Weekly Global News Wrap: Inspire Brands acquires Jimmy John's; Chipotle's debt-free degrees; DoorDash's first ghost kitchen

Here is a summary of the most interesting QSR news stories of the week from around the world.

Inspire Brands has officially completed its acquisition of Jimmy John’s, making it the fourth-largest restaurant company in the United States. With the addition, Inspire now has more than 11,200 restaurants across 16 countries generating more than US$14bn annual system sales. Read more here.

DoorDash in the US has entered the ghost kitchen realm, announcing its first brick-and-mortar location in the San Francisco Bay Area. As reported by Restaurant Business, DoorDash Kitchens provides customized kitchen space for five restaurant operations that offer delivery and pickup services through their app. Read more here.

Taco Bell in the US has removed and discarded 2.3 million pounds of seasoned beef from eateries in 21 states after a customer found a metal shaving in a menu item. CBS News reports that some restaurants reportedly were suggesting chicken or steak as a beef substitute to customers before the recall was publicly announced, prompting some to call out the company on social media. Read more here.

Chipotle has expanded its education benefits program, now giving employees the opportunity to earn a degree in 75 different business and technology fields. The initiative covers 100% of tuition costs up front, for eligible employees to earn associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in fields ranging from cybersecurity to supply chain logistics. Read more here.

Burger King in the US announced it has teamed up with Uber Eats. As reported by Business Insider, the fast food chain will be offering free delivery through the platform on orders of US$15 and more. Read more here.