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

Taco Bell announced it is committing to hiring at least 30,000 workers in the midst of record unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. As reported by Delish, the chain will be ramping up recruitment efforts to fill traditional team member roles, as well as new roles that have been created in light of enhanced safety measures and social distancing requirements. Read more here.

Starbucks has regained about 60 to 65% of its prior year sales levels, according to a business update from its CEO. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, the coffee chain is transforming their “third place” priority to appeal to customers that will likely prefer a grab-and-go format. Read more here.

Five McDonald’s workers and four of their family members filed a lawsuit against the fast food giant about its response to the coronavirus pandemic. As reported by CNBC, the plaintiffs allege that McDonald’s is not giving workers enough masks, gloves and hand sanitizer to protect themselves from the virus. Read more here.

A Chick-fil-A outlet in the US made headlines for hosting a graduation ceremony for its staff. As reported by CNN, the outdoor ceremony in San Antonio featured a store employee calling the graduates' names as those in attendance dutifully wore face masks and gloves. Read more here.

Chipotle continues to highlight special customization tools on the brand’s app. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, the app’s Complete Customization feature allows customers to swipe on each ingredient to choose portion sizes. New options include light, normal, or extra. In some cases, such as with beans or rice, consumers can choose on the “side.” Read more here.

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

McDonald’s is investing about $200 million to bolster its marketing in and outside of the US. As Restaurant Business reports, the fast food giant will also provide targeted financial support to the hardest hit organizations within their system. Read more here.

Starbucks sent a letter to landlords asking for rent concessions for the next 12 months. As CNBC reports, the company estimated it lost $915 million in sales during its fiscal second quarter due to store closures, reduced operating hours and lower customer traffic resulting from the pandemic. Read more here.

Chick-fil-A was the third-largest restaurant chain in the US by sales in 2019, bringing in $11.3 billion - only behind McDonald’s and Starbucks. As reported by Business Insider, the chain grew sales by nearly $1 billion over the last year, up from the $10.4 billion it made in US sales in 2018. Read more here.

Yum! Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, declared a dividend of $0.47 per share of common stock. The quarterly dividend is expected to be distributed by 12 June to shareholders of record at the close of business on 29 May. Read more here.

Shake Shack launched a social media series featuring weekly cook-along videos. As Fast Casual reported, the “Shake Shack at Your Shack” videos feature Shake Shack Culinary Director Mark Rosati and Executive Chef John Karangis incorporating the chain’s core ingredients. Read more here.

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

McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski is confident in the chain's meat supply chain, the chief executive said in an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America. Globally, he said the fast food giant has started to innovate with dining room spacing, barriers, contact-less ordering and pickup from a cart to avoid human contact. Read more here.

Chick-fil-A said some restaurants will reopen doors for carryout orders in the “coming weeks” as it begins to modify dining rooms to support social distancing. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, a majority of the brand’s more than 2,300 units have been closed for takeout from walk-in customers during the pandemic, which has forced restaurants to offer only to-go services. Read more here.

In the U.S., restaurants in Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Nevada and Ohio states have been given the green light to begin a gradual return to dine-in business the week of May 11. Nation’s Restaurant News reports that roughly half of U.S. states have begun lifting restrictions on restaurant dining, though most are allowing sit-down service only under strict protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Read more here.

Taco Bell launched its build-your-own taco kits. The fast-food chain's At Home Taco Bar, currently available by delivery or drive-thru, includes flour tortillas, crunchy taco shells, nacho chips, seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, and nacho cheese sauce. Read more here.

KFC announced that it is launching a virtual Mother's Day experience on Messenger from Facebook for families who may not be able to celebrate together. The chain created an opportunity for family and friends to share a fun and personalized video chat dinner invitation with their moms. Read more here.

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

Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said the coffee giant plans to reopen 90% of its US company-owned locations by June. As reported by CNN, changes that will be implemented by the chain include modifications to the company's delivery channels and a new "entryway hand-off solution." Read more here.

McDonald’s Corporation said its first-quarter earnings fell 17% as the coronavirus pandemic led to restaurant closures and plunging sales. As reported by CNBC, the fast food chain’s executives expect steeper global same-store sales declines in the second quarter than in March. Read more here.

Restaurant Brands International’s Popeyes saw sales surge by 26.2% in Q1 due to its popular chicken sandwiches, whilst Tim Hortons missed estimates. As reported by CNBC, stay-at-home orders due to the pandemic dented sales of breakfast and coffee at Tim Hortons chains, where comparable sales fell 10.3%. Read more here.

Pizza Hut’s owner suggested that outside investors could step in as the operator works to help struggling franchisees in the US, Restaurant Business reports. Yum! Brands has been helping its franchisees navigate the coronavirus with a variety of assistance, including grace periods on royalty payments and deferred capital spending requirements. Read more here.

Focus Brands has promoted two executives to critical roles. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, the company appointed Beto Guajardo as new president of Focus Brands International and Tory Bartlett as COO of Schlotzsky’s. Read more here.

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

BRAND AND STORE UPDATES

Pret A Manger opened 20 more stores in London.

Pizza Express taught customers how to make their Vegan Mezze Calzone at home.

LEON shared how to make its Lentil Masala.

Pizza Pilgrims taught customers how to cook their Pizza in the Post kits.

PROMOTIONS

Whisk Dessert Bar showcased its Mother's Day boxes.

Photo credit: Pret A Manger Facebook

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

Domino’s is staying the course in ad spending as the coronavirus forces other businesses to pull back, its CEO said. Speaking to CNBC’s Jim Cramer, Rich Allison also said that contactless delivery will be “part of the new normal.” Read more here.

Shake Shack has returned its $10 million loan it received from the US government under an emergency programme geared to help small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. As CNN reports, the move comes amidst growing backlash over the distribution of the funds. Read more here.

Chick-fil-A said it is taking additional time to determine dine-in services amidst easing business restrictions in Georgia state in the US, where the chain is headquartered. As Nation’s Restaurant News reported, the chain said it will review operations and ensure necessary precautions in place “to protect our guests and team members before we reopen our dining rooms.” Read more here.

McDonald’s is offering free “Thank You Meals” to healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics in the US. Available through 5 May, eligible customers can either choose from a range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options that come with a soft drink, tea or hot coffee. Read more here.

Chipotle has shared its official guacamole recipe in a bid to engage more stay-at-home customers. As reported by Delish, the fast casual’s executive chef took to the brand's Instagram Live to do the recipe. Read more here.

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.

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

Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut and The Habit Burger Grill are now requiring workers to wear masks both in the US and internationally, as part of a series of new safety measures in light of the coronavirus pandemic. As reported by Restaurant Business, Yum! Brands will work to purchase enough masks to supply its system. Read more here.

Cooks and cashiers in the US walked off the job at McDonald’s and other quick-service restaurants in California to demand they be given personal protection equipment, hazard pay and paid sick leave. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, workers began striking after a McDonald’s worker tested positive for COVID-19. Read more here.

McDonald’s Corporation withdrew its guidance for the year as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, expecting to reduce capital expenditures by about US$1 billion this year. As reported by Bloomberg, the fast food giant said it is working with its franchisees to support financial liquidity. Read more here.

Subway and Panera Bread are just some of the chains rolling out grocery services at hundreds of locations across the US. As reported by Business Insider, this is happening amidst grocery stores’ struggle to keep up with demand. Read more here.

Burger King has launched a marketing campaign, encouraging customers in the US to stay at home during the pandemic. As reported by Marketing Dive, the fast food chain is also donating 250,000 Whoppers to nurses through the American Nurses Foundation. Read more here.

Photo credit: Burger King US Youtube

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

McDonald’s employees in the US are now required to answer a series of questions about their health prior to starting work, the company said in an announcement. Questions include whether workers are showing COVID-19 symptoms, if they have been diagnosed and if they have been in close contact in the past two weeks with someone who has been diagnosed. Read more here.

Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, announced that it is giving cash advances and rent deferrals to franchisees in North America. All workers at company-owned restaurants across its three brands will receive a US$3 hourly bonus in April. Read more here.

The foundation arm of Starbucks has donated more than US$3 million to global COVID-19 relief efforts, as part of ongoing efforts to support communities around the world. Read more here.

Yum! Brands sold US$600 million in bonds, reopening the US market for junk-rated debt issues after its longest lull since the 2008 financial crisis. As reported by Reuters, boosted its debt offering by 20%, after planning to raise US$500 million. Read more here.

Uber Eats is adding an in-app donate button for US customers who want to donate to their favorite restaurant to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. As reported by The Verge, Uber also plans to match every contribution up to US$3 million to the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, with an additional US$2 million donation also going to the fund. Read more here.

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

Yum! Brands has suspended its US$2 billion share buyback programme and tapped into a US$525 million revolving credit facility as the COVID-19 pandemic puts pressure on the restaurant business, CNBC has reported. The company also revealed that they have closed 7,000 restaurants around the world due to the outbreak. Read more here.

The COVID-19 crisis has also prompted McDonald’s to temporarily pull its all-day breakfast offering in the US. As USA Today reports, the menu alteration aimed to "simplify operations in our kitchens and for our crew, and ensure the best possible experience for our customers." Read more here.

The Cheesecake Factory has furloughed about 41,000 hourly workers and reduced the pay of corporate employees by 10% to 20%. As reported by Restaurant Business, benefits, including health insurance, will be maintained for the furloughed employees until June 1. Read more here.

Wendy’s has withdrawn its 2020 and longer-term outlook as it experiences as same-store sales plunge by 20% in its latest week. The company has temporarily shuttered 46 US restaurants and 189 international locations due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.

Americans have started to visit less fast food joints amidst the pandemic, data from Foursquare has revealed. After an initial increase in fast food visits, QSRs saw 10% decline in visits around mid-March when President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency. Read more here.

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

The US fast food and fast casual restaurant industry continues to adapt to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Subway being the latest major chain to temporarily suspend its in-dining operations and shift to a takeout-only model. Read more here.

Earlier, McDonald’s and Taco Bell said they are closing their company-owned stores in the US to slow the spread of COVID-19. Read the collated list of announcements from Eater here.

Chick-fil-A joins other top fast food companies in providing financial relief to franchisees affected by the pandemic. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, the chicken chain said that its owned and operated restaurants are providing paid sick leave for team members who have a confirmed case of COVID-19. Read more here.

Interest in to-go options such as pizzerias and fast food joints has increased in the US amidst the ongoing pandemic, a report from business directory service Yelp has revealed. As reported by Fast Company, food delivery, takeout and cooking are also on the rise as social distancing persists. Read more here.

Chipotle is hosting weekly online lunch ‘parties’ via teleconference app Zoom. As reported by Thrillst, the chain’s ‘Chipotle Together’ move only allows 3,000 persons to join the virtual hangout. Read more here.

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

McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Chipotle are some of the top chains in the US detailing their policies in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. Read the report from Food & Wine here.

Restaurant Business has detailed a list of resources for operators can do in light of the ongoing pandemic. Read it here.

Taco Bell has entered the US’ growing breakfast market with a new line of burritos, CNN reports. The chain has been serving breakfast-specific items since 2014. Read more here.

Grubhub in the US is temporarily suspending commission fees for impacted independent restaurants of up to US$100 million. As CNBC reports, the move to suspend commission fees was made in collaboration with mayors of Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Portland, Oregon and New York. Read more here.

Subway announced that it has named former Carrabba’s Italian Grill President Mike Kappitt to be the company’s new chief operating and insights officer. As reported by Restaurant Business, the newly-created role will see Kappitt oversee digital, including third-party delivery and catering. Read more here.

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

Consumers are likely to leave the house less and cut back on restaurant visits amidst fears related to the ongoing spread of COVID-19. Citing data from its sister company Technomic, Restaurant Business reported that two-thirds of consumers surveyed said they are paying close attention to the coronavirus, far ahead of any other news topic. Read more here.

Starbucks closed a store in the US state of Seattle after an employee was diagnosed with COVID-19, which has affected over 100,000 persons worldwide. In an open letter, the coffee giant said they will continue to follow its protocols “rooted in partner care and expertise from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).” Read more here.

McDonald’s has also canceled its in-person biennial convention for its worldwide franchisees due to the coronavirus outbreak. As reported by CNBC, the four-day event in April, which was supposed to take place in Orlando, Florida, will now occur virtually. Read more here.

Taco Bell is testing a new iteration of its Cantina concept in the US, calling it “fast social.” As reported by Forbes, the revitalised concept will introduce “dynamic dining rooms and lean into social gatherings.” Read more here.

Yum! Brands announced it had acquired Heartstyles, a program aimed at leadership development. The company has initiated multi-year plans to scale Heartstyles and offer it efficiently to its more than 2,000 franchisees who run 98% of its more than 50,000 restaurants. Read more here.

Chipotle is testing unlimited paid time off for its senior staff as labor pressures looming across the industry. As reported by Restaurant Business, the American fast casual chain also expanded its parental leave programme. Read more here.

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

Papa John’s in the US has introduced a new garlic Parmesan-flavored crust, their first in almost four decades. As CNN reports, the addition of the new crust is part of the company’s investment in innovation. Read more here.

Papa John’s also announced that CFO Joe Smith is stepping down in March 2020, three months after the ouster of founder and former CEO John Schnatter. The Wall Street Journal reported that the finance chief’s departure is part of newly-minted CEO Rob Lynch’s plan to “streamline” the American pizza restaurant’s management team from 16 to nine in order to boost franchisee support. Read more here.

Wendy’s in the US is considering an opt-out option for franchisees on their soon-to-roll-out breakfast platform. Nation’s Restaurant News reports that CFO Gunter Plosch said that franchisees will have an opportunity “to potentially raise concerns” if the breakfast business is not creating “enough financial returns.” Read more here.

McDonald’s Corporation lost $4 billion in value a day following its announcement of firing then-CEO Steve Easterbrook, Business Insider reported. The fast food giant fired Easterbrook for violating company policy. Read more here.

Subway in the US partnered with online college Penn Foster for a pilot programme that aims to develop workplace skills and to advance employees’ education. The programme is already introduced in 331 Subway restaurants in Central Florida. Read more here.

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

Pizza Hut is cautiously testing out the plant-based meat trend and a round pizza box in the US. The Verge reports that the Garden Specialty Pizza is topped with MorningStar Farm’s “Incogmeato” Italian sausage, which will only be available for a day in one location in Phoenix. Read more here.

Burger King paid homage to its Finnish customers by creating what it bills to be the world’s first “silent drive-thru,” AdAge reports. Instead of going through the traditional drive-thru lane, customers can wait at a designated silent drive area, where a BK staff member will drop off their meal. Read more here.

Chipotle is looking to add more mobile-order pickup lanes in the US. As reported by Business Insider, most new "Chipotlanes” will be at new locations, as opposed to adding lanes to existing stores. Read more here.

Popeyes is bringing back its chicken sandwich in some stores the US some time in early November. As reported by Bloomberg, the chain’s restaurants operated by Sun Holdings Inc. are hiring additional 400 employees and may dedicate up to two people per store to make the sandwich. Read more here.

Analysts are forecasting that McDonald’s is looking to enter the chicken sandwich war in the US, following its third quarter earnings that missed expectations. As reported by MarketWatch, KeyBanc Capital Markets believes the fast food giant is testing new versions of its chicken sandwich, expecting a rollout in 2020. Read more here.

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

Inspire Brands has officially completed its acquisition of Jimmy John’s, making it the fourth-largest restaurant company in the United States. With the addition, Inspire now has more than 11,200 restaurants across 16 countries generating more than US$14bn annual system sales. Read more here.

DoorDash in the US has entered the ghost kitchen realm, announcing its first brick-and-mortar location in the San Francisco Bay Area. As reported by Restaurant Business, DoorDash Kitchens provides customized kitchen space for five restaurant operations that offer delivery and pickup services through their app. Read more here.

Taco Bell in the US has removed and discarded 2.3 million pounds of seasoned beef from eateries in 21 states after a customer found a metal shaving in a menu item. CBS News reports that some restaurants reportedly were suggesting chicken or steak as a beef substitute to customers before the recall was publicly announced, prompting some to call out the company on social media. Read more here.

Chipotle has expanded its education benefits program, now giving employees the opportunity to earn a degree in 75 different business and technology fields. The initiative covers 100% of tuition costs up front, for eligible employees to earn associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in fields ranging from cybersecurity to supply chain logistics. Read more here.

Burger King in the US announced it has teamed up with Uber Eats. As reported by Business Insider, the fast food chain will be offering free delivery through the platform on orders of US$15 and more. Read more here.

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

Wendy’s is the latest chain in the to explore plant-based alternatives. As reported by CNBC, the burger chain is currently testing black bean burgers, which could be launched next year if it goes well. Read more here.

Newer and healthier chains are still fighting to break through traditional fast food’s hold on lunchtime habits in the US, according to new research from investment researcher Piper Jaffray. As Forbes reports, the data revealed that teens’ most-preferred restaurant brands were Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and Chipotle, all chains that are over two decades old. Read more here.

Increased consumption of fast food leads to further exposure to a toxic chemical called PFAS, used as a barrier to some forms of packaging. National Geographic cited a study that revealed that those who had eaten fast food consistently showed an increase in the amount of PFAS in their blood. Read more here.

Cracker Barrel announced that it has acquired 33-unit Maple Street Biscuit Co. for $36m in an all-cash deal. Restaurant Business reports that the move will result in the company fold its 3-year-old Holler & Dash brand into the newly acquired fast-casual chain. Read more here.

Subway has named its new chief marketing officer as it continues its ongoing leadership overhaul. As reported by Restaurant Business, Carrie Walsh is a former CMO for Pizza Hut and most recently worked with arts and crafts retailer Michaels Stores. Read more here.