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| KFC and Life is Good are partnering on a limited-edition capsule collection, merging KFC’s iconic branding with Life is Good’s uplifting designs. Available on KFCShop.com and lifeisgood.com, the collection includes premium tees and hats featuring Jake, Life is Good’s mascot, and the classic KFC bucket. The collaboration aims to celebrate life’s simple pleasures and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. Both brands emphasized the importance of connection and enjoyment, reinforcing the message that “life is finger lickin’ good.” |
| KFC Thailand is commemorating its 40th Anniversary with a special partnership with Thai-Korean pop star BamBam Kunpimook. The collaboration introduces the “BamBam Box,” a curated meal featuring BamBam’s favorite items and KFC’s first mobile app experience. Priced at 159 THB, the box includes Wingz Zabb, Fried Chicken, Nuggets, Fries and Pepsi, packaged in sleek black hues with BamBam’s logo. Customers can collect limited edition BamBam photo cards with each order via the app and have a chance to win a meet-and-greet with BamBam at an exclusive event. |
| The Taco Bell Foundation is awarding $10 million in Live Más Scholarships, benefiting over 1,000 students. $7 million will go to fans nationwide and $3 million to restaurant team members. Unlike traditional scholarships, applicants aged 16-26 submit two-minute passion-based videos, bypassing grades and essays. Winners receive $5,000 to $25,000 each, with $25,000 recipients receiving Taco Bell gift cards for fueling up on tacos. |
| Taco Bell U.S. is reintroducing its Crispy Chicken Nuggets for a second test run, this time in Houston, Texas, after their initial debut in Minneapolis last year. Available until June 5 or while supplies last, these nuggets are made from all-white chicken breast marinated in jalapeno buttermilk, served with Bell Sauce or Jalapeño Honey Mustard. This limited-time offering aims to gauge customer interest and feedback before a potential nationwide rollout. |
| How KFC’s sustainability chief cooked up a career in fried chicken |
| In our final “How I Got Here” Earth Day feature, we look at the career path of Nira Johri, KFC global chief sustainability officer. Learn how Johri came to champion KFC's "Done the Right Way" sustainability strategy, which is steeped in ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility and community engagement. As we wrap up our Earth Day celebration, join us in applauding Johri and all of our leaders who are making strides to better our planet. |
| Chipotle temporarily restricted employees from ordering chicken in their meals due to high demand for chicken al pastor. The directive, initially perceived as a mandate, faced backlash from workers but was clarified as a request. After media attention, Chipotle lifted the restriction, attributing it to a temporary supply crunch, with CEO Brian Niccol confirming the issue’s resolution. However, the move stirred dissatisfaction among workers, particularly at unionized stores, highlighting the need for a secure contract. |
| Chipotle’s secondary concept, Farmesa Fresh Eatery, is officially scrapped, according to Chair and CEO Brian Niccol. The company is focusing on expanding Chipotle’s brand globally rather than pursuing another concept. Farmesa, previously tested in Santa Monica, didn’t pass muster and has been abandoned. Chipotle acknowledges incorporating learnings from Farmesa into future culinary innovations. This marks another unsuccessful attempt after prior concepts like ShopHouse and Tasty Made. |
| Domino’s is encouraging generous tipping with its “You Tip, We Tip” promotion, starting April 29. Customers who tip $3 or more on a delivery order receive a $3 coupon for their next online delivery. Only one coupon per order, regardless of tip amount and one coupon per day can be earned. The promotion has no announced end date. |
| Tim Hortons is venturing into unexpected territory with “The Last Timbit,” a musical production set to debut in June at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto. Inspired by a 2010 snowstorm where motorists sought refuge at a Tim Hortons, the play features a prominent cast and creative team from Canada’s entertainment scene. Despite initial skepticism, Tim Hortons collaborated with industry professionals to bring the production to life, demonstrating a commitment to celebrating its 60th anniversary with creativity and ambition. |
| Cava, the Mediterranean fast-casual chain, is expanding to the Midwest with its first Chicago location opening in Wicker Park. Co-founder Ted Xenohristos announced plans for multiple locations across Chicago and its suburbs, capitalizing on the area’s demand for Mediterranean cuisine. The Chicago restaurant features dedicated catering facilities and a second makeline for digital orders. Cava aims to introduce novel flavors alongside familiar Mediterranean staples, offering customizable bowls and salads. |
| Taco John’s Bigger Bolder Rewards members can receive a free beef Taco Bravo with any purchase of $5 or more on May 5. The Taco Bravo enhances the classic Crispy Taco by enveloping it in a warm flour tortilla with soft refried beans. Each Crispy Taco shell is freshly cooked in-house daily and filled with Taco John’s signature 100% American beef, mild sauce, lettuce and cheese. This offer is available in-store and in-app, requiring guests to download the app and join the loyalty program by May 4. |
| Slim Chickens has partnered with Slims Southern Boys to bring four or more locations to Alabama and Georgia. Led by Johnny Griggs, Slims Southern Boys brings 35 years of restaurant industry experience and values Slim Chickens’ quality food and inviting atmosphere. With over 265 locations and 1,200 more in development, Slim Chickens continues to grow. The partnership aims to extend Slim Chickens’ Southern hospitality and fresh food to more communities, reflecting the brand’s commitment to expansion. |
| Sunny Street Café, a Columbus-based breakfast chain with 22 units, has achieved over $1 million in AUVs by offering traditional favorites alongside innovative menu items like Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and Loaded Hash Browns. President Mike Stasko attributed the success to evolving consumer tastes and the nostalgic appeal of breakfast. The chain has introduced an incentive program to attract franchisees, offering reduced franchise fees and 0% royalties for the first 18 months. Stasko emphasized the quality of life for employees, highlighting the appeal of flexible schedules in the restaurant industry. |
| Coca-Cola is partnering with Microsoft in a $1.1 billion deal to leverage AI for enhancing workplace operations, cost management and productivity. Transitioning its applications to Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, Coca-Cola aims to explore AI-driven digital assistants to improve customer experiences and operational efficiency. This investment reflects Coca-Cola’s strategy to innovate in marketing, manufacturing and supply chain management. Coca-Cola sees this partnership as a pivotal step toward becoming a digital-first enterprise, emphasizing Microsoft’s capacity to drive AI adoption for added value. |
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