Weekly Global News Wrap: McDonald's acquires voice-based tech firm Apprente; Wendy's to launch breakfast menu across the US in 2020; Chick-fil-A's chickens are now fully antibiotic-free

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

McDonald's USA has entered into an agreement to acquire voiced-based tech firm Apprente, that will help the fast food giant make order-taking at its drive thru more efficient. Additionally, the Apprente team will be a founding member of a new, integrated, internal group within McDonald's Global Technology team called McD Tech Labs. Read more here.

Wendy’s has shared plans to launch its breakfast menu, currently available in more than 300 restaurants, across the US in 2020. The company updated its 2019 outlook as it expects to make a one-time investment amounting to US$20m in preparation for the national launch. Read more here.

Chick-fil-A has fully banned chicken administered with antibiotics from all of its 2,400+ restaurants in the US since its implementation last May. The United States Department of Agriculture audited and verified that the chain’s suppliers are meeting the requirements of its campaign. Read more here. 

Subway USA released a limited-time pit-smoked brisket sandwich available until 7 November at participating restaurants, Wide Open Eats reported. It features a brisket that's naturally smoked for at least 13 hours. 

IHOP continued its Latin America expansion and opened three new restaurants in Ecuador, RestaurantNews.com reported. Twelve restaurants are expected to open throughout the country by 2024, and IHOP operator Dine Brands International shared bring the brand to Peru later this year through an agreement with Percapitals S.A.C.