Australia

The recent wide-reporting of inadvertent award breaches by some fast food employers has thrown into vivid focus the highly complex industrial relations regime that has emerged under the Fair Work Act – despite it being meant to simplify employment obligations.

The franchisor has issued a statement on underpayment of staff.

She has accepted the position of CEO at beyondblue.

And what better way to do that than through an aggressive customer-focused gift giveaway.

The poll was conducted by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) to launch Healthy Weight Week which ends on 29 January 2012.

The new gluten-free pizza base is crunchier, crispier, and lighter.

Nobody can deny that the Mexican wave has swept across Australia over the past few years and we have been part of the conversation since the first fast casual Mexican outlet opened in Australia. Whether you like the cuisine itself or not, there’s no ignoring the fact that it has become a rapidly expanding sector of the dining scene in this country and its fast becoming a favourite choice for many Australians. In the BRW Fast 100 list published in late 2011, only three food businesses were listed, two of which were Mexican brands and one being #12 on the list, Mad Mex our client. In an increasingly competitive market it becomes even more crucial for any brand to stand apart from its competitors both with potential franchisees and consumers which is where the public relations message can be a very cost effective way to influence conversations. Integrated into a strategic marketing plan, a targeted and tailored public relations campaign is essential to remain ahead of the curve.

In this exclusive interview we find out how 2011 has been for the group and what their plans are for 2012.

It has launched three new product innovations which offer customers tastier toppings and lower fat.

According to the burger chain’s statement, the situation was the result of an administrative error.

Spudbar a small QSR is enjoying 30% year on year same store sales growth. Find out why in this interview with their CEO Simon McNamara.

Never before have we seen the huge disparity in consumer spending habits that we are currently experiencing.

Magee was hired earlier this year to spice up the franchise’s stores with the vibrancy and edginess of Mexican inspired street art.

And it has served 2 million meals to customers in 2011.

Mad Mex Fresh Mexican Grill is offering a free bottle of water with their popular Naked Burritos throughout the month of January.

Shane Heal who only took over the master franchise recently, declared personal bankruptcy just before Christmas.There are current discussions underway with a new owner who is in the process of doing their due diligence on the group. According to sources this sale process started well before Heal declared bankruptcy. Heal's current involvement is limited to a consultant for the group and franchisor of a couple of Urban Burger outlets. QSR Media was surprised at this development as we had only just published an interview we did with Shane where he talked about his plans for the burger chain.