Trending this week: McDonald’s McRib returns with modern NFT giveaway

NRN editors discuss earnings season, Starbucks pay increases and college athletes partnering with Jack in the Box as ‘Jackletes’

Plus, Matt King, chief culinary officer of PPX Hospitality Brands, joins the podcast.

Fat Brands to acquire Fazoli’s for $130 million

The purchase from Sentinel Capital Partners is expected to close in December 2021.

Labor department sets limits on use of tip credit for server side work

Final rule brings back 80/20 standard and clarifies when employers can apply sub-minimum wage for ‘tip-supporting’ work.

Subway testing new one net carb bread option with hero bread backed by seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady

Hero bread sandwich rolls now available in 4 cities across the U.S. - and, yes, Brady loves It.

McDonald’s McRib returns with modern NFT giveaway

Brand creates 10 digital collectible non-fungible tokens to promote sandwich in 40th year.

Menu Tracker: New items from Cracker Barrel, Church’s Chicken and Subway

Plus innovation at Andy’s Frozen Custard, Carl’s Jr., The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Donatos, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Jimmy John’s, Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill, North Italia, O’Charley’s Restaurant & Bar, Pita Mediterranean Street Food, Rush Bowls, STK, Tim Hortons, Velvet Taco, Voodoo Doughnut, Your Pie, Zalat Pizza, Ziggi’s Coffee and Zoup!

Starbucks finishes out year strong with Q4 same-store sales up 11% from pre-COVID levels

The company’s income growth was driven by resilient U.S. performance and offset by COVID-related challenges in international markets.

NRD creates Experiential Brands platform with Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Paul Damico, in expanded CEO role, says new division has eye on possible acquisitions.

Xperience Restaurant Group hits accelerator on growth

Five new restaurants are coming for Sol Mexican Cocina, Solita Tacos & Margaritas and Chevys Fresh Mex brands.

Yum Brands opens record 760 restaurants in third quarter

Strong digital strategy is key driver of 5% systemwide same-store sales growth, despite some Taco Bell softness.