchisees to adjust, with some attributing increases to California’s $20 minimum wage law. |
| McDonald’s has agreed to purchase its 225 restaurants in Israel from Alonyal Ltd., the franchise operator. This move follows controversy during the Israel-Hamas conflict when some Israeli franchises provided meals to soldiers, drawing criticism. McDonald’s CEO condemned violence and hate speech but didn’t directly address franchisee tensions. The acquisition aims to ensure a positive customer and employee experience. Fourth-quarter sales were impacted by Middle East conflict. |
| Subway has announced new lavash-style wraps launching nationwide on April 11, the first bread option in three years. Recent menu changes, including Sidekick snack items, contributed to a 6.4% global sales increase. Subway plans a beverage lineup overhaul with Pepsi in 2025 and to renew a partnership with Frito-Lay until 2030. The company invested $80 million in deli slicers for fresh-sliced deli meat sandwiches and introduced the Subway Series menu in 2022, enabling sandwich ordering by number. |
| Chick-fil-A’s sales surged to $21.58 billion in 2023, marking a 14.7% increase from 2022 and over 43% from 2021. The chain’s growth outpaced competitors like Popeyes. Despite being closed on Sundays, Chick-fil-A’s average check of $13.95 surpasses its rivals. Kalinowski Equity Research noted Chick-fil-A’s main competitor is McDonald’s, prompting a chicken sandwich war in the QSR sector. With record unit volumes and expansion potential, Chick-fil-A faces competition from chains expanding their chicken offerings. |
| Shake Shack has introduced free Chicken Shack sandwiches every Sunday in April, aiming to rival other chains. The Chicken Shack features crispy, antibiotic-free chicken breast with lettuce, pickles and buttermilk herb mayo on a toasted potato bun. To redeem, customers must place a minimum $10 order via kiosk in-store, or through the Shake Shack app or website for delivery or pick-up, and use promo code CHICKENSUNDAY. |
| After California’s $20 fast-food minimum wage took effect on April 1, reports of higher menu prices and restaurant closures emerged. Chipotle raised protein prices by 7-8%, while Burger King saw significant increases, with a Big Fish meal surging over 50%. Hart House increased milkshake prices by $1, and In-N-Out Burger raised burger prices by 25 cents. Some Wendy’s locations raised menu prices by 25-40%, while Fatburger raised prices by 8-10% and implemented cost-cutting measures. Multiple fast-food restaurants, including Fosters Freeze and MOD Pizza locations, closed in response to the wage increase. |
| Bloomin’ Brands has appointed William Michael Healy as its new chief financial officer, succeeding Chris Meyer. Healy, previously the executive vice president of global business development and strategy, has been with the company since 2009. The promotion, effective April 1, follows Meyer’s retirement announcement in February. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Bloomin’ Brands reported a net income of $43.3 million, with revenues increasing to $1.194 billion. |
| Pollo Campero aims to increase its U.S. store count by more than double, employing innovative measures to enhance efficiency amid rising labor costs. The chain has redesigned its restaurant layout to reduce staff walking distance, improving productivity and customer satisfaction. With the recent hike in California’s fast-food minimum wage to $20, Pollo Campero’s move reflects broader industry efforts to optimize operations. Pollo Campero’s streamlined approach aligns with its goal of expanding to 250 U.S. locations by 2027. |
| Frances Allen, CEO of Checkers and Rally’s, is stepping down to focus on board work, remaining until September for a smooth transition. Since joining in 2020, she orchestrated key initiatives amid the pandemic, aiding the company’s growth trajectory. With 800 locations, the Tampa-based chain faced debt challenges pre-pandemic. Allen’s strategies, including AI drive-thru tech and restaurant redesigns, aimed at expansion. Despite inflation hurdles, her tenure concludes with confidence in the company’s future under new ownership by investment firms. |
| Hicham El Abbassi and Isalmou Boussaa, co-founders of DT NOVA, transitioned from Moroccan immigrants to successful franchisees. Starting as crew members at Five Guys, they progressed to owning 12 District Taco and 11 Five Guys locations in Northern Virginia. The journey reflects their dedication and adaptability, earning them recognition as International Franchise Association Franchisees of the Year. Their success stems from hands-on involvement, marrying ownership with operational roles. |
| A transgender former Chick-fil-A employee’s sexual harassment case may proceed to trial, as ordered by a U.S. District Court judge. While the court dismissed claims of discriminatory and retaliatory termination, the worker alleged experiencing a sexually discriminatory hostile work environment at a Decatur, Georgia franchise. Co-workers reportedly subjected her to homophobic and transphobic insults and misgendering. |
|
|
