1851 Franchising Weekly Rewind

Long John Silver’s Celebrating 'Talk Like a Pirate' Day

Get ready to celebrate "Talk Like a Pirate Day" at Long John Silver’s. On Saturday, Sept. 19, customers who talk like a pirate will receive a free fish tender. For those who take the holiday very seriously, customers who dress up like a pirate will get a two-piece fish tender basket with no coupon needed. In addition to the giveaways, consumers can visit ljsilvers.com/tlap to try the pirate name generator.

Taco Bell Starts Serving Booze

With its official opening Sept. 22, Taco Bell will begin selling alcohol in its new Chicago location. The fast-food chain will sell beer, wine, sangria and spiked frozen drinks at its Wicker Park restaurant. This will be the first cantina-style, booze-selling Taco Bell in the nation. The brand plans on opening up another cantina location near San Francisco’s AT&T Park this month that will sell beer and wine.

This Wednesday, the International Franchise Association announced that president and CEO Steve Caldeira would be stepping down after efforts to agree on a new contract failed. The board has formed a search committee to find a replacement. In the meantime, Robert Cresanti, IFA Executive vice president of government relations and public policy, has been named interim chief operating officer.

Jamba Juice Announcing Almond Milk Smoothies

Three new almond milk smoothies have been added to the Jamba Juice menu. The new Peanut Butter & Berries, Pumpkin and Matcha Green Tea smoothies will feature almond milk and will be free of trans fats, artificial flavors and preservatives and high fructose corn syrup. The new smoothies will be available through January 12, 2016.

Papa Murphy’s, Frank’s RedHot Sauce Team Up for LTO

Papa Murphy’s has announced a new partnership with Frank’s RedHot for the new Buffalo Chicken Pizza. The limited-time only pizza will be available at participating locations nationwide from Sept. 22 through Oct. 31. The Buffalo Chicken Pizza is served on a Papa Murphy’s crust topped with Frank’s RedHot, grilled chicken, green onions, mozzarella, provolone and cheddar cheese, and drizzled with garlic sauce.