The Americas
US-based Wendy’s looks to fix brand as sales fall again
US same-store sales at Wendy’s declined 7% last quarter, as traffic fell 12.5%, with stores cutting back on breakfast and fewer discounts, which led to customer count declines. The company also suggests that sales and traffic, and profits, will remain a challenge for the rest of 2026. The dip has enabled Burger King, to leapfrog Wendy’s to become the US’s second-largest fast-food burger chain behind McDonald’s, for the first time since 2021, based on second-quarter system sales.
Popeyes’ sales fell again, but there is hope for a quick turnaround
The fast-food chicken chain’s same-store sales fell 5.2% in the second quarter, its sixth straight quarterly decline. Popeyes’ turnaround plan, including a refined focus on both operations and the core menu, is on track, according to Josh Kobza, CEO of parent company Restaurant Brands International, despite a same-store sales decrease of 5.2% in the second quarter, the chain’s sixth straight quarterly decline and continuing its worst sales slump in at least two decades. “Popeyes is going exactly pretty much as we hoped it would,” he said during the company’s earnings call Thursday. “We expect H2 to be positive.”
Asia Pacific
Police raid Starbucks Korea HQ over ‘Tank Day’ controversy
South Korean police have raided the national headquarters of Starbucks over defamation claims surrounding a controversial marketing campaign. In May, Starbucks Korea launched a coffee tumbler promotion called ‘Tank Day’ on the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. Many felt it was in reference to vehicles deployed to crush pro-democracy protesters, sparking a boycott. Starbucks quickly rolled it back, saying it was unintentional but civic groups filed a criminal complaint against the company, demanding the police investigate it for defaming victims of the military dictatorship.
Hilton opens first Canopy hotel in Southeast Asia
Hilton has opened Canopy Bangkok Sukhumvit, marking the debut of its lifestyle brand, Canopy Hotels, in Southeast Asia. The 174-key hotel features seven room categories and three suites. Facilities include a rooftop pool and bar, 24-hour fitness center and four dining venues spanning Spanish, Korean and Thai-inspired concepts. Designed by New York-based interior design studio AvroKO, the hotel takes inspiration from Asoke’s industrial heritage and creative scene, with interiors incorporating locally crafted details, including traditional Paa Khram handwoven textiles.
Europe, Africa and Middle East
Greggs deploys anti-crime pods supplied by police as part of a trial to tackle shoplifting
The UK-based baked goods operator has had anti-crime pods supplied by police as part of a trial to tackle shoplifting in London stores, including Croydon, Brixton, Peckham and Whitechapel, and in other areas across the UK, such as Coventry, Birmingham and Nottingham. Manufactured by security firm Safer Group, the Safe POD S1/X1 is a visible presence in store and captures CCTV footage, which is monitored by 24-hour remote security guards who are alerted immediately to any incident.
Protein makes room for fiber as a rising trend
Restaurants are broadening their definition of healthy food beyond protein as consumers increasingly look at fiber, overall nutrition, and benefits such as digestion and fullness, reports QSR Media. Shannon Goldsmith, senior insight analyst at the Institute of Grocery Distribution, cited Pret’s Super Plates, Wahaca, Compass and BaxterStorey joining the Bang in Some Beans campaign, and Australian burger chain Grill’d replacing standard buns with high-fiber versions as examples of operators adding fiber to menus.
Lauren Hurrell
