Yum! Brands, Inc. reports developments across a global quick-service restaurant portfolio that includes KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger. News commonly centers on brand-level menu value, product and marketing campaigns, loyalty programs, gift card infrastructure, digital ordering activity, franchise-system sales, same-store sales and unit growth.
Company updates also cover quarterly results, conference calls and board appointments. Because Yum! operates primarily through a franchised restaurant model, recurring news links consumer demand, franchisee economics, restaurant development, technology initiatives and international market performance to the company's operating results.
Yum! Brands is launching a new sustainable packaging policy across its global restaurant brands—KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill—to address the 2 billion tons of waste produced annually worldwide. The policy focuses on three key measures: eliminating unnecessary packaging, shifting to sustainable materials, and supporting better recycling systems. The initiative aims to transition away from unrecoverable plastics, with brands like Pizza Hut and KFC already making significant strides. Despite progress, challenges remain due to varied global regulations around sustainability. The company is committed to improving its environmental footprint and fostering a circular economy.
Yum! Brands recently launched a series to celebrate diversity within its franchise community, featuring Jason Cochran, CEO of American West Restaurant Group, as the first franchisee spotlight. Cochran, with over 25 years in the business including significant roles at GameStop and Chipotle, shared his journey of overcoming challenges as a mixed-race business owner. He emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in both personal and professional spheres. As the leader of the third-largest Pizza Hut franchise, Cochran is committed to fostering a supportive workplace and community involvement, stressing the value of cultural representation and mentorship. The initiative aligns with Yum! Brands' objective to highlight franchisee stories during heritage months.
Pizza Hut has launched the Hut Hat, a reversible bucket hat, in collaboration with Chain, a culinary collective. This limited-edition accessory features one side resembling Pizza Hut's iconic red roof and the other a checkered Tiffany lamp design. Retailing for $35, the Hut Hat is aimed at fans who wish to express their love for the brand beyond dining. This product launch marks the beginning of a partnership between Pizza Hut and Chain. The Hut Hat will be available starting April 5, 2023, at eatatchain.com. Pizza Hut is a subsidiary of YUM and operates nearly 18,000 restaurants globally.
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is launching new Kentucky Fried Chicken Nuggets nationwide on March 27, 2023. Made with 100% white meat and hand-breaded in KFC's Original Recipe of 11 herbs and spices, these nuggets mark KFC's return to nugget offerings after a successful test run in 2022.
Available in multiple sizes, starting at $3.49, the nuggets can be paired with various sauces and are intended to elevate the nugget experience for consumers. Additionally, KFC will reintroduce its $5 Mac Bowls on April 3, featuring the new nuggets. KFC's CMO Nick Chavez emphasized that these nuggets provide a unique taste compared to competitors, aiming to break the 'nugget blandemic' consumers have faced.
Yum! Brands, Inc. has announced the promotion of Shannon Hennessy to Chief Executive Officer of The Habit Burger Grill Division, effective June 6. Hennessy, currently the Division President, succeeds Russ Bendel, who is retiring after a significant career. Under Hennessy’s leadership, The Habit aims to leverage growth opportunities, building on recent successes such as an 18% franchise growth and a 35% digital sales mix. Bendel, credited for expanding the brand from 16 to around 350 locations since 2008, emphasized operational excellence and digital integration during his tenure. Hennessy has a strong background, including leadership roles at KFC and McKinsey & Company.
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Pizza Hut announces the return of limited-edition Mini Basketballs starting March 14, 2023, priced at $7, coinciding with NCAA March Madness. Customers ordering the Big New Yorker pizza will receive a specialty pizza box that transforms into a basketball hoop. The Big New Yorker, an XL pizza, features six oversized slices with bold flavors, available for a limited time. Pizza Hut continues its partnership with NCAA as the official pizza sponsor, introducing interactive packaging to engage customers. Special events are planned, including an in-store activation in Las Vegas on March 18.
The KFC Double Down is returning on March 6, 2023, after nearly a decade, for a limited four-week run. This cult favorite features two Extra Crispy white meat filets, cheese, and bacon, served without a bun. KFC has also introduced a new Bacon & Cheese Chicken Sandwich, made with a double-breaded filet, cheese, and bacon on a toasted brioche bun. KFC will host a special 'Double Down Drop' on March 5 for select fans to taste the sandwich early. This menu revival comes in response to years of customer demand, with more than 10 million Double Downs sold in its first month back in 2010.
Yum! Brands celebrates Black History Month by highlighting the journey of Kedibone Patricia Malatji Lebethe, CEO of KFC South Africa's KPML Group of Companies. Starting in 1986 as a cashier, she progressed through management to become a franchise owner, growing her portfolio to 29 restaurants with over 1,000 employees. Emphasizing a strong team culture, she believes the key to KFC's success lies in recognizing and training staff. Looking ahead, she is inspired by the brand's adaptability and innovation in response to market changes, ensuring KFC remains a vibrant player in the fast-food industry.