1851 Franchising Weekly Rewind

Check out the hottest franchising headlines from the past week.

SPONSOREDUpdated 4:16PM • 10/09/15

Noodles & Co. to Remove Artificial Ingredients

The quick-service pasta restaurant Noodles & Company has announced that it will be removing all artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners from its core menu. The company also plans on phasing out antibiotics from its meat and poultry supply by 2017. This announcement comes after Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Panera announced similar plans around having healthier-sounding food.

(From Fortune)

Wendy’s CEO to Retire Next Year

Emil Brolick, the current president and CEO of Wendy’s, will be retiring in May of 2016. Todd Penegor, the current executive vice president, CFO, and International, is expected to succeed Brolick. Brolick will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors upon his retirement.

(From QSR Magazine)

LeBron James Partners with Blaze

After deciding not to renew his option with McDonald’s, LeBron James will be the new face for Blaze Pizza. James was an original investor in the company since 2012, and now with Larry Levy of Levy Restaurants and business manager Maverick Cater James had locked up the franchise rights in Miami and Chicago. James will also be lending his marketing power and name to the brand for future marketing efforts.

(From ESPN)

Stumptown Roasters Agrees to Buyout from Peet’s Coffee & Tea

Peet’s Coffee & Tea has acquired Stumptown Coffee Roasters. This move adds the to the coffee brands within the JAB Holding Co. portfolio. Stumptown will maintain independence while taking advantage of Peet’s resources.

(From Nation’s Restaurant News)

New Fall LTOs at Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick is getting into the fall spirit with a new limited-time only menu. The franchise brand is adding cranberry apple salad and chicken tortilla soup to the menu. A few customer favorites will also be returning for another year, that include the holiday pimento cheeseball and pumpkin cheesecake.

(From Fast Casual)