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Check out the hottest franchising headlines from the past week.
Brands Show Support for Orlando Community
In the aftermath of the horrific mass shooting that occurred at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, many restaurant brands have come together to support the community. Orlando-based Darden Restaurants Inc. has been offering free food to first responders, volunteers and the families of the victims. In addition to that, Darden has donated $500,000 to the OneOrlando Fund. Other restaurants, including Chick-fil-A, opened their doors on Sunday to provide free sandwiches and drinks to people who were donating blood.
Panera Ditching Artificial Ingredients in Grocery Store Items
After removing antibiotics and non-naturally occurring trans fats from the brand’s in-store menu items, Panera Bread is moving the needle even further. The brand has announced that they will be ditching all artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and colors from the brand’s Panera at Home grocery store product line. This move is an extension of Panera’s food policy commitment and follows the no-no list expansion implemented last year. Currently, Panera at Home soup has 35 percent of the market share in the refrigerated soup category.
(From CNBC)Hooters is Suing New Jersey Based-Franchisee
Hoot Owl Restaurants Inc. is being sued by Hooters of America for breach of the franchise contract. Hooters filed the federal lawsuit on Monday, June 13, 2016, in Atlanta. The lawsuit alleges Hoot Owl turned off customers by failing to maintain restaurants in a hygienic condition and damaged the national brand. Hooters is claiming Hoot Owl violated its franchise agreement by abandoning Hooters locations in Warwick, Rhode Island, and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and continuing to operate other locations in “deplorable conditions.” The brand is asking the judge to look into which state laws govern its right to terminate franchise agreements with Hoot Owl.
(From Fox News)#getfried Signs First Franchise Deal
The #getfried Fry Café has signed a franchise agreement to bring three units to San Antonio, Texas. This is the first franchise deal for the quick-service franchise that offers gourmet topped french fries. San Antonio, Texas native Craig Christopher is the company’s first franchisee and plans to roll out a food truck this year followed by two additional locations in 2017. #getfried is currently operating in two locations in Western New York and provides customers with five styles of fries and more than 20 sauces, seasonings and toppings.
(From QSR Magazine)Celebrate Summer with Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is offering fans a summertime version of the Triple Treat Box: Summer Edition. The Triple Treat Box has been designed to look like a picnic basket and includes two medium one-topping pizzas, an order of breadsticks and the Ultimate Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie for $19.99. Fans can choose from a variety of toppings and crusts for the pizzas and can pick their favorite breadsticks.
