1851 Franchising Weekly Rewind

Check out the hottest franchising headlines from the past week.

SPONSOREDUpdated 10:10AM • 12/18/15

Papa John’s Chicken is Going Antibiotic Free

Another major franchise restaurant is ditching antibiotics. Papa John’s has announced that the brand will be sourcing poultry that is raised without human and animal antibiotics and fed a 100 percent vegetarian diet by the summer of 2016. The company has already made plans with suppliers to be on track for the new chicken. The Louisville-based chain claims to be the first national pizza chain to make this switch.

(From Eater)

Buffalo Wings & Rings CEO will be on “Undercover Boss”

Nader Masadeh, president and CEO of Buffalo Wings & Rings, will be getting a makeover for his appearance on the season opener for the hit CBS show “Undercover Boss.” This appearance comes are the 31-year-old brand is in the midst of rapid expansion and fine-tuning operations for long-term success. The season premiere will air on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. CST.

(From Fast Casual)

Hilton to Spin Off Hotel Properties into REIT

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. has sought approval from the International Revenue Service to spinoff its hotels into a real-estate investment trust. This is a popular move for brands that want to slim down and improve stock prices. According to analysts the hotels under the Hilton and DoubleTree banners would be worth more than $10 billion.

(From The Wall Street Journal)

Taco Bell Launched In-App Loyalty Game

In an effort to further connect with customers, Taco Bell has launched the new Explore game in the brand’s Taco Bell app. The app, which has been downloaded more than 4.7 million times, has launched the loyalty game to reward fans for ordering as well as sharing their lives socially—even when it has nothing to do with the brand. Users are prompted to share on various social sites to unlock puzzle pieces, to win free prizes.

(From Advertising Age)

BurgerFi Goes International

The gourmet burger chain, BurgerFi is opening the brand’s first international unit in Mexico City. Over the next five years, 40 BurgerFi locations are planned for Mexico City and the surrounding areas. The new restaurants are expected to bring 1,000 new jobs created in the market.

(From QSR Magazine)