McDonald’s plans about $8.5B for franchise upgrades

McDonald’s plans about $8.5 billion in franchisee support for NEXT upgrades through 2036, including about $5 billion through 2030. Announced September 23, the package combines rent relief and capital support for restaurant modernization, technology and operations. Markets will sequence the work around franchisees’ capacity and investment returns.

The company estimates NEXT could add roughly $100,000 in annual cash-flow benefits to the average U.S. restaurant, with most expected to reach the restaurant’s bottom line over time. It also estimates a roughly four-year payback for franchisees after partnering support.

Meritage Hospitality Group identified five Wendy’s restaurants for planned closure on September 25, Fast Company reported September 26. The report described further planned closures through October 16.

Earlier, Wendy’s U.S. franchisor Quality Is Our Recipe (QIOR) challenged Meritage’s requests for early bankruptcy relief, Restaurant Dive reported September 22. QIOR said franchise agreements covering 314 Wendy’s restaurants had been terminated on September 16 over more than $27 million in past-due fees.

Presto announced September 21 that its voice-ordering system connects with Toast’s point-of-sale software. Restaurant Dive reported that the integration is designed to send captured drive-thru orders through Toast to kitchen display screens. Presto told the outlet the integration required no substantial new hardware and that one Toast customer was using it as of September 21. The company says the partnership extends its reach to multi-location quick-service brands using Toast.

Taco Bell’s Bid on Luxe campaign adds daily games and Friday prize-entry windows to its Rewards app. Members earn virtual paddles through games, then use them to enter random drawings for prizes including artwork, a Taco Bell chess set and a trip to the brand’s Pacifica Cantina. The promotion began September 21. Final prize entries close October 30, while games run through November 1. No purchase is necessary; eligible U.S. Rewards members must be 21 or older.

Ahead of National Food Service Worker Day on September 25, Giving Kitchen highlighted assistance for food-service workers. Workers can start with its Ask for Help form. The organization says financial assistance may help cover rent and utilities for people who experienced a qualifying injury, illness, housing disaster or immediate-family death in the past four months. Its current FAQ also says unemployment or reduced hours causing financial hardship may qualify for assistance. A separate Stability Network referral connects workers with community resources.