This week on NRN.com, the top story was about Applebee’s refined value strategy. During the third quarter, executives acknowledged missing the mark amid tough conditions, including and especially a “noisy” value environment. Now, the company is introducing a Really Big Meal Deal — the choice of the chain’s new Big Cluckin’ hand-breaded chicken sandwich or Big Classic Bacon Cheeseburger with fries and a fountain beverage for dine-in, to-go, or delivery for $9.99.
Another casual-dining chain, Outback Steakhouse, is celebrating the winter holidays with new “steakmas” menu items, as well as bringing back its plush Koala in the Walla in media. Outback has also stocked its merchandise store with toys, sweatshirts, ornaments, and other items.
On the workforce front, the National Labor Relations Board overturned nearly 40 years of precedent with the recent decision, Siren Retail Corp d/b/a Starbucks, which clarified that most employer statements on the company impact of unionization are considered “unlawful threats.”
Get all these stories and more, including the latest on Jersey Mike’s, Wendy’s, and Kura Sushi in the gallery above.
