1851 Franchising Weekly Rewind

Pizza Hut Gets Dressed Up for the Academy Awards

In conjunction with the 2015 Academy Awards, Pizza Hut is launching a new promotion titled “All Dressed Up with Pizza To Go.” The promotion will reward fans who take a photo of themselves dressed up while eating Pizza Hut pizza and tag it with #AllDressedUpWithPizzaToGo for their chance to win free pizza for a year. They are also offering a red carpet deal for anyone who orders a pizza at menu prize to use promo code: REDCARPET to get a free order of flavor sticks at participating locations.

(From PizzaMarketPlace.com)

7-Eleven is Waiving Franchise Fees on More than 200 Locations

That’s right. The iconic convenience store brand 7-Eleven is waiving the franchise fee on over 200 locations available for franchising. From February 17 until June 30, 2015, 7-Eleven will be transitioning corporate stores to franchise locations. As a bonus for potential franchisees, they will be waiving the franchise fee for those who opt to buy in now. While this could save a future franchisee up to $80,000, franchisees still need to qualify and pay for other aspects of the business.

(From Entrepreneur)

Bennigan’s CEO Buys Out Franchisor

The current CEO of Bennigan’s Franchising Co., Paul Mangiamele, has just completed a management buyout of Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale casual-dining brands. Mangiamele and his wife, Gwen, created Legendary Restaurant Brands LLC to buyout Fortress Investment Group LLC’s interest in Bennigan’s Franchising. Legendary Restaurant Brands is now in control of 75 Bennigan’s units and all Steak & Ale restaurants.

(From Nation’s Restaurant News)

DavCo Claims Wendy’s Lawsuit is Out of Bounds

Wendy’s fourth largest franchisee, Maryland-based DavCo, accuses the brand of wanting to take over their 152 stores in and near Baltimore, Washington D.C. and northern Virginia. The fast-food brand is currently suing DavCo for breach of contract. On Monday DavCo filed their response saying that the brand is acting out of bounds and is asking the Franklin County Common Pleas Court to toss out the case and award $25,000 in damages. Wendy’s and DavCo have had a franchise relationship since 1976.

(From The Columbus Dispatch)

It’s Time for Lunch at Bruegger’s

Bruegger’s Bagels will launch a new menu to all company-owned locations by March. This is the most far-reaching lunch update for the brand in over a decade. Bruegger’s has kept lunch favorites and added a new selection of items inspired by the traditions of a New York-style deli. New menu items include Signature Bagel Sandwiches, Deli Classics like the Pastrami & Swiss Melt, Burgers and Build-Your-Own Deli Sandwiches.

(From QSR Magazine)