McDonald's Easterbook investigation prompts questions about other executives, HR

August 26, 2020

McDonald's is investigating its human resources department's actions, as well as claims from within its ranks that former CEO Steve Easterbrook might have…

McDonald's suit against former CEO: 'He lied and destroyed evidence'

McDonald's has sued former CEO Steve Easterbrook for $40 million after the company said he violated company policies, lied and destroyed nude photos related to…

Former Jack in the Box CEO joins Checkers, Rally's board

August 4, 2020

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc., the parent company of Checkers & Rally's drive-thru restaurants, said former Jack in the Box Chairman and CEO Lenny…

Sonic 'booms' into future with 'oasis' in QSR design desert

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Shortly after Inspire Brands acquired Sonic Drive-in about 1 1/2 years ago, it began reimagining the brand for the future. That new look has taken shape in a…

Taco John's leadership moves from Wyoming to new Minneapolis facility

July 23, 2020

Taco John's is now basing its expanded leadership team at its new Franchise Support Center in Minneapolis.

What QSRs stand to gain (or lose) by taking a stand

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

This year —  more than most —  there are plenty of issues up for debate, and many brands are choosing sides. New research shows this act of social…

Chick-fil-A CEO says most whites 'oblivious' to racism, must repent for it

June 19, 2020

Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy spoke out about racism, recently, imploring "white Christians" to repent for racism and fight for their black "brothers and sisters,…

Former Blaze Pizza exec named Yoshinoya CMO amid brand's digital expansion

June 18, 2020

Kim Freer, Blaze Pizza's former VP of Brand Marketing, has moved into the CMO's office at Yoshinoya America. The brand said she brings a level of expertise in…

Is Subway's problem bigger than a footlong?

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

The North American Association of Subway Franchisees — representing thousands of U.S. franchisees — said its survey of members showed that 75% of those…

Edible promotes pair to operations leadership

June 17, 2020

Edible has expanded its operations team by promoting two in-house executives to what the brand sees as key operating roles moving forward. Former Executive…

Jack in the Box posts same-store sales gain, intros new CEO

June 11, 2020

Jack in the Box said same-store sales rose 5%  through the first eight weeks of its third fiscal quarter, ended June 7, according to a news release. The full…

Expert preparation tips for QSR boycotts, vitriol in presidential election year

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

The boycott of Wendy's that ensued after the online "pile-on" under the hashtag #Wendysisoverparty, could happen to any QSR, but these three marketing and…

Wendy's, Taco Bell leaders stress brands' support for black community

June 9, 2020

Wendy's said it is engaging with a newly formed company advisory group of black leaders and other individuals at the chain to "identify and prioritize the…

Former Focus Brands exec named Global Franchise Group CFO

June 8, 2020

Former Focus Brands accounting executive Sam Patterson has moved into the CFO's job at Global Franchise Group, the franchisor for Hot Dog on a Stick, Great…

Firehouse Subs '5-alarm' tech emergency highlights value of evaluating systems

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

For Firehouse Subs, the emergence of COVID-19 on the American landscape triggered nothing short of a five-alarm emergency to get the sandwich brand in sync…

Former IHOP CIO takes on same role at Casey's General Stores

June 2, 2020

Casey's General Stores Inc. has named Adrian Butler, former CIO at IHOP parent, Dine Brands Global, as the convenience store company's CIO, in a newly created…

Meeting QSRs' urgent app-based COVID-19 training needs

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

QSR leaders nationally are urgently seeking training services that can be pushed out quickly to vast numbers of hourly workers across many locales and types of…

Dunkin' Brands names vice president, managing counsel

May 19, 2020

Dunkin' Brands, the parent company of Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins, has promoted Ryan Schaffer to vice president and managing counsel. Schaffer will lead a team…

Subway's take on getting back to dine-in

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Like so many other QSRs these days, Subway stores and franchisees are in the process of powering and training up for dine-in amidst a socially distanced world.

Burger King, Popeyes, Tim Hortons North America stores ready for dine-in, CEO says

May 12, 2020

The CEO of Restaurant Brands International Inc., the parent of Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Hortons, has prepared its nearly 15,000 North American stores and…