Weekly Global News Wrap: Fast food giants shift to takeout-only; Chipotle's virtual lunch parties; Interest in pizzerias, delivery surge as social distancing persists

Here is a summary of the most interesting QSR news stories of the week from around the world.

The US fast food and fast casual restaurant industry continues to adapt to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Subway being the latest major chain to temporarily suspend its in-dining operations and shift to a takeout-only model. Read more here.

Earlier, McDonald’s and Taco Bell said they are closing their company-owned stores in the US to slow the spread of COVID-19. Read the collated list of announcements from Eater here.

Chick-fil-A joins other top fast food companies in providing financial relief to franchisees affected by the pandemic. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, the chicken chain said that its owned and operated restaurants are providing paid sick leave for team members who have a confirmed case of COVID-19. Read more here.

Interest in to-go options such as pizzerias and fast food joints has increased in the US amidst the ongoing pandemic, a report from business directory service Yelp has revealed. As reported by Fast Company, food delivery, takeout and cooking are also on the rise as social distancing persists. Read more here.

Chipotle is hosting weekly online lunch ‘parties’ via teleconference app Zoom. As reported by Thrillst, the chain’s ‘Chipotle Together’ move only allows 3,000 persons to join the virtual hangout. Read more here.