Weekly Global News Wrap: Popeyes profits despite pandemic pains; Subway franchisees push back on Footlong promotion; Panera Bread's new chief brand and concept officer

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

Popeyes’ U.S. same-store sales soared more than 40% as of the third full week of May amidst the pandemic. As reported by CNBC, the latest results are an improvement from the second half of March, when Popeyes’ same-store sales were flat compared with the year-ago period. Read more here. The chicken chain also announced that it would roll out a new logo, restaurant design, and food packaging. As reported by Business Insider, the chain's new look is part of "The Modern Popeyes Renaissance," a larger initiative to expand the chain's presence around the world. Read more here.

Subway franchisees in the U.S. are pushing back against another attempt to bring back the US$5 Footlong. As reported by Restaurant Business, the company’s franchisee association urged operators not to go along with the program unless it is strictly tied to ordering through the company’s mobile app. Read more here.

Panera Bread has hired Eduardo Luz as its chief brand and concept officer. As reported by Fast Casual, he will be overseeing marketing, digital, strategy/insights and culinary teams. Read more here.

Dine Brands, the parent company of Applebee’s, has started its search for a new CEO. In an announcement, the company retained executive search firm Spencer Stuart to assist them in finding a successor for Steve Joyce, whose employment agreement will expire in February 2021. Read more here.

U.S. burger concept Wahlburgers has appointed industry veteran John Fuller as its new president and CEO. Fuller previously served as president and CEO of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Johnny Rockets. Read more here.