Weekly Global News Wrap: McDonald’s expands McPlant test; Taco Bell’s ‘business school’; Starbucks scraps vaccine requirement in U.S.

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

McDonald’s is expanding its test of the plant-based McPlant burger in the U.S., which was created as a result of its partnership with Beyond Meat. Starting February 14, the chain will roll out the burger at roughly 600 locations in the San Francisco Bay and Dallas-Fort Worth area. Read more from CNBC.

Wendy’s is mulling a possible debt raise transaction through its current debt facility, saying it would use proceeds to fund growth or return capital to shareholders. Its latest earnings report said its net income rose to US$41.2 million, or 18 cents a share, from US$39.8 million, or 17 cents a share, in the same period last year. Read more from Nation’s Restaurant News.

Pret A Manger has been ordered by a U.S. district court judge in Illinois state to pay more than US$677,000 to resolve a biometric data dispute involving hundreds of the fast-casual chain’s workers. Read more from Restaurant Business.

Taco Bell is starting a 'Business School' in the U.S. that has real, accredited courses. The six-week bootcamp to train future franchise owners is done in partnership with the University of Louisville. Read more from Entrepreneur.

Starbucks is no longer requiring U.S. employees to get vaccinated or submit to weekly testing. The decision was made following the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of President Joe Biden's vaccine and testing requirement for large businesses. Read more from CNN.