Quick_Service

McDonald’s courts younger consumers with a summer camp

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 30, 2022

The burger giant will give app users access to discounts, merchandise, “menu hacks” and even musical performances.

Something is not working between McDonald’s and its franchisees

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 29, 2022

The Bottom Line: The burger giant is facing the latest in a string of disputes with its operators, despite the company’s strong sales and record store-level cash flow and valuations.

Premium

Financing

Franchisee unrest grows as McDonald’s changes its rules

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 28, 2022

A group representing Black franchisees voted “no confidence” in CEO Chris Kempczinski. Other groups could take similar steps amid anger over new renewal standards. “An absolute declaration of war on owners," one operator said.

Financing

McDonald’s shuffles its executive team

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 27, 2022

Ian Borden was named CFO as Kevin Ozan is promoted to oversee strategy before he retires next year. Marion Gross was named chief supply chain officer.

Premium

Financing

Why a familiar name could be a candidate for the Starbucks CEO job

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 24, 2022

The Bottom Line: Bloomberg suggested that one of the chain’s directors could take the position, including former Domino’s CEO Ritch Allison and former McDonald’s CMO Mary Dillon.

Food

Burger King proves that plant-based meat isn’t targeted at vegetarians

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 23, 2022

The burger chain is doubling down on its Impossible Foods offerings with a pair of new options, one of which features bacon, which is not a plant.

Financing

McDonald’s is toughening its franchise ownership standards

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 23, 2022

The burger giant has “fine-tuned” rules for renewing franchise agreements as it works to bring new operators into the system. Operators say the changes are an "overreach."

Leadership