1851 Franchise Weekly Rewind

Check out the hottest franchising headlines from the past week.

SPONSOREDUpdated 8:08AM • 01/22/16

Department of Labor Issues Guidance on Joint Employment

This Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Labor issued guidance on broadening the definition of joint employment, where two of more business can be help responsible for compliance of laws for employees. The DOL says possible for a worker to be jointly employed by two or more employers, and both would be responsible for regulations compliance. This would expand the joint-employer status for businesses that share employees using third-party management companies, independent contractors, staffing agencies and other labor providers. The DOL doesn’t indicate that franchisees and franchisors are necessarily joint employers, although they may be included.

(From The Washington Post)

Wendy’s Testing Veggie Burger

Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike may have a new non-meat option at Wendy’s soon. The fast-food chain is expanding the brand’s test market for a new black bean burger. The meatless burger is made with black beans, wild rice, faro, onions, brown rice, carrots, quinoa, corn, green bell peppers and red bell peppers. The chain is currently testing the new offering in Columbia, South Carolina; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Columbus, Ohio.

(From The Daily Meal)

Caribou Coffee Offers Cleaner Ingredients

Another brand is moving to make their menus less dependent on artificial flavorings. Caribou Coffee, has announced they will be using less artificial flavorings in existing and new menu items throughout the year. The premium coffee brand will begin with using real vanilla syrup, and has plans to convert all syrups to the clean label standard by the end of 2016.

(From QSR Magazine)

Chili’s Q2 Same-Store Sales Fall Amid Weak Oil Prices

Chili’s domestic same-store sales fell by 2.1 percent in the brand’s second quarter ending in December. The brand’s parent company, Brinker International Inc. says weak oil prices kept the chain’s customers who are dependent on oil production home in many markets causing the decline. The company is looking to increase traffic to stores to help boost business.

(From Nation’s Restaurant News)

Low-Calorie Menu Highlighted at Freebirds

Each New Year brings new opportunities to brands to promote healthy eating. This year, Freebirds has launched its Six Under 600 Calories menu. The menu features a variety of burritos, bowls and salads under 600 calories, and it’s available at locations nationwide. In addition tot he new menu, fans of Freebirds will soon see a remodel of select locations and a new mobile app.

(From Fast Casual)