From available franchises to changes at the Golden Arches of Ronald, here are a few news notes from around the network…
Katherine over at Brandcurve reports that McDonald’s is trying something new with two of their Japanese stores. Two locations, recently opened in Omotesando and Shibuya East, will offer only two menu options – a Quarter Pounder with cheese meal and a Double Quarter Pounder with cheese. Even more surprising, McD’s had decided to do away with their traditional yellow arch, opting instead for a basic black and red branding. Will the Royale with cheese be enough to carry both stores? And even more, will the branding change hurt McDonald’s continued global sales growth? We’ll have to see.
Sean at Franchise Pick noted yesterday that pizza chain CiCi’s Pizza is offering to waive their standard $25,000 franchise fee for managers willing to take over a “failing” location. CiCi Enterprises LP is reporting that as many as 25 of the company’s 640 restaurants are struggling.