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Year in review: 6 unforgettable headlines of 2015

Here's a look back at some of 2015's trending topics and stories.

December 23, 2015 by Travis Wagoner — Editor, Networld Media Group

It was a wild year in the QSR industry. Some of the hottest topics were legal issues, food safety and mobile technology. Here's a look back at some of 2015's most important and unforgettable headlines — Jared Fogle being sentenced to prison, New York City's sodium mandate, a black-bun Whopper that caused a big green mess, antibiotics in food, a massive E. coli outbreak and paying for lunch or dinner using your smartphone.

Former Subway pitchman Jared Fogle sentenced to 15 years in prison

U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt sentenced former Subway spokesperson Jared Fogle, 38, to a prison term of more than 15 years on Nov. 19, accepting a plea deal that sees him admit to charges of receiving child pornography and repeatedly having sex with minors. The case involved interstate travel to pay minors for sex, as well as at least 400 child pornography videos.

Food fight: Industry responds to NYC sodium mandate

As restaurants in New York City prepare themselves to label menu items that contain more than 2,300 mg of salt (the recommended daily limit), the National Restaurant Association moved forward with its plan to file a lawsuit intended to stop the Board of Health's regulation from taking place.

Black-bun Whopper, green poop, big mess

Many restaurants have been ditching artificial colors, including Panera, Noodles & Company and Starbucks, so it’s surprising that Burger King would actually be adding them. It didn't seem to go "bump" in the night, but it caused quite a stir for Burger King. The chain’s Halloween-themed Whopper resulted in a lot of commentary on the Internet, as thousands of customers have claimed to be shocked that their stool has turned green after eating the black bun. Some food experts, however, aren't surprised.

Report card: 20 of country's largest chains fail antibiotics policies

A report and scorecard released in September grading America’s 25 largest fast food and fast casual chains on meat and poultry antibiotics policies failed all but five for allowing routine antibiotic use by meat suppliers.

Controlling the supply chain is key to preventing E. coli outbreaks

Just like with any sports team, the food supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The influx of recent E.coli outbreaks is certainly not good press for the food service industry, and as foodservice operators prepare to navigate the challenges tied to another outbreak, consumer confidence continues to erode. To date, recent E. coli outbreaks have impacted chains such as Chipotle, Target, Starbucks and Costco.

Mobile payments continuing to grow in QSR

Why is mobile so key to digital ordering success? This question and others are answered by experts. Customers increasingly want the convenience of ordering in advance, pre-paying and picking up their food upon arrival at the restaurant, which are the top reasons restaurant operators turn to mobile payments.

About Travis Wagoner

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Travis Wagoner spent nearly 18 years in education as an alumni relations and communications director, coordinating numerous annual events and writing, editing and producing a quarterly, 72-plus-page magazine. Travis also was a ghostwriter for an insurance firm, writing about the Affordable Care Act. He holds a BA degree in communications/public relations from Xavier University.