Weekly Global News Wrap: McDonald's probe into ex-CEO expands; Panera teams up with Google to expand ordering options; Starbucks pledges to give time for workers to vote

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

Domino’s in the U.S. released the company’s first new pizzas in eight years: the chicken taco and cheeseburger pizzas. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, the chain’s latest pizza innovation is directly correlated with changing consumer needs during the pandemic. Read more here.

Panera Bread in the U.S. announced it will appear on Google Search, Google Maps and Google Assistant, in a move that will give the chain more access to customers who are increasingly ordering via digital channels. As reported by Restaurant Business, the Google integration is available at participating locations across the country. Read more here.

Starbucks said it will ensure that its baristas will not have to choose between working and voting as part of a nonpartisan push to raise turnout on the United States’ Election Day despite the coronavirus pandemic. As reported by CNBC, the chain intends to share more about its commitments to racial equity, justice and opportunity in coming weeks and months, including more transparency about diversity and inclusion data. Read more here.

McDonald’s has expanded its probe of fired CEO Steve Easterbrook, who the chain has accused of covering up relationships with other employees, approved stock grants and destroyed evidence. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the fast food giant now maintains that Easterbrook’s corporate deceit includes covering up “improprieties by other employees alongside allegations of potential misconduct within the human-resources department.” Read more here.

Papa John’s reported its preliminary estimated systemwide sales increased 24.2% in August in North America as consumers flock to carryout and delivery. As reported by CNBC, the pizza chain now has its eye on growing its digital and menu innovation under new CEO Rob Lynch. Read more here.