Weekly Global News Wrap: Starbucks to reopen 90% of US company-owned stores; Popeyes sales surge; Yum! Brands to potentially bring in new operators

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

Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said the coffee giant plans to reopen 90% of its US company-owned locations by June. As reported by CNN, changes that will be implemented by the chain include modifications to the company's delivery channels and a new "entryway hand-off solution." Read more here.

McDonald’s Corporation said its first-quarter earnings fell 17% as the coronavirus pandemic led to restaurant closures and plunging sales. As reported by CNBC, the fast food chain’s executives expect steeper global same-store sales declines in the second quarter than in March. Read more here.

Restaurant Brands International’s Popeyes saw sales surge by 26.2% in Q1 due to its popular chicken sandwiches, whilst Tim Hortons missed estimates. As reported by CNBC, stay-at-home orders due to the pandemic dented sales of breakfast and coffee at Tim Hortons chains, where comparable sales fell 10.3%. Read more here.

Pizza Hut’s owner suggested that outside investors could step in as the operator works to help struggling franchisees in the US, Restaurant Business reports. Yum! Brands has been helping its franchisees navigate the coronavirus with a variety of assistance, including grace periods on royalty payments and deferred capital spending requirements. Read more here.

Focus Brands has promoted two executives to critical roles. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, the company appointed Beto Guajardo as new president of Focus Brands International and Tory Bartlett as COO of Schlotzsky’s. Read more here.