Franchising’s Weekly Rewind

A look back at the week that was in the franchising world. Panera making adjustments The biggest news in franchising this week was the announcement from Panera that it is removing artificial ingredients from its menu by 2016. The news has probably caused brands that also are perceived to be all-natural to consider their options, as well. (And it undoubtedly caused brands such as Tokyo Joe’s to relish their position to go all-natural from the start.) (The Guardian) All eyes on this decision The city of Seattle became the first in the country to raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour. For franchise brands in the market, this could be a game-changer. It also could cause a ripple effect ­– one of franchising’s worst fears. (New York Times) The power of doing good Jersey Mike’s President Hoyt Jones integrates altruism in his brand’s approach to doing business. And guess what – business is good. (Smart Blog) Taking stock Analysts are bullish on restaurants making a turnaround after a brutal winter ended and revenue picked up in the second quarter. Some familiar brands are front and center among the stocks to watch. (Forbes) Bouncing back in big way Back Yard Burgers among the notable brands that have gone through difficult times, but have found a way to return to prominence. The secret? That there is no secret. (QSR) GMO a go or a no? National Restaurant Association invited all restaurant brands with questions about GMOs to join them for a webinar that is scheduled for June 16. Don’t know what a GMO is? You might want to add the seminar to your calendar. (National Restaurant Association) Incubation location Dallas is a nationally recognized hub for franchise brands. That said, it reasons the Big D should be the place where franchising takes a look at a new way to evaluate the viability of franchise brands. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) You know when it’s real Wendy’s CEO Emil Brolick was rewarded for a job well done with a contract extension. (Centre Daily Times) Noodling an idea Shrugging off a cold winter, slumping sales and stock performance that fell short, Noodles & Co. has decided that it wants to grow – but also go in a particular direction. (Denver Post)