Weekly Global News Wrap: Taco Bell, Pret A Manger try subscription models in U.S.; McDonald’s new merch; More details on Chick-fil-A’s virtual brands

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

Brands are translating subscription models to the restaurant space. Taco Bell launched a Taco Lover's Pass test, allowing customers to purchase a 30-day subscription for a daily taco, CNBC reported. Read more here.

Pret A Manger’s U.S. operations, meanwhile, introduced a coffee subscription program in New York City and Washington, D.C. According to Restaurant Business, the plan allows subscribers to pay a monthly fee to order their favorite drinks up to five times a day. Read more here.

Facing a drive to unionize three of its units in New York City, Starbucks countered with a request to U.S. regulators that any vote on joining the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) be expanded to include all 20 stores and 450 employees in the market, Restaurant Business reported. Read more here.

McDonald’s partnered with apparel brand BoxLunch for a new line of merchandise, featuring men’s and women’s clothing ranging from t-shirts featuring Ronald McDonald and friends to a Happy Meal package-shaped purse and a hamburger hoodie, Nation Restaurant News reported. Read more here.

Chick-fil-A said its new delivery-only restaurant concept will launch in Nashville. As reported by Business Insider, the Little Blue Menu concept will operate as a ghost kitchen with three new virtual restaurants: Flock and Farm, Garden Day, and Outfox Wings. Read more here.