1851 Franchise Weekly Sizzle

Cicis Reports Data Breach

Cicis customers need to check their bank accounts. The Coppell, Texas-based brand has announced that malware in the Cicis Enterprise LP payment system may have compromised customer payment card information at more than 140 locations in 17 states. The investigation began in March of this year when some restaurants were reporting problems with their Point of Sale system. However, the data breach goes back to 2015. Local authorities have been notified, and the company has established a toll-free phone line to answer customer questions.

(From Nation’s Restaurant News)

Political Pizza Sales

If you have turned on the T.V., logged into Twitter, or walked down the street you know the 2016 Presidential Election is the talk of the town. One sector possibly being affected by the social and political landscape is pizza. According to KeyBanc Analyst Chris O’Cull, Papa John’s International Inc. is poised to perform well as the country decides the next president of the United States of America. Papa Johns’ stock has been upgraded to “overweight” from “sector weight.” The change is due to more consumers opting to stay in rather than dine out due to the political and social climate. With the election coverage going through November, he thinks the trend is here to stay through the final ballot.

(From Mashable)

McDonald’s Franchisees Fear Food Safety Disaster

After announcing a plan to test fresh beef patties in McDonald’s restaurants, franchisees started fearing the potential for a foodborne illness outbreak. Results from a Nomura survey indicate that franchisees noted that the new fresh beef patties will impact cooking speed, but it could potentially open the brand up to a food safety disaster due to the variability of food handling. While the safety issues are a concern, other franchisees see this move as a way to improve company perception and lead to other improvements.

(From CNBC)

Dairy Queen to Celebrate 11^th Miracle Treat Day

On July 28, 2016, the iconic Blizzard Treat from Dairy Queen will take center stage to benefit sick kids in local communities. This will be the 11^th annual Miracle Treat Day event for the brand. For every Blizzard Treat sold on July 28, participating DQ Grill & Chill and Dairy Queen locations will donate $1 to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Last year Dairy Queen raised more than $5 million on Miracle Treat Day for CMN Hospitals. The company is encouraging fans to post a selfie with a Blizzard Treat on the day with #MiracleTreatYourSelfie.

(From QSR Magazine)

Panda Express Introduces Fortunate Cookies

The popular fortune cookie found at the bottom over every Chinese Food delivery bag is getting a goodwill makeover from Panda Express. The brand has announced their most recent campaign will be focusing on the new ‘Fortunate Cookies.’ The cookies will replace all fortune cookies and will contain ‘FortuNotes,’ which feature sayings of gratitude and giving. Customers are encouraged to share their ‘’FortuNotes’ on social media with #ShareGoodFortune. Fortunate Cookies will be available now until August 10, 2016.

(From FOX Business)