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Tag: hamburger

  • McDonald’s Yagoona store reopens, 50 years since first restaurant unveiled

    McDonald’s Yagoona store reopens, 50 years since first restaurant unveiled

    McDonald’s is stepping back in time and reopening Australia’s first restaurant in Yagoona. Celebrating 50 years since the very first Macca’s opened its doors in December 1971, the new McDonald’s Yagoona will open on Friday and adopt its original 1970s prices. From 11 am to 1 pm on opening day the humble hamburger will be just 20 cents each, with a limit of four per customer, so you’ll need to get in quick to take advantage of the deal.

    Celebrating 50 years since the very first Macca’s opened its doors in December 1971, the new McDonald’s Yagoona will open on Friday and adopt its original 1970s prices

    The interior of the restaurant will reflect the original décor from half a century ago with a historic timeline on the wall, images of the 1971 restaurant, and a Happy Meal display with iconic toys from across the years.

    ‘We are incredibly proud to reopen McDonald’s Yagoona and recognize its important part of our history,’ Chief Executive Officer for McDonald’s Australia Andrew Gregory said.

    ‘Everything our customers know and love about McDonald’s Australia started at Yagoona from Happy Meals and birthday parties to first jobs and community contribution.

    The interior of the restaurant will reflect the original décor from half a century ago with a historic timeline on the wall, images of the 1971 restaurant, and a Happy Meal display with iconic toys from across the years

    ‘The reopening celebrates 50 years of supporting our customers, people, and communities in Australia. We look forward to once again serving the local community and welcoming back customers from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.’

    The new restaurant will operate 24 hours a day and feature a McCafé, dual-lane drive-thru, dedicated delivery partner room, and PlayPlace.

    In addition to the 20 cent hamburger, McDonald’s Yagoona will also sell $1 cheeseburgers and $2 coffee from December 17 to January 7 as part of a special promotion for customers.

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  • McDonald’s Malaysia plans to open 200 more outlets

    McDonald’s Malaysia plans to open 200 more outlets

    McDonald’s Malaysia is set to roll out 200 stores across the country, increasing its nationwide network to 500 by the end of 2026.

    MD and local operating partner, Azmir Jaafar, told local reporters that the fast-food chain is hiring 10,000 workers as part of its expansion plan. New locations will be opened away from the 310 existing ones.

    McDonald Malaysia has also committed to serving halal food across all its restaurants. The chain established an internal halal committee in 2013 to monitor full compliance with the standards and guidelines imposed by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

    “This committee works closely with relevant officials at JAKIM to obtain advice and guidelines for the preparation of halal, quality and clean food,” Jaafar said. “The committee is also responsible for employee training to provide a clear understanding of the concept of halal.”

    Since its launch in Malaysia in 1983, McDonald has employed 15,000 employees and served more than 13.5 million customers monthly.

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  • V2Food launches Taste-a-tarian campaign with 1000 free burgers

    V2Food launches Taste-a-tarian campaign with 1000 free burgers

    Hero has released its first major work for plant-based meat company V2Food since winning the creative and strategy back in April this year, which is also the brand’s first campaign.

    The ‘Taste-a-tarian’ campaign presents V2Food as the option that satisfies every dietary requirement, as well as launches V2Food’s new brand platform ‘We agree to V2’.

    The just over a minute spot shows a family sitting down for dinner, with each member having a specific diet that needs to be catered for. At the end of the spot, it is revealed that V2Food will satisfy everyone as everyone is a “Taste-a-tarian”.

    There is also a 30-second cut of the video.

    V2Food’s chief growth officer Andrew May said: “As Australians, we cherish meal-times and social occasions and it’s our goal at v2 to deliver great tasting food that satisfies every palate. Our ‘Taste-a-tarian’ campaign shows that v2’s range of plant-based protein products deliver that same meaty taste and makes meals easy, no matter your dietary preference. We can’t think of a better campaign launch to kick off our partnership with HERO, who delivered a fully integrated campaign across strategy, creative, media planning and media implementation.”

    Hero’s managing director, digital Adam Beaupeurt added: “We’re thrilled to launch our first major campaign with V2food. By recognizing that there is a need for a version 2 of the food system, v2food plays a pivotal role in changing the way we all think about meat consumption and food sustainably. This is another brilliant example of media and creative integration delivered by Hero’s Borderless Creativity process – paramount to ensuring the brand entertains and connects with the 50% of Aussies who are looking at reducing their meat intake.”

    The campaign premiered during Ten’s Celebrity Masterchef finale last night.

    The campaign, as well as TV, is on out-of-home, retail proximity, BVOD, social, digital, and electric car charging station Jost.

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  • Five Guys opens first Australian outlet

    Five Guys opens first Australian outlet

    US burger sensation Five Guys opens its first Australian restaurant, for takeaway only, on 20 September in Sydney’s Penrith.

    Master franchisee Seagrass Hospitality is opening the long-awaited fast-food brand at the Penrith Panthers Leagues Club on the busy Mulgoa Road.

    Robby Andronikos, brand manager of Five Guys Australia, said “It’s been an incredibly fun journey to bring the Five Guys opening to this point. A massive team effort from Five Guys, Seagrass BHG, and the multiple Australian producers and businesses working in partnership to launch this brand with the exacting standards required.

    “I’m excited to finally be able to open the doors to our first store in Penrith with many more Australian restaurants on the horizon already planned.”

    Seagrass BHG has five brands in its portfolio, including Ribs&Burgers, Italian Street Kitchen and The Meat & Wine Co.

    What started as a family-run burgers and fries restaurant in 1986 is now a global franchise with sites across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

    The next planned expansion beyond the Australian market will be into New Zealand.

    The Murrell brothers who founded the business has a no freezer, no microwave policy – all burgers and fries are made fresh every day.

    Lean mean patties are made every day on site, while the bread is baked fresh five days a week in a locally contracted bakery.

    Chad Murrell said “From the beginning, we wanted our customers to know that we put all our money into the food. That’s why the décor is so simple; only red and white tiles. We don’t spend money on décor, or guys in chicken suits. We’ll go overboard on food.

    “By maintaining a simple ethos, coupled with highest quality ingredients, we continue to follow through on the vision since 1986.”

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  • Jollibee takes full control of Tim Ho Wan business

    Jollibee takes full control of Tim Ho Wan business

    Jollibee Foods Corp (JFC) is to buy out its minority joint-venture partners in the private-equity firm that owns the Tim Ho Wan business, giving the Philippine company full control.

    Jollibee Worldwide, which already owns 85 per cent of Titan Dining, will pay US$52.7 million for the remaining stake in the business which owns the brand and the company-owned stores.

    JFC and Titan Dining established a joint venture in September last year to open a Tim Ho Wan restaurant in Shanghai and now plans to expand the network to 100 stores within four years.

    “JFC aims to build as an important part of its portfolio a significant business serving Chinese cuisine in different parts of the world,” the company said in a statement.

    Tim Ho Wan was founded by Mak Kwai Pui – previously of three Michelin starred Lung King Heen restaurant at Hong Kong’s Four Seasons Hotel – and partner Leung Fai Keung. The two chefs opened their first 20-seater top dim sum eatery in Mongkok in 2009.

    Under private-equity ownership – and latterly JFC’s control – the chain has expanded to 53 restaurants across Asia.

  • Taco Bell makes Malaysian debut

    Taco Bell makes Malaysian debut

    Indulge your guilty pleasures with time-tested regret eating when Taco Bell opens its first Malaysian outlet next month at the Cottage Walk commercial center in Cyberjaya, Selangor.

    Rather than coming to Petaling Jaya as originally announced, the American fast-food chain, famous for cheap Tex-Mex cuisine often consumed to wash down a night of partying, will bring its cheese-heavy range of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nacho bowls to KL’s startup bros starting April 2.

    “Malaysians can look forward to an exciting and globally-famous Taco Bell experience which offers a twist to familiar Mexican favorites such as tacos, burritos, and more,” Taco Bell said in a press statement. The Cyberjaya outlet will be open 10 am to 10 pm daily for dine-in and takeaway.

    Of course, like most fast-food chains that have opened their doors in Malaysia, can we hope to see localized versions of Tex-Mex fare like rendang tacos as a Ramadan special, maybe?

    Although the California-based chain last year named Petaling Jaya for its first location, a company representative told Coconuts over the phone that renovation of the site is not completed.

    Dozens of Malaysians took to Twitter to express their glee.

    “Yeay! I always see this in movies but now it’s coming to Cyberjaya,” @Thewaterlilies wrote.

    Be careful what you wish for, as any of Taco Bell’s biggest fans would readily warn.

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  • McDonald’s implements global inclusive workplace initiative

    McDonald’s implements global inclusive workplace initiative

    McDonald’s has unveiled an initiative to foster safe and inclusive workplace it calls Global Brand Standards.

    The policy will focus on four main areas: harassment, discrimination, and retaliation prevention; workplace violence prevention; restaurant employee feedback; and health and safety. The company says the standards have been set to further ensure physical and psychological safety for its employees and customers.

    “There are no shortcuts to ensuring that people feel safe, respected, and included at a McDonald’s restaurant,” said Chris Kempczinski, president and CEO of McDonald’s. “Our new Global Brand Standards reinforce our commitment to living our values such that at every interaction, everyone is welcome, comfortable and safe.”

    These standards will be implemented across 39,000 McDonald’s restaurants in more than 100 countries. From January, restaurants will be assessed and held accountable in accordance with the applicable McDonald’s market’s business evaluation processes. Training and reporting mechanisms will be established.

    McDonald’s said it will work closely with independent and third-party experts to support the implementation of the standards for franchisees.

    “McDonald’s has a responsibility and an opportunity to use our tremendous scale to drive change globally,” said Reto Egger, speaker group chair of the European Franchisee Leadership Group (EFLG) and franchise owner.

    “These refreshed standards and heightened measures of accountability are central to our culture, our business goals and the need in our society to foster more respect, safety, and inclusion.”

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  • McDonald’s implements global inclusive workplace initiative

    McDonald’s implements global inclusive workplace initiative

    McDonald’s has unveiled an initiative to foster a safe and inclusive workplace it calls Global Brand Standards.

    The policy will focus on four main areas: harassment, discrimination, and retaliation prevention; workplace violence prevention; restaurant employee feedback; and health and safety. The company says the standards have been set to further ensure physical and psychological safety for its employees and customers.

    “There are no shortcuts to ensuring that people feel safe, respected, and included at a McDonald’s restaurant,” said Chris Kempczinski, president and CEO of McDonald’s. “Our new Global Brand Standards reinforce our commitment to living our values such that at every interaction, everyone is welcome, comfortable, and safe.”

    These standards will be implemented across 39,000 McDonald’s restaurants in more than 100 countries. From January, restaurants will be assessed and held accountable in accordance with the applicable McDonald’s market’s business evaluation processes. Training and reporting mechanisms will be established.

    McDonald’s said it will work closely with independent and third-party experts to support the implementation of the standards for franchisees.

    “McDonald’s has a responsibility and an opportunity to use our tremendous scale to drive change globally,” said Reto Egger, speaker group chair of the European Franchisee Leadership Group (EFLG) and franchise owner.

    “These refreshed standards and heightened measures of accountability are central to our culture, our business goals and the need in our society to foster more respect, safety, and inclusion.”

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  • Google’s redesigned Play Store could be on your Android device right now

    Google’s redesigned Play Store could be on your Android device right now

    Google has started to disseminate the next major redesign of the Google Play Store. The big change is the removal of the hamburger menu to the left of the search bar. Tap the profile photo in the upper right corner and you’ll see a menu that gives you access to your apps, games, payment methods, Google Play points and more.

    The settings menu is now broken up into four different categories such as General (information pertaining to your account, auto-update, auto-play video options, and a lot more different preferences you can choose from), User Controls (fingerprint controls and purchase authentication), Family (parental control and a parent guide), and About. The latter gives you information like the version of the Play Store installed on your device.

    Google has been rolling out the redesigned Play Store for weeks and the distribution of the new design is getting wider. If for some reason you don’t have the new version, you can try and force the issue by long-pressing on the Play Store app on the home screen to get the App info page. Tap on “Force Stop” and the next time the Play Store app is opened, it should feature the new design.

    Yesterday, we learned that Google I/O will once again be a streamed affair. The event will take place May 18th through the 20th and we should learn then about what Google has up its sleeve for Android 12.

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  • Taco Bell prepares to debut in two Southeast Asian markets

    Taco Bell prepares to debut in two Southeast Asian markets

    U.S. fast-food chain Taco Bell plans to double its international footprint with Asian markets as the main driver for overseas growth as awareness about Mexican cuisine grows, a senior executive said on Wednesday.

    The Mexican-inspired Yum! Brands subsidiary, which has 7,000 restaurants in the United States, will bring its overseas store count to “over 500 units this year with a goal of getting to a thousand units internationally in the next few years,” Liz Williams, President of Taco Bell International, said in an interview.

    Taco Bell retreated from Singapore in 2009. It returned to Japan in 2015 after withdrawing in the 1980s.

    “Consumers weren’t ready in terms of awareness and the brand wasn’t positioned right at the time,” she said.

    But thanks to a “heightened awareness” of Mexican food, broader palettes and brand exposure by millennials from more travel and technology, at least half of the new units will come from the Asia-Pacific region, she said.

    Taco Bell, which sells tacos and burritos, was also adding new flavors and items for local markets citing that its signature sauce was modified for its new store in Thailand, which will open on Thursday.

    “We’ve amped them up significantly,” Williams said, because research showed the sauce was not hot enough for Thai palette.

    Vinegar notes were also dialed down, which were said to be unpopular with locals, Williams said.

    Taco Bell, with franchise partner Thoresen Thai Agencies Pcl plans 40 stores in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy by 2022.

    Last year it doubled store count in India to 32 and signed two franchise agreements for 110 new stores across Australia and New Zealand by 2024.

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  • McDonald’s launches new growth strategy; beats profit estimates

    McDonald’s launches new growth strategy; beats profit estimates

    It will also debut a “McPlant” line of plant-based menu items, though it declined to say which suppliers it would use for faux burger, faux chicken and breakfast items. It previously tested a vegan “P.L.T.” burger by Beyond Meat in Canada.

    The world’s biggest burger chain beat revenue and profit estimates for the third quarter on Monday as customers in the United States ordered more hamburgers and fries in drive-through outlets and on delivery apps to avoid dining out during the pandemic.

    Overall, global sales fell 2.2% in the quarter, an improvement over the previous quarter’s drop, as McDonald’s had already announced in an October update.

    The company’s limited-time promotional deal with rapper Travis Scott, which caused shortages of some ingredients, and other marketing investments also helped sales bounce back from pandemic lows.

    Through 2022, the chain plans to spend about $2.3 billion (£1.7 billion) on capital expenditure, about half of which will build new stores, with some of the rest used for remodels stalled by the pandemic.

    Next year, McDonald’s will focus on core products such as burgers, coffee and chicken, including a new Crispy Chicken Sandwich – something some franchisees have long sought in order to compete with the success of similar products at Popeyes, a unit of Restaurant Brands International and Chick-fil-A.

    It will also redesign its packaging globally. And soon, it will launch another growth driver that other chains have long had — a loyalty program.

    “MyMcDonald’s” digital program will allow customers who sign up to get tailored offers, the company said. A loyalty rewards program using the MyMcDonald’s program will start as a pilot in the coming weeks in Phoenix and next year across the United States.

    Finally, it will build some locations without any dining rooms to focus on carryout, drive-through and delivery only.

    Despite some sales recovery and better-than-forecast margins, the company is still pressured in key markets outside the United States, including France, Germany and Britain by new lockdown restrictions due to a spike in coronavirus cases.

    McDonald’s total revenue fell about 2% to $5.42 billion in the three months ended Sept. 30, largely recovering from the over 30% plunge posted in the second quarter.

    Analysts on average had estimated revenue of $5.40 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

    Net income surged 10% to $1.76 billion, helped by gains from the sale of a part of McDonald’s stake in its Japanese affiliate.

    Excluding those gains, the company earned $2.22 per share, beating estimates of $1.90.

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  • US chain The Habit Burger Grill launches in Cambodia

    US chain The Habit Burger Grill launches in Cambodia

    Over 50 years ago, America’s best tasting burger was born in Santa Barbara, California, and now the award-winning taste of The Habt Burger Grill will be opening its newest international location in Cambodia on October 21st! The California-based restaurant company renowned for its award-winning Charburgers grilled over an open flame, signature sandwiches, fresh-cut salads, and more announces the highly anticipated opening in the center of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, at the Tela Toul Kork Station.

    The Habit Burger Grill is California’s best-kept secret, as it’s been awarded various food-focused awards in the United States. At the center of The Habit’s menu is the signature Charburger, made with a fresh 100% ground beef patty, chargrilled over an open flame for a unique smoky flavor, and topped with cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, fresh tomato slices, crisp lettuce, and mayo served on a toasted bun. The Habit has been serving the best tasting burger in America in exactly this way since 1969.

    “We are excited to continue The Habit Burger Grill’s international expansion by joining forces with our new franchise partner Kampuchea Tela Company, LTD to open our first location in Cambodia. We look forward to creating new Habit fans by inviting them to enjoy our handcrafted chargrilled food delivered with best-in-class hospitality and in a welcoming Southern California environment,” said Iwona Alter, Chief Brand Officer at The Habit Burger Grill.

    This marks as The Habit’s second international expansion with eight restaurants open in China today. This is just the beginning, The Habit is partnering with Kampuchea Tela Company, LTD to develop and operate restaurants throughout the Kingdom of Cambodia.

    In anticipation of The Habit’s grand opening, local guests are invited for an exclusive sneak peek of the menu. The first 200 guests per event on October 16 and 17th between 11:30a.m. – 1:30p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7p.m will receive a complimentary Charburger, French fries, and drink. Upon opening, this two-story location will offer dine-in and takeout.

    With its cooked-to-order mantra and creative culinary culture, The Habit Burger Grill’s open flame sears a distinctive smoky flavor into their already famous Charburgers, fresh marinated chicken, sushi-grade Ahi tuna, and USDA Choice tri-tip steaks. The Habit also has an incredible selection of sides to choose from as well as delicious hand-spun frozen treats. Guests at The Habit Burger Grill can always count on freshly-made, the handcrafted quality served up with genuine hospitality.

  • Popeyes may immediately stop all operations in South Korea

    Popeyes may immediately stop all operations in South Korea

    American fast-food chain Popeyes said it is to withdraw business from South Korea, however, the local franchisee TS Corporation has denied the report.

    According to The Korea Times, reports of the exit began when a memo was written by a Popeyes’ employee headed “Popeyes brand will no longer pursue business in Korea as of November” went viral on social media. The employee’s memo went into detail, to the point of stating that the chain’s Gwangjin-gu branch would be the last to close before the brand ceases its operations in South Korea.

    A spokesperson from TS Corporation confirmed that some of the restaurants will shut down – but not all of them. The person didn’t share any further information except to state that the company will continue to operate the brand there.

    The struggling fast-food chain has been attempting to turn its fortunes around for two years, however, the process has not gone smoothly.

    Having entered South Korea with TS Food & System in 1993, the company recorded an impaired equity ratio of 40 percent, and last year it was in negative equity.

    Local media said Popeyes has recently been in negotiations with another operator to increase the brand’s value. That company is believed to be SPC Group, which operates Shake Shack and Eggslut in the country, but that has not been confirmed.

  • Lotte seeks to carve TGI Friday’s out as part of restructuring excercise

    Lotte seeks to carve TGI Friday’s out as part of restructuring excercise

    Lotte is moving to divest its TGI Friday’s restaurant chain rights in South Korea as it restructures its business portfolio. Lotte will split the business and sell off shares to new investors, having already spun off the chain’s assets and debts. The group has been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with a sales drop equivalent to US$140.4 million during this year’s second financial quarter, 18.2 percent down from last year’s results. Of all Lotte GRS chains, only Lotteria seems to be making profits, according to observers in the industry.

    The groups’ flagship Lotte Shopping will close up to 120 physical outlets under various brands this year during its retail business restructure, while its online business continues to expand.

    “It is time for a self-scrutiny on our business practices so far, and CEOs must aware that the priority is streamlining their current business processes,” said Lotte Chairman Shin Dong-bin. “While doing so, companies should make greater efforts to make innovations in a long-term perspective.”

    Lotte has operated TGI Friday’s within the territory since 2002, opening venues within the group’s shopping malls. There are currently 21 outlets in operation, less than half that were running at the peak of its popularity back in 2013.

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  • Burger King unveils ‘touchless’ hamburger ordering concept

    Burger King unveils ‘touchless’ hamburger ordering concept

    Burger King has unveiled a new ‘touchless’ concept store, designed to meet the challenges of business during a pandemic and adapt to the future “new normal”.

    The US store features physically contactless experiences such as mobile ordering and curbside pick-up areas and drive-in and walk-up order areas.

    “In March our in-house design and tech team accelerated new restaurant design plans and pushed the limits of what a Burger King restaurant could be,” said Josh Kobza, COO at Restaurant Brands International.

    “We took into consideration how consumer behaviors are changing and how our guests will want to interact with our restaurants. The result is a new design concept that is attractive to guests and will allow our franchisees to maximize their return.”

    Designed in-house, the store is expected to provide multiple ordering and delivery modes and highlight a physical footprint 60-per-cent smaller than a traditional Burger King restaurant.

    A ‘drive-in’ service allows customers to park under canopies doubling as solar power harvesting panels and place orders by scanning a QR code from the Burger King app. For mobile and delivery orders, customers can pick up their orders at coded food lockers.

    To reduce its physical footprint, the store features a “suspended” kitchen and dining room located above the drive-thru lanes. Orders will be delivered from the suspended kitchen by a conveyor belt system, and each lane has its own pick-up spot.

    “The designs we’ve created completely integrate restaurant functionality and technology, said Rapha Abreu, global head of design at Restaurant Brands International. “We designed the interior and exterior spaces like we had a blank sheet of paper, designing without preconceived notions of how a Burger King restaurant should look.”

    Burger King’s first new design stores will be built next year in Miami, Latin America and the Caribbean.

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