Weekly Global News Wrap: McDonald's at odds with US franchisees over financial relief; Starbucks CEO details reopening strategy; Shake Shack cuts 1,000 workers

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

McDonald’s rejected a request from its US franchisees to delay collecting some March rent and royalty payments, leading to claims that the fast food giant is not providing enough support during the coronavirus crisis, Reuters reports. The correspondence is said to be a snapshot of growing internal tensions between McDonald’s executives and franchisee organizations. Read more here.

Starbucks is adopting a "monitor and adapt" strategy to reopen some stores in the US following closures in mid-March. As CNN reported, CEO Kevin Johnson told employees in an open letter that the initiative means "every community will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation" and decide when to fully reopen their cafes. Read more here.

Subway has joined other leading QSRs brands in sourcing masks and protective shields for workers. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, the company said it was working to “mitigate the strains and stresses being placed on” its franchisees during the “ever-evolving landscape” of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.

Shake Shack has furloughed or laid off more than 1,000 workers at its US restaurants and its New York City home office as a result of temporary closures and reduced operations. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, the layoffs come a week after the fast-casual burger chain received a US$10 million loan under the Paycheck Protection Program. Read more here.

Taco Bell is introducing a spicy version of its Doritos Locos Tacos in the US. As Yahoo! reported, the new Flamin’ Hot Doritos Locos Tacos is available in all drive-thrus and delivery nationwide. Read more here.