Weekly Global News Wrap: Wendy's new tomato supply initiative, A&W's U.S. expansion, first IHOP-Applebee's combo set to open
Here is a summary of the most interesting QSR news stories of the week from around the world.
Wendy's recently announced its initiative to source vine-ripened tomatoes for its North American restaurants exclusively from greenhouse farms by early 2019, said to be a first in the QSR industry.
Tomatoes for the global fast food chain will be grown in indoor greenhouse and hydroponic farms from approximately a dozen suppliers throughout North America, including the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, Southeast and Great Lakes regions of the United States; Eastern and Western Canada; and Mexico.
"We've always been committed to providing customers with fresh, high-quality food. From our fresh never frozen beef, to creating the first salad bar in the QSR space, to hand-chopping produce in our restaurants daily, this newest initiative to source vine-ripened tomatoes from greenhouse farms is the latest way we're delivering on that commitment," said , Wendy's chief communications officer Liliana Esposito said. Read more here.
Ahead of its 100th year celebration, A&W expects to open another 12 sites this year. Acquired by a group of franchisees from YUM! Brands in late 2011, the iconic brand opened 15 franchise locations in 2017. Read more here.
The first-ever combined store of IHOP and Applebee's is days away from opening. The 12,000-square-foot hybrid restaurant is located inside the Millender Center building at Jefferson and Brush Street, in Detroit, U.S.A.
The IHOP portion previously opened in late May serving 19 different all-day menu items while the Applebee's half is set to go live for lunch and dinner on June 26. Read more here.
Chick-fil-A rolls out two seasonal beverage items to beat the summer heat: the new White Peach Tea Lemonade and the returning Peach Milkshake. Read more here.
Selected Burger King restaurants are introducing its new Crispy Pretzel Chicken Fries for a limited time. The new offering is made with juicy white meat chicken and coated in a salty pretzel breading seasoned with savory spices and herbs. Read more here.
