Weekly Global News Wrap: McDonald's hits back at ex-CEO; Burger King's new three-lane drive-thru design; Dunkin' to pilot checkout-free store

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

The row between McDonald’s Corporation and its former chief executive continued with the chain calling the dismissed CEO a liar and “morally bankrupt” for denying wrongdoing in what they are calling a deceitful coverup of sexual relationships with other employees, Nation’s Restaurant News reports. Read more here.

CNBC also reported that more than 50 former McDonald’s franchisees are also suing the fast food giant for racial discrimination, alleging it denied them the same opportunities as White operators and pushed them out of the system. Read more here.

McDonald's also confirmed it will serve up its first celebrity meal in nearly 30 years, offering the Travis Scott Meal at participating restaurants in the U.S. in a new partnership with the rapper. Read more here.

Dunkin’ will soon test an Amazon Go-style store in the U.S., Nation's Restaurant News has reported. The checkout-free pilot programme, which launches in October, allows a customer to walk into a store to grab coffee and baked goods without interacting with anyone or scanning anything at a kiosk. Read more here.

Burger King also unveiled two new restaurant designs, positioned to be fit amidst the pandemic. As reported by CNN, features include triple drive-thrus, burger pickup lockers, takeout counters and more. The chain plans to build some prototypes next year in Miami, Latin America and the Caribbean, and incorporate other elements into existing restaurants over time. Read more here.

Chipotle has launched its first digital fundraising programme, allowing customers to contribute to impactful organizations in their community through delivery and pick-up orders. Restaurant Business reports that 33% of sales under these efforts will go to educational organizations who use unique promotional codes. Read more here.

White Castle will test an AI-powered drive-thru system with license plate recognition, Nation's Restaurant News reported. Done with Mastercard, loyalty members can opt-in for personalized menu and payment experience featuring a digital voice assistant. Read more here.

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