Dunkin' Donuts launches DD TOO MUCH range of burgers in India

Smoothie Factory, originally from Texas, Dallas, having presence in 20+ countries with 60 outlets have launched their brand in India with Franchise India as an Exclusive Development Partner.

The brand is expanding rapidly at many locations in India, including; Mumbai, Gujarat and Chennai where it has already open the outlet.

“We are on the healthier side. We use certain brand of blenders for smoothies. Anyone can customize their meals and beverages. Franchise India is helping us with the locations and in expanding," shared Paul Pius, Franchise Director, Smoothie Factory by adding that though they serve non-vegetarian menu in global market but in Indian market, they are focusing on healthy vegetarian menu options. 

The brand is also planning to launch 10 outlets in the upcoming months.

“We are targeting all those who want healthier food options. We don’t use preservatives and food colors. It is safe to consume, and many people are preferring healthy food worldwide, so, be it older people or millennial or Gen-Z or gym enthusiasts, the market will boom worldwide, and it will be a great success all over,” he added.

It is known for its range of Smoothies, juices, frozen yogurt, baguettes, wraps, salads, healthy halo cups, superfood bowls amongst others.

Berlin-inspired QSR franchise Doner Shack has entered into a strategic partnership with FranGlobal to launch 150 stores across India.

The brand has announced its entry into the Indian market through a master franchise agreement with FranGlobal, India’s leading franchise solutions firm. 

This landmark deal, involving a 150-store licence agreement, marks Doner Shack’s largest market expansion to date, solidifying its position as a fast-growing global QSR brand.

“We are thrilled to bring Doner Shack to India, with plans to open 150 stores in the next five years. This collaboration aligns perfectly with the growing demand for quick and affordable dining options across the country,” shared Gaurav Marya, Chairman, FranGlobal.

The partnership with FranGlobal comes as part of Doner Shack’s accelerated international growth strategy. Following plans to expand into the US, the brand is now setting its sights on India, one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets. 

With the Indian QSR market projected to grow from $25.46 billion in 2024 to $38.71 billion by 2029, the timing is perfect for Doner Shack’s entry.

“Gaurav’s extensive experience in the Indian franchise industry is incredibly valuable for us. This deal is a significant milestone for Doner Shack, and we’re excited to see the first of many restaurants opening soon in the region,” added Sanj Sanghera, Co-founder of Doner Shack.

Targeting a core customer demographic aged 18 to 34, Doner Shack is well-positioned to cater to India’s youthful and vibrant population, where 65% of citizens are under 35. The increasing trend of dining out, rising disposable incomes, and the preference for convenient, affordable food options make India an ideal market for Doner Shack’s unique offerings.

Devyani International Limited (DIL), one of the largest KFC and Pizza Hut franchise owner in India has reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 4.92 crore in the second quarter (Q2) that ended September 30, 2024.

DIL also posted a consolidated net profit (year-on-year) of Rs 35.82 crore in the same period of the last fiscal.

However, it has reported an increase of 49.23 per cent in consolidated revenue from operations at Rs 1,222.15 crore in Q2 FY25 as against the revenue of Rs 819.47 crore in Q2 FY24.

The company's total expenses also rose to Rs 1,230.89 crore in Q2 FY25 as compared to the total expenses of Rs 793.04 crore in Q2 FY24, shared the release.

DIL also announced that it has secured exclusive master franchise rights for three modern QSR brands - TeaLive, New York Fries and SANOOK KITCHEN. 

According to the release, as DIL’s existing brands continue to drive store growth and introduce exciting new menu offerings, DIL broadens its offerings to include a new category of modern food & beverage choices by expanding its portfolio of brands. 

“We are happy to welcome new brands to DIL family, catering to youth categories such as handcrafted tea, fresh cut fries and authentic Thai & Asian cuisine. The new partnerships reflect our commitment to bringing diverse, high-quality contemporary food & beverages brands to our customers, while driving sustainable growth for DIL. With exclusive rights for these brands in India, DIL is consolidating its strategy of ‘FOOD ON THE GO’ and ‘HOUSE OF BRANDS’,” shared Ravi Jaipuria, Non-Executive Chairman, Devyani International Limited.

Tealive, a Malaysian tea and beverage chain is Southeast Asia’s largest and most innovative handcrafted tea brand, with over 900 outlets worldwide.

New York Fries (NYF), franchised by Recipe Unlimited is Canada's largest multi-channel restaurant company, with over 19 select quality brands. NYF is a premium quick-service concept, known for its iconic fresh-cut french-fries, loaded fries and hot dogs.

SANOOK KITCHEN is Singapore's leading and most popular brand, specializes in authentic Thai and Asian cuisine, offering an exceptional dining experience for food lover.

“We remain committed to our investments across DIL’s brand portfolio to broaden our reach, engage target consumers, and seize growth opportunities across the country. While we recognize the current subdued environment in the QSR industry, we are confident that the current headwinds are transient in nature,” he added.

DIL also opened 85 net new store in Q2, 2025.

McDonald's Corporation today announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. 

The QSR chain saw 1.5 per cent decrease in global comparable sales, with 0.3 per cent increase in U.S sale.

The International Operated Markets segment decreased 2.1%, International Developmental Licensed Markets segment decreased 3.5%. However, the consolidated revenues increased 3% (2% in constant currencies).

“We will stay laser-focused on providing an unparalleled experience with simple, everyday value and affordability that our consumers can count on as they continue to be mindful about their spending,” said Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski. 

According to him, the burger chain will continue to follow their Accelerating the Arches playbook to drive long-term growth globally and win in this environment.

“Our strategy is working, and we continue to focus on providing compelling value, generating menu excitement, and using the power of our marketing to capture market share and drive long-term growth,” added Kempczinski.

The company also declared a 6 per cent increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $1.77 per share.

99 Pancakes, India’s one of the premier QSR chain specializing in a wide array of delicious pancakes, has announced successful opening of its latest outlets in Aurangabad and Panvel in Maharashtra, Ahmedabad, Anand and Chiplun in Gujarat. 

These latest additions is part of the brand's ongoing expansion across India. 

Every 99 Pancakes location features the brand’s signature menu, along with a variety of beverages, from gourmet coffees to fresh juices, ensuring a delightful and well-rounded experience.

"Our mission is to offer our customers a tasteful delight with every visit, and we are thrilled to bring our passion for pancakes to Aurangabad, Ahmedabad, Anand, Chiplun, and Panvel as well", said Vikesh Shah, Founder of 99 Pancakes. 

With its continued growth, 99 Pancakes remains dedicated to maintaining the high standards of quality and customer satisfaction that have made it a standout in the competitive food service industry. Each outlet offers a cozy ambiance, perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal.

Sarfaraz Sheikh, COO of 99 Pancakes, also shared his excitement, "We are happy to introduce our new outlets to these locations. Our goal has always been to create a welcoming space where families and friends can enjoy our innovative pancake creations. We aim to expand to other cities of India, focusing Gujarat marketin the next phase and eventually becoming a household name.”

With over 48 stores in 16 cities across the country, 99 Pancakes is delivering delightful pancake experiences to everyone.

Pizza Hut, division of US-based Yum! Brands has announced the appointment of Rohan Pewekar as the Managing Director, Pizza Hut Indian Subcontinent.

Based in Gurgaon, Rohan will lead the brand across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, as Pizza Hut sets the stage for its next phase of expansion in the region.

“Pizza Hut has seen incredible growth, now reaching close to 900 restaurants across 200+ cities in India, and I am honoured to lead the brand in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. As we set our sights on the future, we’re not just expanding—we’re reinventing the experience with bold partnerships, industry-first products, and innovative marketing that connects with the next generation, unlocking new possibilities in the Indian market,” shared Rohan by thanking Merrill Pereyra for his invaluable mentorship, which has been key in preparing him for this next chapter.

An alumnus of IIM Calcutta and The Wharton School, Rohan has been with Pizza Hut for over four years, during which he played a pivotal role in driving the brand’s rapid growth in the region, serving as Chief Strategy and Finance Officer.

With nearly 15 years of experience in B2C sectors across countries, Rohan brings cross-functional expertise in finance, go-to-market strategies, channel expansion, and more.

Before joining Pizza Hut, Rohan worked with Samsung Electronics India, where he led several high-impact strategic initiatives. Earlier, at Accenture Strategy Consulting, he advised clients on market entry strategies, brand launches, network expansion, and digital transformation across multiple consumer industries.

The Wendy's Company has announced the appointment of John Min as the Company's Chief Legal Officer and Secretary and Mary Greenlee as Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations. 

These appointments represent the continued evolution of the Company's leadership structure to drive accountability and accelerate growth. Min will report to President and Chief Executive Officer, Kirk Tanner, and Greenlee will report to President, U.S., Abigail Pringle. Min succeeds E.J. Wunsch, who was appointed as Wendy's President, International in June 2024.

"I'm pleased to welcome John and Mary to the Wendy's team. John's proven track record of managing complex commercial transactions, his extensive background in legal strategy and corporate governance and his unique global experience will be invaluable as we look to further solidify our development plans. Mary brings significant experience managing franchise relationships, generating significant market expansion and driving innovation from her career in the QSR industry, which align perfectly with our growth pillars,” shared Tanner.

Min most recently served as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Kellanova following the separation of Kellogg Company into two companies. He brings two decades of corporate legal experience and a wealth of expertise in leading high-performing teams, providing strategic legal counsel and managing compliance risks in diverse markets. Min will oversee Wendy's global legal department, playing a pivotal role in guiding Wendy's legal strategy and operations, as well as managing global risk and compliance functions. 

Greenlee has over 25 years of experience in the restaurant and beverage industries, bringing a deep understanding of franchise systems and strategic thinking to elevate performance. Greenlee will oversee the performance of Wendy's company and franchise operations to support the brand's strategic growth initiatives, including continuing to drive the restaurant economic model and building out the Company's U.S. footprint to ensure it reaches its full growth potential. Greenlee has held significant operational roles over her career, most recently serving as Vice President of U.S. Field Operations at Subway and Director of Business Development and General Manager of Coca-Cola Freestyle Strategy for Wendy's. Greenlee holds a B.A. in History from the University of Louisiana Monroe.

"This is an exciting opportunity to join an iconic brand," said Min. "I am honored to join such a talented team and contribute my experience to uphold and enhance Wendy's high standards of legal and ethical practices to support the Company's continued growth on a global scale."

"Wendy's has consistently set a standard for quality and creativity in the QSR industry, and I've long admired the brand's commitment to value and innovation," said Greenlee. "I look forward to working closely with the team to drive strategic growth, enhance operations and continue delivering an exceptional customer experience."

Ever imagined a McDonald’s burger in AI? McDonald's India – North and East is all set to leverage generative artificial intelligence (AI) to launch its new ‘Signature Collection’ of gourmet burgers. 

The brand has launched ‘Imagined in AI’ campaign, bringing to life gourmet burgers by combining user-provided inputs with AI-generated visuals, offering customers a unique, interactive experience with the brand along with a chance to avail exciting offers. 

Each McDonald’s customer becomes a culinary expert figuratively, as they use an AI chatbot to imagine a gourmet burger. The chatbot will prompt users to select from a diverse range of ingredients from classic favourites to unique, exotic options, and creative combinations to craft a gourmet burger that brings gastronomical dreams to life. 

Through this initiative, McDonald’s aims not just to engage customers but also involve them by inculcating their imagination in its upcoming collection much ahead of the official launch.  

Once customers have imagined their signature burgers, they get the chance to join the exclusive McDonald's Signature Collection Club and avail exclusive offers. 

How to Participate
•    To participate, customers can click the link: ‘Imagined in AI’ to access the AI chatbot. 
•    Start imagining McDonald’s Signature burgers, after agreeing to general T&Cs.
•    Imagine all ingredients (bun, patty, exotic veggies).
•    Voila, welcome to the Signature Collection Club. 
•    Customers can collect their reward card from their nearest McDonald’s restaurant (in North and East India). 

The Signature Collection of burgers will be available across select McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India starting 4 September 2024 and will be gradually available across rest of the restaurants in the region.

RI EXCLUSIVE: Bagelstein, a beloved French brand, known for its authentic bagels and vibrant, quirky atmosphere has entered India.

The group has partnered with International franchisee firm FranGlobal to enter and expand its operation in India.

“We have joined hands with Bagelstein as a master franchisee for its India operations. The brand has a great market in Europe, especially in France and is a very scalable concept as a brand,” shared Venus Barak, CEO, FranGlobal.

The group is planning to open over 100 stores in the first five years, targeting major metros including, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Pune to start with.

“India is such a big, important country that we didn’t wanted to do it bad that’s why we took time to enter India,” shared Thierry Veil, Founder & CEO, Bagelstein who is looking for aspirational people as partner willing to scale this business.

“The demand and awareness for good quality bakery products, coffee and cafes are on the rise in these cities and hence our focus is on metros,” added Barak by pointing that Bagelstein is not just a breakfast brand rather is an-all day café that has got a major part of its business coming from the lunch.

Based in Strasbourg, France, Bagelstein was founded in 2011 and is known for its freshly baked bagels with a variety of delicious fillings, it has become a favorite spot for bagel enthusiasts across France and is one of the biggest bagel chain outside US with 100+outlets in Europe, majority of which are in France. 

QSR chain Popeyes® has made significant changes in its leadership role and has announced the appointment of Bart LaCount as the new Chief Marketing Officer of Popeyes US & Canada and Matt Rubin as Chief Digital Officer of Popeyes US & Canada.

LaCount will lead all marketing efforts focused on growing traffic, and accelerating sales growth as part of the Popeyes Easy to Love strategy. This new hire comes following the promotion of previous CMO & now President of Popeyes, Jeff Klein.  

“We are excited to welcome Bart to the Popeyes Family,” said Jeff Klein, President of Popeyes North America. “Bart brings an incredibly well-rounded marketing background to this role as we look to deepen brand relevance in communities where we are loved and expand relevance where Popeyes should be better known –all as part of the the strategic plan built with and endorsed by our franchisees.” said Klein.

LaCount joins the organization from PepsiCo where he was Vice President of International Beverages Marketing leading hydration and energy portfolios for international markets including Gatorade and Sting. He joins Popeyes with more than 20 years of experience, spending majority of his career in various leadership roles in marketing at PepsiCo, and prior to that, Ford Motor Company.

Matt Rubin will serve as Chief Digital Officer in the US and Canada. Rubin will oversee the Popeyes digital and technology teams guiding the digital growth strategy, which is centered on creating the best guest experience. He took on the responsibility of the restaurant technology team a few months ago in addition to his digital scope and has proven the effectiveness of combining the power of both teams under one leader. Rubin has been with Restaurant Brands International for the past 8+ years holding various roles across the organization domestically and internationally across a wide range of roles spanning marketing, development and digital functions.

“Matt is a proven leader at Popeyes with a track record of driving results. I am excited that Matt is taking on this expanded role and will be able to innovate even more to create a modern digital ecosystem across Popeyes.” said Jeff Klein, President of Popeyes US & Canada.

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes® has over 50 years of history and culinary tradition. The chain’s passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavorful authentic food has allowed Popeyes® to become one of the world’s largest chicken quick service restaurants with over 4,000 restaurants in the U.S. and around the world.
 

McDonald’s collectibles are as iconic as they come. From toys to vintage posters, plates, merch, games and trading cards, these keepsakes are more than just collector’s items. Now, for a limited time, McDonald’s is introducing the global Collector's Edition with new collectible cups that inspire fans to relive those special moments and create nostalgic joy for a new generation.

Available in more than 30 countries, the Collector’s Edition cups, in embossed glass or tritan plastic, put a fresh spin on classic McDonald’s keepsakes from the brand, Coca-Cola, Mattel, Universal, Sanrio or TY Beanie Babies. 

Each cup spotlights iconic collectibles from different eras that our fans cherish, like the Grimace Mug in 1976, Pet Lovin’ Barbie in 1999, Shrek from ‘Shrek the Third’ in 2007 and more. Inspired by a variety of iconic characters and collabs, now is your chance to grab these reimagined designs among many others – this time, emblazoned on McDonald’s brand-new collectible cups.

“There’s an undeniable thrill when you snag that one elusive McDonald’s collectible or the final piece to complete your collection. We’re bringing back some of our most-loved keepsakes with a twist, giving fans a memory that they can hold in their hands,” said Morgan Flatley, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of New Business Ventures at McDonald's.

Papa John’s International, Inc. has announced the appointment of Todd Penegor as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. 

Penegor has also joined the Company’s Board of Directors. 

He succeeds Ravi Thanawala, who has served as Interim CEO since March 2024 and will continue in his role as Chief Financial Officer.

Penegor, most recently President and Chief Executive Officer of The Wendy’s Company, is a proven leader with 20 years of experience in the restaurant and consumer goods industries. During his tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of Wendy’s, the company achieved substantial growth in sales, earnings and new restaurant counts, including the expansion of Wendy’s footprint to more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide and the 12th consecutive year of same-restaurant sales growth, among other achievements. 

“Todd’s appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer successfully concludes an extensive search to identify a proven leader who has the experience, skills and vision to achieve the full potential of the Papa Johns brand and accelerate growth,” said Christopher Coleman, Chair of the Papa Johns Board of Directors. 

“I am honored to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Papa Johns and work with the Board, our dedicated team members and franchisees to usher in the Company’s next chapter,” said Penegor. 

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Michigan State University.
 

EYM Group that’s one of the largest Pizza Hut franchisee in the Texas and other neigbouring areas has traded lawsuits with its franchisor and closed 15 restaurants has filed for bankruptcy in Texas.

EYM Pizza operates close to140 locations in Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Wisconsin and Texas has filed for Chapter 11 debt protection in a handful of filings in Texas on Monday, reported Restaurant Business Online.

According to reports, Pizza Hut sued EYM, seeking to terminate its franchise agreement over underperformance and not paying its royalties on time.

Started by Eduardo Diaz, a former president of McDonald’s Mexico, in 2015 EYM Group started purchasing Pizza Huts in several deals in various states. 

According to the report, EYM owes Pizza Hut more than $2 million and $21 million to Manufacturers Bank. The franchisee is being sued by Pizza Hut but blames the parent company for its financial woes, saying that the chain hasn't updated its menus or app to help it compete in the market.

EVM also operate Denny’s, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Panera Bread restaurants in locations.

Bengaluru-based QSR chain Samosa Singh has entered Delhi by opening their first outlet at Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi. 

Known for their vast variety of Samosas with different flavors like Aaloo Samosa, Veggie Spice Samosa, Panner Samosa, Corn Samosa etc, Samosa Singh has opened about six physical locations in the previous three months, bringing its total number of locations throughout South and West India to over 50 outlets.

“Delhi, get ready to savour the flavour – Samosa Singh has landed in the capital! This exciting step marks the beginning of our mission to sprinkle joy and deliciousness across India. We’re just getting started,” shared Nidhi Singh, Co-Founder, Samosa Singh on her Liknedin Post by adding that with each bite, they’re expanding their footprint and bringing the taste of Samosa Singh to new horizons. 

“Join us as we embark on this flavorful journey, spreading happiness one samosa at a time. Stay tuned as we continue to expand and share our love for samosas with every corner of the country,” she added.

With a focus on traditional Indian eating, the firm hopes to become one of the first new-age startups to enter the food export market. 
Started in 2016, the family of Samosa Singh set out to reclaim the rightful place of Samosa in the story of Indian snacks. Re- branded for the modern age, Samosa Singh (WoknStove Foodworks pvt. ltd.) adopted the Samosa to invest almost 100,000 plus man hours of R&D to give it a unique triangle interlocking shape making it less oily and lighter. A gourmet avatar that brought to us 45% less calories and 56% less fat and proprietary technology that let it stay crispy for more time.

The renowned Korean headquartered pizza chain, GOPIZZA, has inaugurated its newest outlet at Pragati Nagar, Hyderabad. 

“GOPIZZA INDIA is thrilled to announce the opening of yet another outlet in Hyderabad. The newest destination for Korean Pizza lovers is now at Pragati Nagar,” read the Linkedin post of the brand.

GOPIZZA will present an array of authentic Korean delights, featuring signature Korean pizzas like Jonmataeng Volcano and Creamy Pizzas.

These pizzas are blended with traditional spices with a twist. Customers can relish the flavors of traditional Korean Ramyun and the indulgence of Cheese Ramyun.

The starter menu kicks off with options like Korean Yangnyum Spicy Chicken Wings, Pops, and Spicy Wedges.

GOPIZZA has also introduces its l Fire Cream Pastas, accompanied by the lively beats of K-Pop tunes playing at every store.

The brand is targeting at opening over 100 outlets by the end of 2024 in different regions of India and surpass the milestone of 500 stores worldwide.

With GOPIZZA’s dedication to innovation and quality, the brand is strategically enhancing its integration of AI and robotics in all of its kitchens to ensure unparalleled quality and efficiency. 

Presently, operating successfully in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, GOPIZZA has ambitious plans to expand its footprint to additional cities including Kochi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi in the coming months. Furthermore, on a global scale, the brand is poised for expansion into new markets, with upcoming ventures planned in the United States, Philippines, Vietnam, and the Middle East.
 

Parent company of Carl’s Jr and Hardee’s, CKE Restaurant Holdings, has appointed Justin Falciola as its chief technology and growth officer.

In this new role, Justin Falciola will align business goals with information technology, digital strategy and operations, as well as guide the implementation of new technologies and support the digital evolution of loyalty, first-party and third-party digital channels.

"We are excited to welcome Justin to the organization," said CKE Chief Executive Officer Max Wetzel. "As technology continues to shape and change the QSR industry, I am confident that his extensive record of success leading high-performing analytics, digital and IT teams will help both Carl's Jr. and Hardee's enable digital growth,” he added.

He comes to CKE from Papa John's International where he served as Chief Insights and Technology Officer since 2018. Prior to that, Falciola served in roles at Humana, Fifth Third Bank and JPMorgan Chase. Falciola received his bachelor's degree in information systems from Rutgers University.

Earlier this year, CKE Restaurants announced the separation of the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's brand and introduced a leadership structure with three teams, each led by a president driving execution of strategic growth plans. Advancing digital is a major focus of the company's growth strategy.

"It is an exciting time to be joining CKE Restaurants," said CKE Chief Technology & Growth Officer Justin Falciola. "I look forward to leveraging my experience to help Carl's Jr. and Hardee's reach their unique business goals, evolve the team and guest experience through technology and ultimately grow these two iconic brands,” he mentioned.

Together with its franchisees, Carl's Jr. operates more than 1,000 restaurants across the U.S. and has a presence in 24 countries worldwide. Hardees operates approximately 1,600 restaurants across the U.S. and 13 countries worldwide.

Subway®, one of the world's largest restaurant brands, is rolling out the next phase of its digital experience across the UK, Finland and Germany to deliver added convenience for guests, create more efficiencies for franchisees and their team members, and help drive traffic and sales.

The restaurant chain is introducing interactive self-serve kiosks across the three markets, with plans to add hundreds more throughout the region by the end of the year. 

The kiosks – powered by Vita Mojo’s end-to-end digital order management technology – are connected to kitchen display systems and order ready screens to help improve order speed, quality and accuracy. 

Many of the digitally connected restaurants also feature modern digital menu boards, which highlight special menu items and the latest promotions and offers, while adding an element of energy to the environment.

In addition, Subway is rolling out a new app with mobile ordering, and is relaunching its loyalty program, Subway Rewards®. Members of the refreshed Subway Rewards program will earn points on every purchase and can easily convert their points to Subway Cash® to be used on any of their favorite menu items, with no minimum spend – a unique offering within the QSR industry for the region. 

“Europe is leading Subway’s global digital evolution by providing guests with an elevated in-restaurant and online experience and more ways for them to order their favorite subs,” said Carrie Walsh, President of Subway EMEA. 

Restaurant Brands International Inc. has announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of all issued and outstanding shares of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Carrols") (formerly NASDAQ: TAST) that are not already held by RBI or its affiliates for $9.55 per share in an all cash transaction, or an aggregate total enterprise value of approximately $1.0 billion.

With the close of the acquisition, RBI adds the largest Burger King® ("BK") franchisee in the United States to its portfolio as part of the Company's Reclaim the Flame plan. 

As previously announced, the Company will invest a further $500M to accelerate the reimaging of more than 600 Carrols restaurants before refranchising the majority of the acquired portfolio to new or existing smaller franchise operators over the next seven years.

In addition, on May 16, 2024, subsidiaries of RBI entered into an amendment to their existing Credit Agreement (the "2024 Amendment") increasing the existing term loan B facility with $5.2 billion outstanding to a $5.9 billion term loan B facility (the "Term Loan B Facility") under the same terms as the existing Term Loan B Facility. The proceeds from the increase in the Term Loan B Facility were used along with cash on hand to complete the acquisition of Carrols, including the payoff of its credit agreement and the redemption and discharge of its outstanding 5.875% senior notes due 2029.

Sbarro, known for its Original New York Style Slices and Strombolis, announced the appointment of Mario Bojorquez as its new President, North America.

The addition of Bojorquez marks an exciting stage for Sbarro as it expands its leadership team by adding a proven industry leader to support its rapid domestic growth.

In his role as President, North America, Bojorquez will work closely with the Senior Team to focus on supporting company restaurants and franchisees on business expansion, operational execution, and brand growth.

"Mario is a talented restaurant executive with a proven track record of results and a solid understanding of franchising in our industry," said David Karam, Sbarro CEO and Chairman of the Board."

Mario spent the last 11 years with Restaurant Brands International (RBI), including the last four as Head of Asia-Pacific Operations for Burger King, Popeyes, Tim Hortons and Firehouse Subs, based in Singapore. Before joining RBI, Mario was himself a restaurant entrepreneur, co-founding a sandwich concept in Miami.

"I am honored to be joining an iconic brand with a rich legacy of serving handmade, freshly prepared, quality products. I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to work with David and the team to help continue growing Sbarro by supporting our company operators and franchisees and bringing the best food to our guests; every shift, every day," Mario said.

Sbarro continues its record setting growth, opening more than two hundred new restaurants in the last two years including in new countries such as Colombia, Panama, Poland, Denmark, and North Macedonia.

McDonald’s South and West operator Westlife FoodWorld has appointed Hrushit Shah as its chief financial officer (CFO), with effect from May 9, 2024, it shared in a regulatory filing today.

Shah will take over the role from Saurabh Bhudolia who is transitioning out of the company to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

“On behalf of Westlife, I express our gratitude to our departing CFO, Saurabh Bhudolia, whose dedication and financial expertise have greatly contributed to our company's growth. His efforts have been crucial in strengthening our financial resilience and strategy. As we move forward, we are grateful for the strong foundation Saurabh has helped build,” said Saurabh Kalra, MD, Westlife Foodworld.

In his new role, Shah who comes with over 18 years of experience, will work closely with the leadership team to devise financial strategies and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial management to ensure the company’s financial success.

Before joining Westlife, Shah was VP of finance at Pidilite Industries and has also worked with organizations such as the Landmark Group, Godrej Consumer Products, and Marico.

Krispy Kreme Inc. has announced an agreement with restaurant group ISH Kreme to bring one of the world’s most loved sweet treats to Germany.

Krispy Kreme® will offer its iconic, fresh doughnuts to German consumers through a network of Krispy Kreme shops starting in Berlin.

“We are excited to expand into Germany as it has been a priority market for us, offering substantial growth with more than 3,000 points of access,” said Raphael Duvivier, Krispy Kreme Chief Development Officer. “Additionally, we are very pleased to partner with ISH leader Ilkem Sahin and the very experienced ISH team to grow in the market,” he added.

Krispy Kreme’s omni-channel fresh business, driven by a capital-efficient hub and spoke model, supports broad expansion in the US and international markets. Each Krispy Kreme doughnut is made fresh daily, hand-crafted, and hand-decorated to ensure the melt-in-your-mouth taste that has become synonymous with the brand.

This news follows the successful December 2023 Krispy Kreme launch in Paris. The company anticipates launching in Germany in early 2025. ISH manages 300 KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants throughout Germany.

Krispy Kreme operates in more than 35 countries through its unique network of fresh doughnut shops, partnerships with leading retailers, and a rapidly growing Ecommerce and delivery business with more than 14,000 fresh points of access.

QSR chain Carl’s Jr is bringing the cult-favorite menu item EI Diablo, featuring two charbroiled all-beef patties, two strips of bacon, crispy Jalapeño POPPERS® Bites, melty pepperjack cheese and fiery habanero ranch sauce on a seeded bun, will rejoin an updated menu as a permanent addition.

El Diablo is an iconic representation of the Carl's Jr. brand, packed with outrageous ingredients and audacious personality. 

Its return to the menu permanently represents the brand's commitment to flavor and coincides with the debut of a new menu architecture that streamlines visuals for ease of ordering and allows guests to customize burgers according to the experience they're craving.

"We are focusing squarely on our big, bold and irresistibly craveable signature burgers. With this menu, we're democratizing flavor. No longer will our guests be confined to combo numbers or limited time offers – they'll be able to customize the flavors and experiences at different price points," said Jack Volpi, senior brand manager and menu transformation project lead.

The new menu represents the brand's emphasis on customizable, irresistible flavor. With this redesign, Carl's Jr. guests can experience their favorite burgers with more choices – such as premium options for popular burgers, like Famous Star® and Western Bacon Cheeseburger®, now available with an Angus patty.

Together with its franchisees, Carl's Jr. operates more than 1,000 restaurants across the U.S. and has a presence in 24 countries worldwide.

World’s largest pizza chain, Domino's Pizza Inc. (NYSE: DPZ) has brought Carryout Tips. 

Now the largest pizza company in the world, known for its value innovation, is launching You Tip, We Tip – a promotion that tips customers who tip their delivery drivers, beginning April 29.

"Domino's drivers have been hustling to deliver hot, delicious pizzas since 1960, and we love that customers have been tipping them for their great service since day one," said Kate Trumbull, Domino's senior vice president and chief brand officer.

She also pointed that, these days, everywhere you go, there's a tip screen. “The pressure to tip is real, even when no extra service is provided. So, we decided to flip the script and show our appreciation by tipping customers back,” she added.

The company said "You Tip, We Tip" is the first program of its kind among major quick-service restaurant chains.

Founded in 1960, Domino's Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world, with a significant business in both delivery and carryout pizza. It ranks among the world's top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 20,500 stores in over 90 markets.
 

McDonald's Corporation will purchase all 225 restaurant locations in Israel from franchisee Alonyal Limited, owned by Omri Padan.
According to the release, Omri Padan, CEO and owner of Alonyal Limited, announced that an agreement to sell Alonyal to McDonald’s Corporation has been signed. 

Alonyal, which owns and operates McDonald’s restaurants in Israel, started the McDonald’s brand journey in Israel more than 30 years ago and has grown the business to 225 restaurants and more than 5,000 employees. 

Upon completion of the transaction, McDonald’s Corporation will own Alonyal Limited’s restaurants and operations, and employees will be retained on equivalent terms.

“For more than 30 years, Alonyal Limited has been proud to bring the Golden Arches to Israel and serve our communities. We’ve grown the brand to be the leading and most successful restaurant chain in Israel and are grateful to our management, employees, suppliers, and customers who made this possible. We are encouraged by what the future holds,” said Omri Padan, CEO and owner of Alonyal Limited.

The agreement is subject to certain conditions, with closing anticipated in the coming months.

“We thank Alonyal Limited for building the McDonald’s business and brand in Israel over the past 30 years. McDonald’s remains committed to the Israeli market and to ensuring a positive employee and customer experience in the market going forward,” said Jo Sempels, President of International Developmental Licensed Markets at McDonald’s Corporation.

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), parent company of Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®, is announcing the appointment of brand presidents for Carl's Jr., Hardee's and International.

Following the separation of the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's brand, the business approach includes a leadership structure with three teams, each led by a president driving execution of strategic growth plans. 

Mike Woida will continue to lead as International President, Chris Bode was named Hardee's USA President last fall, and Blake Devillier has joined CKE Restaurants as Carl's Jr. USA President. CKE will continue to leverage the global scale of the company to build industry's leading growth capabilities.

"I'm thrilled to have such exceptional leaders at the helm of our business. Their proven track records and strategic vision will be instrumental in unlocking the full potential of our brands. With a focus on dedicated brand growth plans and the leverage of CKE's global infrastructure, we're poised to achieve transformative results," said Max Wetzel, CEO, CKE.

Devillier joined CKE restaurants on April 1 and is a strategic executive with experience leading multi-site operations, fueling culture, growth, efficiency, and execution that drives breakout performance. 

He joins CKE from YUM! Brands, Inc., where he was senior vice president of field operations for Taco Bell. Prior to that, Blake spent more than 25 years at GAP, Inc., with roles at Banana Republic, Gap brand and Old Navy, including vice president of stores at Old Navy. Blake holds an MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana.

"For years, Carl's Jr. has been synonymous with satisfying hunger for big, bold burgers with craveable flavors. I'm excited to leverage my experience to lead our teams and drive innovative strategies that will propel Carl's Jr. to even greater heights," said Blake Devillier, Carl's Jr. USA president.

Kamats Restaurants had initiated legal proceedings against the unauthorized use of its brand name at Dapoli, opposite the bus stand. 

The company became aware of this unauthorized activity following numerous complaints from concerned customers. Upon thorough investigation, including examination of photographic evidence, it was evident that a restaurant operating under the Kamats name in Dapoli was not affiliated with the genuine Kamats Restaurants chain.

In response, Kamats Restaurants promptly issued a legal notice to the unauthorized establishment and pursued the matter through legal channels. Consequently, the court ordered the immediate removal of the counterfeit establishment. It directed the local police to dismantle the operation and seize all materials associated with the unauthorized use of the Kamats brand name.

“We are pleased to have successfully halted the illegal exploitation of our brand name by individuals seeking to deceive the public by operating substandard outlets under our esteemed name. Protecting our brand's integrity and ensuring our customers' trust and satisfaction are paramount to us,” shared Dr. Vikram Kamat, the Founder and CMD of The VitsKamats Group.

Kamats Restaurants reiterates its commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and authenticity across all its establishments and assures its valued customers that every effort will be made to maintain the integrity of the Kamats brand name.

Iconic fast food chain Wendy’s has joined hands with ParTech, Inc. (PAR), a global restaurant technology leader and provider of unified commerce for enterprise restaurants for industry-leading loyalty and offer solution, PAR Punchh®, to advance its already successful loyalty program into the next generation of customer engagement.

Wendy’s will leverage PAR Punchh’s AI-driven platform and Punchh Enterprise Support to enhance its loyalty program for customers who visit any of their nearly 6,500 locations across the United States and Canada. 

With PAR Punchh’s advanced loyalty expertise and personalization engine, Wendy's aims to advance its loyalty program with best-in-class gamified experiences, targeted offers designed to bring great food for a great value to its customers, and exclusive promotions tailored to individual customer preferences.

The open architecture of PAR Punchh ensures seamless integration into Wendy’s existing app and online ordering systems, optimizing their technology stack for both current and future operations. This integration will enhance the omni-channel experience, digitally and at the restaurant.

In collaboration with PAR Punchh’s team of loyalty strategists, Wendy’s will craft a comprehensive strategy, aiming to elevate the guest experience and drive customer satisfaction.

“Loyalty is not a feature, it’s an outcome – driving more customer lifetime value. We believe that coupling our technology with our skilled team of loyalty strategists not only gives brands the tools to build guest loyalty, but also puts us in the driver seat with them to deliver results," said Savneet Singh, CEO of PAR Technology.
 

From the fried chicken chain that brought you the Double Down, KFC has done it again – pairing the unexpected to create another mouth-watering meal. Starting Feb 26 for a limited time, KFC is introducing the international smash hit, Chizza ("cheet-za"), to KFC menus in the US.

Chizza first debuted on KFC menus in the Philippines in 2015 and since then the KFC exclusive has made its way around the world to Korea, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Germany, Spain and Mexico, among other countries. 

"Fried chicken and pizza collaborated to create something even better – the Chizza," said Nick Chavez, CMO KFC US by adding that the fan-favorite mashup is finally available in the US after making its way around the world.

To celebrate its stateside debut, KFC will transform its restaurant at 242 E 14th St. in New York City – the pizza capital of the US – into a one-of-a-kind "Chizzeria" pop-up where customers will get to try Chizza before anyone else for free.

The KFC Chizzeria offers one menu item only, hot & fresh Chizza, in a KFC-ified, modern take on a classic pizzeria. The world's first Chizzeria (probably) opens its doors for a limited time, Friday, Feb. 23-Feb. 24 (1-9 p.m. ET), but don't worry, Chizza is available to the rest of the country starting Monday, Feb. 26.

In a fusion of flavours that bridges continents, Jubilant FoodWorks Limited (JFL), India’s largest foodservice company, will be unveiling Popeyes first store in Delhi on 28th February for the consumers, the famous Louisiana Chicken in the historic lanes of Chandni Chowk. 

This marks the much-anticipated debut of the iconic Louisiana-style chicken giant in the national capital region, at the prestigious Omaxe Chowk mall.

“We are delighted to introduce the world-famous fried chicken brand, Popeyes, to the consumers of the Capital Region. Since our launch in India two years ago, we have been humbled by the overwhelming response to the brand. We aspire to recreate the same fan following in Delhi that we have received in other cities by generating the same excitement and loyalty for Popeyes and its signature dishes,” shared Sameer Khetarpal, CEO and MD of Jubilant FoodWorks Limited.

Popeyes, renowned globally for its bold, Louisiana styled fried chicken and world’s most famous Chicken Sandwich, which took the internet by storm in August 2019 in USA, is set to enamour the taste buds of Delhi’s chicken aficionados. Having conquered hearts worldwide and in the South of India, Popeyes now brings its legendary fried chicken, celebrated for its crispy texture and unique blend of spices, and other lip-smacking items to the Capital. 

“Popeyes, stands out for its authentic Cajun flavour and a rich legacy dating back to 1972. Globally, long queues of chicken-loving enthusiasts are witnessed outside each new store, and a similar reaction is being seen in India as well. Consumers in Delhi can now enjoy a variety of flavourful dishes like the world-famous Chicken Sandwich and newer innovations like the Hot & Messy range alongside vegetarian options. The lip-smacking menu offerings will be backed by exceptional service, making for a memorable dining experience,” added Gaurav Pande, Executive Vice President & Business Head of Popeyes.

The brand is set to further captivate the Capital City Region, with plans to inaugurate additional stores in strategic locations, including Pacific Mall, Jasola, Pacific Mall Faridabad, and DLF Epitome, Gurgaon, all while championing sustainability with a zero-emission delivery fleet.

Subway, one of the world's largest restaurant brands, has announced the appointment of Jeff Shepherd as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

Shepherd will report directly to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Chidsey and oversee Subway's global finance organization, responsible for managing and optimizing the brand's global financial performance and information security. 

Shepherd succeeds Ben Wells who will retire at the end of the year after a 46-year career.

"Jeff has a well-earned reputation for driving strong financial results for global brands, bringing nearly 30 years of financial and accounting experience to our organization," said Subway CEO John Chidsey. "As we welcome Jeff to Subway, we also thank Ben for his significant contributions. Since joining the company in December 2019, Ben has been a key driver of our brand's global financial stability and strategic growth, contributing to 11 consecutive quarters of positive sales results."

Most recently, Shepherd served as Executive Vice President and CFO of Advance Auto Parts where he set financial strategy for the business and led the company's finance functions, including controllership and tax, financial planning and analysis, treasury, internal audit, pricing, and strategy.

Prior to Advance, Shepherd served as controller for General Motors Europe and held several senior roles within the organization. He also held a series of leadership roles with Ernst & Young where he developed a process for assisting global clients through bankruptcy and led tax remediation efforts. Shepherd holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Central Michigan University with an emphasis in accounting.

Shepherd is based in the company's Shelton, Connecticut, headquarters and will work closely with Wells for the remainder of the year to ensure a seamless transition.

Pizza chain Pizza Hut has opened its most sustainable store yet in India at Mahim, Mumbai.

This initiative aligns with the global mission of ‘Recipe for Good Growth’, which prioritises people, the planet and food. This initiative is one of the many steps taken by Pizza Hut to help Yum! Brands reach net-zero emissions by 2050. 

“At Pizza Hut, we are dedicated to running a purpose-driven business, where our foremost commitment is providing our customers with the best taste and service. Simultaneously, we are deeply invested in cultivating practices that not only enrich the present but also contribute to a brighter future for our customers, the community, and the environment. The Mahim store serves as a model for us and has given an impetus to our efforts in pioneering a green future,” shared Asif Mahmud, Chief Development Officer at Pizza Hut, Yum! Restaurants India.

The restaurant at Mahim integrates energy efficiency, usage of responsible materials and wastewater management. The restaurant is fitted with 17 kWP capacity solar plant installations generating 58 kWh of solar units every day, saving INR 300K annually while reducing carbon footprint by 35-50%. 

The restaurant is also equipped with an Energy Management System (EMS) to monitor and control power usage, saving 5-6% on average. The rainwater harvesting system at the store utilizes RO wastewater for cleaning purposes, saving 3.9 lakh litres of water annually.

Cognizant of the impact of businesses on society at large, Pizza Hut has been adopting several sustainable practices. The brand believes in choosing ‘Made in India’ suppliers for key equipment which leads to boosting the local economy while simultaneously reducing carbon footprint. In its daily operations too, the brand has been demonstrating environment consciousness by ensuring 100% removal of single-use plastic from packaging, use of paper straws and wooden cutlery, and responsible sourcing of ingredients.  
Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), serves and delivers more pizzas than any other pizza company in the world. Founded in 1958, Pizza Hut has become the most-recognized pizza restaurant in the world, operating more than 18000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. 

Subway today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Roark Capital. 

The transaction is a major milestone in Subway's multi-year transformation journey, combining Subway's global presence and brand strength with Roark's deep expertise in restaurant and franchise business models.

Roark is a private equity firm with $37 billion in assets under management. Roark focuses on investments in consumer and business service companies, with a specialization in franchise and franchise-like businesses, and prides itself on being a trusted partner for management and business owners.

"This transaction reflects Subway's long-term growth potential, and the substantial value of our brand and our franchisees around the world. Subway has a bright future with Roark, and we are committed to continuing to focus on a win-win-win approach for our franchisees, our guests and our employees,” shared John Chidsey, CEO of Subway.

The transaction comes on the heels of Subway announcing its 10th consecutive quarter of positive same store sales. The company will continue to execute its strategy with a focus on sales growth, menu innovation, modernization of restaurants, overall guest experience improvements, and international expansion.

J.P. Morgan is serving as financial advisor and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal counsel to Subway. Timing is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
 

QSR chain Domino's Pizza has announced plans to shut all 142 restaurants in Russia.

The restaurants are owned by franchise group DP Eurasia that will file for bankruptcy for its Russian unit, DP Eurasia, reported CNN.

"With the increasingly challenging environment, DP Eurasia immediate holding company is now compelled to take this step, which will bring about the termination of the attempted sale process of DP Eurasia as a going concern and, inevitably, the group's presence in Russia," DP Eurasia said in a statement.

With this announcement, Domino’s becomes the third chain in Russia to exit after McDonald's and Starbucks left last year.

The pizza chain may still continue to operate in Russia if purchased by another franchisee. Both McDonald's and Starbucks in Russia are now operated by local groups who bought the franchises and changed the names to local brands.

Domino's said it has not provided support for the Russia market since early 2022.
 

Papa John’s International has announced the acquisition of restaurants previously operated by the M25 division of Drake Food Service International (DFSI) in the United Kingdom.

The transition of restaurants will establish a portfolio of Company-owned restaurants in the market. Financial terms of the transaction were not

“The UK is important within our international footprint with the largest number of stores outside of North America, strong brand awareness with consumers and potential for long-term growth as we still have tremendous whitespace in the market,” said Amanda Clark, Chief International and

The new corporate-owned restaurant portfolio will consist of 91 locations across London and other parts of the UK.

The company sees opportunities to implement operating model enhancements including revenue management capabilities, product and technological innovation and operational efficiencies, to improve sales and restaurant-level profitability.

As part of the transition, approximately 1,000 employees working for DFSI M25 will become team members of the company.

However, DFSI will continue to hold its master franchise rights for Papa Johns in Spain, Portugal, Chile and Central America.

“By exiting our stake in the UK, we will be able to focus our efforts on our Papa Johns portfolio in Iberia and Latin America,” said Fernando Frauca, Managing Partner and CEO of DFSI.

Papa John’s International, Inc. opened its doors in 1984 and today it is the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company with more than 5,700 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories.

In its endeavour of driving change and making a positive impact in the local communities, McDonald's India – North and East is planning to hire 50% of its workforce by 2025 i.e 1500 people through non-government organizations.

For this, McDonald’s India – North and East has launched the community campaign ‘McDonald’s For Youth’ – that aims to meaningfully contribute towards India’s growth story by providing gainful employment prospects to the local communities, especially the less-privileged.

So far, the brand has hired more than 500 young people over the last year, partnering with several reputed not-for-profit organizations such as Magic Bus, Tech Mahindra foundation, Quess Corp Foundation, and Tarraqi, amongst others.

“McDonalds for Youth’ is a campaign through which we aim to offer gainful employment for the youth, especially youth from the under-privileged communities who have limited education and employment opportunities. We aim to hire 50% of our entry level workforce under this initiative, invest in their overall growth and development through our world class high-quality training and learning programs. This initiative is much more than filling open positions – it is about being a part of the local communities, and is an attempt to make them a part of us,” shared Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East.

For most people hired through the ‘McDonald’s For Youth’ initiative, it being their first job, is an important milestone in their walk of life. Besides being their first source of income, these young minds benefit from the McDonald's global training curriculum through which they acquire right skills and knowledge desired to succeed in their career path.

Internet restaurants operator Rebel Foods on Tuesday announced that the brand has got an exclusive franchise rights for Wendy’s offline business in India.

The move marks an end to the chain’s erstwhile partnership with Sierra Nevada that held rights to expand the chain’s offline presence in the country.

Earlier in 2020, Rebel Foods acquired the licence to exclusively develop Wendy’s cloud kitchens in India with a commitment to open approximately 250 delivery kitchens across in next 10 year.

“In this expanded, new franchise commitment, Rebel will help the brand grow its restaurant model in India with digital expertise in delivery, automation, and innovation," shared a company statement by Rebel Foods.

Rebel Foods will now completely manage and operate the brand’s traditional restaurants across India and also develop approximately 150 outlets over the next decade.

As part of the earlier 2020 agreement, Sierra Nevada, that has interests in the restaurant business, was mandated to operate 150 Wendy’s brick-and-mortar restaurants. The business has now been sold to Rebel Foods. “We sold our Wendy’s restaurants to Rebel and are very happy with the deal," said Jasper Reid, MD, Sierra Nevada.

Currently, Wendy’s is present in 19 cities across India with approximately 90 locations, which includes three traditional Wendy’s restaurants in India which Rebel Foods is operating.

“India is a strategic and high-growth potential market for the burger chain. We are thrilled that Rebel Foods is expanding its franchise commitment to accelerate Wendy’s footprint across the country with a mix of traditional restaurant expansion and digital innovation via cloud kitchens,” added Abigail Pringle, president, International & Chief Development Officer, The Wendy’s Company.

“Burgers will continue to be the big bite of 2023, and a big part of the food missions we achieve and own. With this collaboration, not only will Rebel Foods continue to retain our position as the world’s largest internet restaurant company, but we will also be the only cloud kitchen player in India to scale a large global QSR brand through the development of traditional restaurants and cloud kitchens in a super-fast and Capex-light manner, driven by technology and unique business model," pointed Sagar Kochhar, Co-founder, Rebel Foods.

Rebel Foods operates food brands such as Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, Ovenstory Pizza, Mandarin Oak, The Good Bowl, Slay Coffee via 450 kitchens in over 70 cities.

India's one of the largest homegrown burger chain, Burger Singh has announced its entry in the state of Jharkhand as it plans to set up 6 outlets in the region.

The QSR chain is targeting cities like; Bokaro Steel City, Bokaro, Deoghar, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur and Ranchi.

“Our desi burgers have received much love and appreciation from every neighbourhood, every city and every state we have entered in! And now armed with a potent combination of our signature desi twist and unparalleled customer service, we aim to win over the hearts of people in Jharkhand,” said Kabir Jeet Singh, Founder & CEO, Burger Singh.

The QSR chain also intends to hire 80 personnel to service its new outlets across Jharkhand.

Setting its target on expanding its presence in the Eastern belt of India, Burger Singh has big plans in place with a new warehouse in Kolkata that will serve the QSR chain’s existing and planned outlets in East and North East India.

Over the past year, the quick-service restaurant chain has grown remarkably, with its outlets increasing from 50 in December 2021 to 100+ locations (83 operational outlets and 24 fit-outs) across 54 cities. With ambitious expansion plans, the company envisions adding 35 outlets in Maharashtra, 8 in Madhya Pradesh, 8 outlets in Odisha and 43 in Northeast India.

"It is a source of great pride for us to know that we are closer to our dream of making Burger Singh burgers available to people across Bharat. We are able to do so thanks to the passionate interest from entrepreneurs nationwide who are eager to open Burger Singh franchises in their towns and cities and introduce their communities to indulge in the gastronomical delight we serve in the form of our fusion burgers,” added Rahul Seth, Co-founder, Burger Singh.

Made-In-India Burger Chain, Burger Singh, is set to make an entry into Odisha for the first time, as it plans to open 8 new outlets in the state and intends to hire 100 personnel for manning its new outlets.

In December 2022, the QSR chain announced its plans to establish a warehouse in Kolkata to boost its supply chain in the Eastern and North-Eastern regions of India, specifically in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.

Putting its expansion plans into action, Burger Singh is diving headfirst into Bhubaneswar, Bhramapur, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur among others, to cater to its growing urban and young consumer base.

“We are eager to expand into Odisha and showcase our delectable range of Indianised burgers to a whole new audience. We hope that Burger Singh continues its legacy of elevating the humble burger to unprecedented heights of culinary delight in this new region and win our customers' hearts,” said Kabir Jeet Singh, Founder and CEO, Burger Singh.

Since its inception in 2012, Burger Singh has achieved tremendous success through its innovative fusion of Indian flavours into western burgers, quickly becoming a renowned household name. Over the past year, the quick-service restaurant chain has experienced exponential growth, expanding from 50 outlets in December 2021 to over 100+ outlets (83 operational outlets and 24 in fit outs) in 54 cities.

In addition, the company has ambitious plans for further expansion, with 35 outlets planned in Maharashtra, 8 in Madhya Pradesh, 16 in Bihar and 43 outlets in the northeast.

"It is a source of great pride for our brand to see its presence expand into uncharted territories, driven by the enthusiastic interest from entrepreneurs across the nation eager to open Burger Singh franchises," added Rahul Seth, Co-founder of Burger Singh.

Burger Singh recently secured INR 30 crore in Series A funding, led by Negen Capital, and was valued at 200 Cr. The QSR chain’s impressive growth can be attributed to the company's highly profitable unit-level economics and the unique, inherently Indian taste that sets it apart in a highly competitive market.

Tea chain Chai Sutta Bar expand to 14 additional locations in states like Mumbai, Pune, Udaipur, and Varanasi in the month of December.

While expanding rapidly in the local market, Chai Sutta Bar (CSB), a homegrown fast food and tea outlet brand, is also looking to expand their franchise business in the international market.

CSB has already established a firm in the United Kingdom in order to quickly expand into the markets of the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

“We are thrilled to open these new outlets and expand our tea franchise. Our goal is to bring our delicious tea to more people and create a more convenient experience for our customers,” shared Anubhav Dubey, CEO and Co-founder of Chai Sutta Bar.

The vision of Chai Sutta Bar is to deliver a unique cultural blend and values to each corner of the world. CSB has 450+ outlets in 195+ cities.

TOMS King Holdings, an Illinois-based Burger King franchisee has put its subsidiaries operating 90 stores in bankruptcy.

The group has cited pandemic-driven revenue decline and increased overhead costs as one of the main reason for its failure.

The company is one of largest franchisees of Burger King in the region and operates at four locations namely; Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with $35.5 million in secured debt and another $14 million in unsecured obligations, according to court documents. And wants to sell its restaurants through the bankruptcy process, reported QSRweb.com.

TOMS in court filings said that its business “suffered significantly from [a] loss of foot traffic, resulting in declining revenue without proportionate decreases in rental obligations, debt service and other liabilities.”

The company then noted that higher costs for shipping and food, a lack of labor and overall inflation exacerbated its problems with cash flow. While some of TOMS’ restaurants are profitable, the company said, others are losing money, making it unable to make its debt payments.

The group started working with its lenders and its franchisor to restructure last year. The company hired a restructuring advisor that ultimately recommended filing for bankruptcy. The company appointed RJ Dourney, the former CEO of the bakery-café chain Cosi, to be an independent manager of the business. It also appointed Daniel Dooley, CEO of the consulting firm MorrisAnderson, to be its chief restructuring officer.