1851 Franchise Weekly Rewind

Check out the hottest franchising headlines from the past week

SPONSOREDUpdated 1:13PM • 04/01/16

McDonald’s Sets Sights on Asia

The fast food giant McDonald’s is hoping to add more than 1,500 new restaurants in China and South Korea within the next five years. Currently, McDonald’s has 2,800 locations in the two markets. The brand hopes the new locations will help spur future growth initiatives. In addition to Chinanand South Korea, the Golden Arches have announced they are also looking for strategic partners in Japan and Taiwan. This expansion ties to the brand’s dedication to creating a “global, well-diversified geographic footprint, “according to CEO Steve Easterbrook.

(From CNBC)

Dunkin’ Donuts Testing Grab-and-Go

Fans of Dunkin’ Donuts may soon be able to grab their favorite pre-packaged menu items from kiosks in the brand’s locations. Currently, Dunkin’ Donuts is testing kiosks with a selection of sandwiches in a few markets. The “Ready-to-Go Choices” are placed near the front of the ordering line inside units and include options like an Italian Sub for $5.49 and a Fruit and Cheese platter for $6.29. Stephen Anderson, an analyst with Maxim Group, estimates this new option could boost same-store sales by 1 to 2 percent.

(From Nation’s Restaurant News)

Chipotle Entering the Better Burger War

On Wednesday, March 30, Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that the have applied for the trademark “Better Burger.” This is part of a business diversification move to open a burger restaurant chain. Currently, the brand has two non-Chipotle restaurants, which include ShopHouse and Pizzeria Locale. This new expansion plan comes as Chipotle is struggling to recover from an E. coli outbreak and other health issues from last year.

(From USA Today)

Johnny Rockets Adds Director of Mature Markets

Rumbani Mchawe has been appointed as the director of mature markets for Johnny Rockets. In this role for the company, Mchawe will provide support for the international franchise community including the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Prior to joining the Johnny Rocket’s team, Mchawe was the vice president of development and expansion for Quiznos.

(From QSR Magazine)

McAlister’s Deli is Going Green

McAlister’s Deli is adding green tea and a mango flavored green tea to the menu. These new beverage flavors will accompany the fan favorite sweet tea. The new teas are made using only Rainforest Alliance Certified green tea leaves. In addition to the new tea selection, the restaurant chain is bringing back its limited-edition reusable tea tumblers to promote a greener McAlister’s.

(From Fast Casual)