Franchising’s Weekly Rewind

Impending Chocolate Shortage? Two chocolate giants, Mars Inc. and Barry Callebaut, believe the world could soon face a chocolate shortage. It is already the norm that the world is eating more chocolate than cocoa farmers are able to produce. The world is currently in the longest streak of chocolate deficits in more than 50 years. Due to the supply issues of producing cocoa and the world’s love of the sweet stuff, there may be less chocolate coming your way soon. (From The Washington Post) Sonic Signs NBA Superstar Kevin Durant Sonic Drive-In has announced an endorsement deal with Kevin Durant, the 2014 NBA MVP and a five-time NBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist and ESPY Award winner. This is a multi-year deal that will make Durant a brand spokesman, and he also will co-brand philanthropic efforts with the company. Durant will also be part of Sonic’s development of new, more healthful menu items. (From QSR Magazine) Chronic Tacos Donates $10,000 to No Kid Hungry During the month of October Chronic Tacos raised $10,000 to donate to No Kid Hungry. Chronic Tacos kicked off its annual “Gringo Bandito Chronic Tacos Challenge” on Labor Day, which was hosted by MTV celebrity Wee Man at his franchised Chronic Taco location in Redondo Beach, California. (From FastCasual.com) Value Place is Coming to Chicago The largest economy, extended-stay hotel brand in the United States, Value Place, has signed a long-term development agreement with Holladay Properties to build 15 locations in the Chicago area. The first hotel is on track to begin construction in the spring of 2015. (From Franchising.com) LivingSocial Adds Merchant Communication LivingSocial has launched Connect, a new communication toolkit for merchants to engage with customers and build lasting relationships through the online platform. Connect features personalized thank you emails to customers, customized emails to be on-brand, re-engagement campaigns, and a social media component. Connect was tested in eight different markets by 2,000 merchants before being rolled out nationwide. (From PizzaMarketPlace.com)