1851 Franchising Weekly Rewind

Buffalo Wild Wings Speeds Up Lunch
Lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings is speeding up. The Minneapolis-based franchise is introducing the new “B-Dubs Fast Break Lunch” menu, which will enable customers to create a customizable lunch order and eat in the restaurants in only 30 to 40 minutes. This is due to the new menu format where customers will be able to create a combination of wings, wraps, burgers and salads in a streamlined fashion. The Fast Break lunch will be available weekdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the U.S. and 3 p.m. in Canada.
(From Business Insider)

McDonald’s Sales Continue to Fall
Despite turnaround efforts, McDonald’s reported worse than expected earnings for the first three months of the year. The fast-food giant reported a first quarter plunge of 31 percent from 2014. The decline comes from fewer customers worldwide, and the competitive fast-casual marketplace. The brand’s new chief executive, Steve Easterbrook, announced that McDonald’s will be announcing meaningful changes to the menu as part of a company-wide turnaround.
(From The New York Times)

New Tennessee Law Acknowledges Franchises and Franchisees as Separate Entities
In Tennessee, a franchise and a franchisee are considered separate entities. This is coming off the heels of the National Labor Relations Board’s decision to hold a franchisor responsible as an employer in a range of labor violations. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed a new law stating that neither franchisees nor their employees can be considered employees of the franchisor for any purpose. The legislation is supported by the International Franchise Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Workforce Freedom Initiative.
(From Entrepreneur)

Shake Shack is Heading to the West Coast
L.A. is getting its first Shake Shack next year, according to a company announcement. The first location on the West Coast will be opening in the heart of West Hollywood at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and West Knoll Drive. The company will continue its mission of creating restaurants with a leading-edge design; this location will have dedicated parking and a large patio area.
(From Fast Casual)

Caribou Launches Mobile App
Minnesota-based Caribou Coffee has launched its first mobile app. The new app will give customers the convenience of mobile pay and allow them easy access to their Caribou Perks loyalty program. The app is available for iOS and Android.
(From QSR Magazine)