Weekly Global News Wrap: Taco Bell eyeing personalised menus; Dunkin' collaborates with Snoop Dogg; Panda Express' CNY-themed AR filter

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

McDonald’s is reportedly adding MSG (monosodium glutamate) to its new chicken sandwich. According to a Bloomberg report, the chicken giant is using the savory-flavour enhancer, which has been drawing health concerns from consumers, on chicken sandwich trials in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Houston, and appearing as well in tests of sausage, soup bases and different crispy-chicken fillets in various locations. Read more here. 

Popeyes in the US formalised its latest nationwide partnership with DoorDash, offering free chicken sandwiches to customers. With a minimum $20 spend via DoorDash, customers can avail of the free item with fries and drink, along with free delivery charge. Read more here. 

Dunkin’ partnered with American rapper Snoop Dogg in introducing a limited-time spin-off of its Beyond Sausage Sandwich. Also, the donut chain collaborated with the rapper to sell limited-edition apparel to be released by end-January. Read more here. 

Taco Bell in the US announced its partnership with AI-driven omnichannel personalisation firm Certona. The new partnership will allow the taco chain to personalize its menu recommendations and offers for registered users of its mobile app. Read more here. 

Yum! Brands appointed new non-executive directors effective 24 January. Joining the company’s Board are GODIVA Chocolatier CEO Annie Young-Scrivner and InterContinental Hotels Group CEO Keith Barr. Read more here. 

Panda Express in the US launched its Chinese Lunar New Year-themed augmented-reality (AR) filter via Facebook and Instagram. The online AR feature launch came along with the introduction of its new limited-time offering Firecracker Shrimp. Read more here. 

Jack in the Box promoted three current female VPs to senior positions. Adrienne Ingoldt is now Senior VP and Chief Brand and Experience Officer, Jennifer Kennedy becomes Senior VP and Chief Product and Innovation Officer, and Sarah Super is named Senior VP and General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer. Read more here.