1851 Franchise Weekly Sizzle

Domino’s Sued for Wage Theft

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed a lawsuit against Domino’s for allegedly underpaying workers at least $565,000 at 10 New York-based restaurants. The lawsuit claims that Domino’s should be considered a joint employer of the workers at the 10 franchise locations because the company played an active role in employee performance and hiring practices. In the claim, it states that Domino’s urged franchisees to use the company’s “PULSE” computer system even though executives knew the system under-calculated gross wages. According to Domino’s the company is disappointed that the lawsuit targets the franchisor and not the franchisees that are small business owners to find a solution.

(From USA Today)

Arby’s to Expand Oversees

On May 24, 2016, Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. announced an international franchise development agreement for 25 locations in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. This is the brand’s first international push since 2010. This comes after the brand has seen strong sales in the U.S. in recent years. Arby’s currently has 3,300 locations with the majority in the U.S. and Turkey—where it has 50 locations—and Canada.

(From Nation’s Restaurant News)

Cosi Continues to Face NASDAQ Delisting

Cosi Inc. now has until Nov. 14, 2016, to comply with NASDAQ’s minimum bid price requirement or face delisting. Cosi has received an additional 180 days to comply with The Listings Qualifications Department of the NASDAQ Stock Market’s requirements of the company stock maintaining a bid closing price of at least $1 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. If the company doesn’t meet compliance, Cosi can ask for a hearing to show how they will achieve compliance.

(From Fast Casual)

New Ownership Team of TITLE Boxing Club Announced

There’s a new star-studded ownership team at TITLE Boxing Club. The company has added NFL star Drew Brees and International Franchise Association (IFA) stars David Barr, Shelly and JD Sun, and Doc Cohen. The new owners are joining existing owners including John Rotche, TITLE Boxing Club CEO, Tom Lyons, Rick Washburn, Danny Campbell and the president Susan Boresow. In addition to the new ownership team, TITLE Boxing Club announced a partnership this year with Everlast, which specializes in boxing, mixed martial arts and fitness products.

(Yahoo! Finance)

Pizza Hut Introduces a Campfire Classic LTO

You can now enjoy s’mores without all the work. Pizza Hut has launched the new Hershey’s Toasted S’mores Cookie. The new cookie features Ultimate Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie topped with toasted mini marshmallows, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar chunks, and graham cracker pieces. The new cookie will be available for $6.99 for a limited time starting May 23 at participating locations.

(From QSR Magazine)