Weekly Global News Wrap: McDonald's CEO wants updates to workplace safety policy; Yum! Brands buys AI biz to boost marketing; Wendy's casts wider net for expansion

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

CBS reported a story that included allegations from female employees at McDonald’s saying that they have been discriminated against and faced sexual harassment at work from male employees. In response, CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a statement that such harassment "will not be tolerated.” Read the report here.

Yum! Brands announced that it has bought Kvantum, a company that uses artificial intelligence for consumer insights and marketing performance analytics, in a bid to optimize its marketing spending. CNBC reports the deal is expected to close at the end of the first quarter, subject to standard closing conditions. Read more here.

Wendy’s expects to have 8,000 restaurants globally by the end of 2025, which would be 17% more than it operated at the end of 2020. Restaurant Business reports the chain intends to locate other types of locations that could have a drive-thru, such as closed units once operated by a competitor, an old bank building or even a closed retail shop. Read more here.

Chipotle said 10% of its executives’ annual incentives will be tied to their progress toward achieving company goals starting this year. As CNBC reports, targets include increasing the pounds of organic, local or regeneratively grown or raised food from the previous year. The chain is also seeking to maintain racial and gender pay equity and promote more women and people of color above the restaurant level. Read more here.

Shake Shack continues its sustainability push by testing biodegradable straws and cutlery at six U.S. locations. Nation’s Restaurant News said the utensils are made by Restore Foodware out of AirCarbon, or polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Read more here.