Is now the right time to open restaurants? ‘Wait and see,’ says Wing Zone CEO.
Wing Zone CEO: “We’re in a wait-and-see moment right now”
In an interview with FOX Business, Wing Zone CEO and co-founder Matt Friedman discussed how the franchise brand’s dine-in locations may wait to open their doors to the public, in light of many other brands throughout the state of Georgia beginning to open dine-in restaurants.
You can view the full interview with Matt Friedman here.
Dickey’s Barbeque Pit incentivizing new franchisee sign-ups during April
Amid the global pandemic, Dickey’s Barbeque Pit is still achieving new franchisee sign-ups and recently executed a new development agreement which marked the brand’s 100th new store in its pipeline. Now, to encourage new entrepreneurs to join Dickey’s, the barbeque brand is offering a 90-day signing incentive package for first-time franchisees who sign-up for a new store anytime during the month of April.
“Resilient brands, like ours, always take challenging times as an opportunity to reinvest, renew and emerge stronger than before,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “We’re proud to have so many new folks join our family who see the actions we’re taking in local communities and want to be a part of our mission to give back.”
Detroit Popeyes franchise group provides employees with bonus pay
Michigan is one of the U.S.’s most affected areas when it comes to COVID-19, and around 80 per cent of the state’s cases are centralized in Detroit. To thank its dedicated workers, a Popeyes franchise group is paying the workers at its 20 locations an additional $5 an hour on top of their regular hourly wages. The locations are also looking to hire new staff, who will also receive this hourly bonus.
“We know times are tough and I am so appreciative of all the hard work our Popeyes employees have displayed every day throughout this crisis,” said Tanathan Nelson, VP of operations, Detroit Metro. “Our goal is to ensure our company’s employees are being taken care of while they continue to show up and make sure our community has hot, fresh food when they need it.”
Scenthound brings three new franchise locations into portfolio
Scenthound, a franchise frontrunner in the $75bn professional pet industry, recently signed a franchise development deal to bring three new locations to the Atlanta metropolitan area. This adds to its 11 units currently in development, and four units already open. The brand aims to sell 40 units and open 20 by the end of 2020, even in light of COVID-19.
“Scenthound is a brand we are really excited to become a part of so that we can help serve the dogs in our community,” said new franchisee, Doug Johnston. “During this pandemic, there is a lot of uncertainty out there for many businesses, but after getting to know Scenthound it became very clear to us that there is always going to be a need for pet care.
Bonchon launches ‘Hearts & Soles’ campaign to support restaurant industry employees
Bonchon, the South Korean chicken franchise that can also be found in countries like the U.S., Thailand, Singapore, and Cambodia, has partnered with Threadless to sell limited edition Bonchon-designed shoes. All of the proceeds will benefit the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) Restaurant Employee Relief Fund (RERF), which will go toward supporting restaurant industry workers adversely affected by COVID-19.
Featuring an exclusive design by resident artist Leanne Aks, the sneakers are retailing for $59.99 through Bonchon’s online shop, alongside patterned masks and socks.
“With the support of Bonchon, we can help restaurant workers across the country with financial aid during this incredibly difficult time,” said Rob Gifford, president of the NRAEF. “We have raised more than $17m so far and are grateful for the generous support of companies like Bonchon who are stepping up with creative ways to help the heart and soul of our industry – it’s people.”
