Eric Nomis 
Burger King launched a revamped tagline and campaign today, following a new brand positioning for the QSR brand. The new tagline, “You Rule,” will be evident as the burger chain launches its “Reclaim the Flame” plan, announced September 9.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar returned its $1 Five Boneless Wings with any Handcrafted Burger purchase deal. The casual-dining chain also introduced a Bourbon Street Mushroom Swiss Burger and Neighborhood Double Burger, as part of the offer. Well-timed ahead of Halloween 2022, Applebee’s also brought back Spooky Sips—Tipsy Zombie and Dracula’s Juice.
The topic of relief for restaurants with regard to COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) has moved front and center. The National Restaurant Association sent a letter to the US Small Business Administration (SBA) to obtain concessions on relief options for small business operators, including restaurants. In the letter to Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, the Association outlined three ways in which the SBA can provide relief to struggling restaurants.
A recently-released report from geofencing and mobile pickup provider Bluedot, which is based on a survey from a 1,635 adults, reveals some of the latest trends for coffee shops and quick-serve restaurants. Restaurant brands can benefit through efficiency in the drive-thru, providing value pricing and offers, as well as speeding customers through the mobile pick-up area in less than four minutes. In addition, customers value sustainability and want restaurants to do more, but not for a premium. The insights from Bluedot’s “The State of What Feeds Us, Volume VII” shed light on meaningful restaurant opportunities.
Panera Bread will enhance its rewards program and will launch an inaugural MyPanera Week September 29 to celebrate.The week-long celebration will precede the upcoming loyalty program changes in October.
MOD Pizza promoted Becky Mulligan to chief restaurant officer and named Stephen Blum chief development officer. Mulligan fills the newly-created role as the fast-casual pizza chain hires three new executives. According to a company statement, these moves will strengthen the brand in franchising, culinary and operational excellence.
AI Robotics company Nala Robotics reached an agreement with Saudi Excellence Company, a Riyadh-based tech company, to expand foodservice robotics applications in the Kingdom. This new deal will provide for developing the market and delivering autonomous food services to Saudi Arabia.
Marco’s Pizza will add seven stores in the Southwest Virginia markets of Roanoke and Lynchburg thanks to a development agreement with Brandon Hudson and Damion Mason. As franchisees with over five years with Marco’s, they will help ignite this multi-unit expansion over the next two and half years. Overall, Marco’s Pizza is on target with its growth plans, and recently opened its 1100th store and surpassed $1B in annualized systemwide sales.
Qdoba Mexican Eats opened the first of two Reef kitchens that will offer its Mexican-style menu to Austin, Texas. In a partnership with Reef Technology, the fast casual will leverage the trend to expand into the market.
Dine Brands will take IHOP to Qatar as a result of its expanded agreement with franchisee Mohamed Makawi, CEO of Eagles Landing International Restaurants. Four new restaurants will open, including the debut of the brand in the country at Gulf Mall in Doha.
