UK

The system is designed for blind and visually impaired customers and was initially deployed in all McDonald’s outlets in Israel.

The partnership aims to enhancing their product offerings for coffee lovers globally.

A redesign of the brand's digital ordering systems will be a major focus.

The retail analysis company also observes a "blurring" between different segments.

Volatility in currency exchange rates, labour shortages and challenging weather conditions have reportedly contributed to the rise of food items.

This will be the brand's second international operation after going to Dubai.

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

Find out what QSRs have been up to on social media this week.

The cafe-bakery chain plans to open ten more sites in 2019.

Their franchisees in North America lost half of their revenues since the issue surfaced.

The number of responses to the Treasury’s call to reduce single-use plastic is said to be the largest in their history.

Prior donations from the company have helped over 540 families.

Their growth is said to be driven by menu innovations and to-go and delivery services.

The said sectors had an increase despite the consumer spending’s 0.9% decline. The UK Consumer Spending Index by Visa and IHS Markit reports that the Food, Beverages & Tobacco and the Hotels, Restaurants & Bars sectors rose for the month of July with 3.5% and 2.5% respectively. Both sectors had the strongest increases that is said to be driven by the warm weather and the recent World Cup. “Food and drink, followed by hotels, bars and restaurants, saw the highest spending increases of all categories in July, which the warm weather and football clearly contributed to. However, retailers of household goods and those operating within recreation and culture noted significant declines, an indication that household budgets are stretched,” Mark Antipof, chief commercial officer at Visa, said. The household goods fell to -3.2% while the Recreation & Culture went to -3.9%, which are said to be in a faster pace. Other categories included in the study are Transport & Communication (-4.1%), Miscellaneous Goods and Services (-1,8%), Clothing & Footwear (+1.0%) and Health and Education (+0.3%).  

The restaurants’ locations will both replace former Delisserie sites. Hudsons American Brasserie and Indulge Dessert Lounge will be launched in Borehamwood and Stanmore respectively, as announced by Cedar Dean Group (CDG). Hudsons will have a 2,830 sq ft unit in Shenley Road, Borehamwood and is assured to have the same signature dishes with their branches in Mill Hill and Whetstone. Meanwhile, Indulge Dessert Lounge will have a 1,700 sq. ft. unit in Buckingham Parade, Stanmore. “This is a great outcome for Delisserie and a testament to the strength of the two brands. Hudsons’ extensive repertoire of iconic American dishes is guaranteed to generate a buzz with Borehamwood diners,” Emma Cousins of CDG Leisure said. “We are also seeing a growing demand in dessert spots, catalysed by social media platforms, such as Instagram. Indulge’s huge variety and after-dinner opening hours will make it a perfect destination for friends and family alike,” she added.  

Meanwhile, pubs and bars took a rise in like-for-like sales.