Shifting Trends See Global Food Giants Ramp Up Their Plant-based Offerings

The past few years have seen plant-based meat and dairy alternatives go from a niche product to a mainstream trend, and finally to a mainstay in the food industry. Now that the average consumer has had the opportunity to try plant-based alternatives, the market has spoken and plant-based foods are taking a much larger role in the food industry in 2021.

Plant-based offerings are being added to the lineups of the world's largest food producers, multinational restaurants and cafes, and to important segments like the infant nutrition space. It's clear that the largest players in the food industry like Tyson Foods, PepsiCo, Starbucks Corporation, and Yum! Brands, along with innovative plant-based foods companies like...

Yum! Brands Reports Fourth-Quarter Results

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today reported results for the fourth-quarter and year ended December 31, 2020. Fourth-quarter GAAP EPS was $1.08, a decrease of (32)%. Full-year GAAP EPS was $2.94, a decrease of (29)%. Fourth-quarter EPS excluding Special Items was $1.15, an increase of 15%. Full-year EPS excluding Special Items was $3.62, an increase of 2%.

DAVID GIBBS & CHRIS TURNER COMMENTS

David Gibbs, CEO, said “Yum! enters 2021 a stronger company primed to profitably grow system sales this year and beyond. Despite the challenges of 2020...

Taco Bell Introduces Build Your Own Cravings Box 

For just $5, Taco Bell is introducing a new Build Your Own Cravings Box. The offer will be available exclusively to Taco Bell Rewards Beta members on the Taco Bell app starting today, and to other Taco Bell digital customers on February 11.

Stretching customers' dollars further than ever before, the Build Your Own Cravings Box is the ultimate Taco Bell eating experience. Packaged in a convenient, recyclable paperboard box, guests can create their meal exactly as they please from a selection of favorites. With the click of a button, 18 different variations appear on Taco Bell's mobile and website, showcased in the following categories...

Taco Bell Announces Return of Potatoes and Plans to Launch Beyond Meat Menu Items

Taco Bell is starting fresh in 2021, especially with its vegetarian fans. The brand is kicking the year off with the return of potatoes and exploring a new plant-based protein with Beyond Meat.

After a brief hiatus from menus due to Taco Bell's menu simplification efforts last year, Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco will be back starting March 11. Taco Bell is also teaming up with Beyond Meat to create an innovative new plant-based protein that will be tested in the next year. Taco Bell chose to team up with...

Britain’s Drive Thru Spend Up 45% September to November 2020

The trend for ordering food and drinks from our cars at Britain’s growing number of drive-thru restaurants soared from September to November 2020 according to global information company The NPD Group. There were 121 million visits to Britain’s 2,000 quick service restaurants (QSR) that offer drive-thru in those three months in 2020, a 14% increase on the same period last year. Spend was up 45% to £723m over this time frame, with consumers tending to place larger-than-average orders at the drive-thru window.

According to footfall analysis from NPD’s SnapMyEats data, the growth in drive-thru in these three months was a result of consumers switching from eating in and takeaway options during lockdowns and tiering, rather than...

Taco Bell Puts Nacho Fries Back On the Menu for The Second Time in 2020 

Taco Bell's Nacho Fries will be available nationwide at participating locations for a limited time starting December 24 for the second time this year.

"In a year as difficult and uncertain as this one was, we know that consumers crave the comforts they love most. That's why we're excited to bring back Nacho Fries for our passionate fans to close out this year and kick off 2021 positively and deliciously," said Nikki Lawson, Taco Bell's Chief Global Brand Officer. "The magic of the Nacho Fries franchise extends beyond...

Yum China Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Yum China Holdings, Inc. reported unaudited results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak and Mitigation Efforts

Third quarter operations improved, although still impacted by reduced traffic at transportation and tourist locations, the delayed and shortened school holiday and the other lingering effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Dine-in volume has been recovering, while delivery and takeaway remained popular options. The Company's primary focus continues to be safety, efficiency and driving traffic. We launched attractive digital and membership campaigns with...

DoorDash And Taco Bell Announce Nationwide Partnership

DoorDash and Taco Bell announced their new partnership across over 5,500 locations nationwide. In celebration of the partnership, starting October 15, registered DoorDash users can get 50 percent off Taco Bell’s biggest nachos box ever, the Nachos Party Pack, with a $0 delivery fee when they spend $15 or more. The deal is exclusively available on DoorDash beginning October 15 through October 24.

“We’re excited to team up with DoorDash to give our fans the ability to satisfy their cravings for Taco Bell more easily,” said Nikki Lawson, Taco Bell’s Chief Global Brand Officer. “Growing delivery has always been a priority for the brand and through this partnership...

Taco Bell Completes 2020 Menu Revamp

Taco Bell is putting the finishing touches on its new streamlined menu in order to make room for new innovations. It is also dedicated to creating a faster and more seamless restaurant experience than ever before, which means evolving the menu, restaurant designs, and operations to better serve both guests and team members alike.

“We’re constantly evaluating ways to provide a more efficient restaurant experience, and have already begun to see progress from streamlining our menu,” said Mike Grams, Taco Bell President, Global COO. “While we know fans may be understandably sad to see some of their favorites go, this evolution...

Yum China Opens Taco Bell Store in Beijing

Yum China Holdings, Inc. announced the opening of a new Taco Bell store in Beijing, its first store in the capital city. The new store, located in Beijing's Liangmaqiao district, will open its doors to the public today.

"After much anticipation we are thrilled to bring this iconic brand to Beijing. The new store integrates Taco Bell's signature food and spirit into the local community and we are excited to welcome new and...

Taco Bell Announces Plans for New Restaurant Concept

Taco Bell, a brand that prides itself in evolving to deliver on changing consumer behavior, is at it again. As seen in its recent menu evolution and digital rehaul, the brand has continued to redefine itself across all consumer touchpoints.

Now, Taco Bell is merging technological advancements, innovative operations and a people-first approach into its most modern Taco Bell expression yet: Taco Bell Go Mobile. The new restaurant concept allows Taco Bell, an industry leader in traditional drive-thru service, to push...

Yum China Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results

Yum China Holdings, Inc. reported unaudited results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020.

Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak and Mitigation Efforts

Second quarter operations improved since the COVID-19 outbreak. More than 99% of stores in China are now open, with sales and profits trending unevenly. Sales improved sequentially in April and May but softened in June. Sales were primarily impacted by significantly reduced traffic at transportation and tourist locations, delayed and shortened school holidays and resurging regional infections. These factors and the lingering effect of COVID-19 continue to...

Taco Bell to Simplify Menu in August  

Beginning August 13, Taco Bell is simplifying its menu. This evolved menu approach comes after months of analyzing the new way Taco Bell is running its restaurants. The company wants to ensure an easy and fast ordering experience for guests and team members, while simultaneously opening up opportunities for even more innovation.

While some old favorites may be retiring, the continued creativity coming from Taco Bell's Food Innovation Team is non-stop. Since the start of COVID, the company has made changes at the restaurant level with the safety of Team Members and guests as the top priority, but Taco Bell didn’t just stop there. The new normal has also transformed the way the company looks at...

Taco Bell Unveils Grilled Cheese Burrito

Taco Bell is now introducing grilled cheese, thanks to the all-new Grilled Cheese Burrito. The burrito draws inspiration from the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It features fan favorite fillings like seasoned beef, seasoned rice, a three-cheese blend, crunchy red strips, chipotle sauce and reduced fat sour cream, all wrapped with a warm flour tortilla hugged by a warm layer of grilled cheese. Guests can also enjoy a vegetarian version by simply asking to swap beans for meat.

Available for a limited time and while supplies last, the Grilled Cheese Burrito is served at participating U.S locations a la carte for $2.99, or part of a $5 Box and comes with a Crunchy Taco, Cinnamon Twists and a medium soda drink. It was first tested in...

Taco Bell Amps Up Digital Experience with New Loyalty Program

Taco Bell is now expanding its digital experience for customers to make it even more rewarding.

“We’re excited to elevate our digital ecosystem and bring our biggest fans an even more convenient, safe, and rewarding experience at Taco Bell,” said Taco Bell’s Vice President of Digital, Zipporah Allen. “Exclusive experiences in our app - like a free Chalupa Cravings Box and earning points towards free food with Taco Bell Rewards - are just the start of the many digital initiatives that we plan to bring fans throughout the year.”

The brand is also launching a beta version of Taco Bell Rewards, a way for fans to earn free tacos (and more) for eating tacos. The loyalty program begins to rollout via the Taco Bell app nationwide in...

Yum China to Introduce Beyond Burger at Select KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Restaurants

Yum China Holdings, Inc., announced that it is partnering with Beyond Meat, Inc., a leader in plant-based meat, to introduce the Beyond Burger as a limited time offering at select KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell locations in mainland China starting June 3. This partnership marks the introduction of Beyond Meat's Beyond Burger in mainland China.

"We see great potential for the plant-based meat market in China," said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. "This latest introduction across KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands is expected to capture valuable consumer feedback across different regions in China. It will enable us to optimize flavors and processes and help assess...

Yum China Releases 2019 Sustainability Report

Yum China Holdings, Inc., issued its annual Sustainability Report, which highlights its commitment to sustainability and dedication to giving back to the community. It is the Company's third annual Sustainability Report since becoming an independent, publicly-traded company in 2016.

The new report outlines Yum China's sustainability strategy and its accomplishments in 2019, underscoring the importance of sustainability, innovation and culture to the Company's operations. The report also reflects Yum China's commitment to developing goals and taking actions in line with the Sustainable Development Goals to support the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

"As China's largest restaurant company, we are committed to working with stakeholders across the value chain to promote economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This is crucial not only for...

Taco Bell Plans to Hire 30,000 Team Members this Summer

Taco Bell announced today that it, together with its franchisees and licensees, plans to hire at least 30,000 team members this summer. The company and its franchisees are committed to being the safest place to work, and Taco Bell has previously introduced strict steps to protect team members, including temperature checks, contactless service and mask and glove requirements. During a time of uncertainty, Taco Bell and its franchisees are proud to offer jobs and welcome more individuals to their community.

“Since COVID-19 became a reality, we have continued our commitment to putting our people first,” said Taco Bell’s Chief People Officer Kelly McCulloch. “We work closely with our franchisees to ensure that we’re meeting...

Taco Bell Unveils At Home Taco Bar; Just in Time for Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Taco Bell is giving fans the perfect recipe to recreate their favorites from home with the At Home Taco Bar, available via delivery and contactless drive-thrus nationwide starting Friday, May 1, for a limited time.

The At Home Taco Bar comes deconstructed, packed and sealed for an easy and safe way to feed a party of 6 for $25. Complete with staple Taco Bell ingredients including flour tortillas, crunchy taco shells, nacho chips, seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, nacho cheese sauce, hot sauce packets and more, fans will have the chance to recreate beloved favorites from the comfort of their own homes.

To help inspire the inner chef in us all, Taco Bell is also rolling out a series of recipe cards straight from the Taco Bell Test Kitchen. The cards provide step-by-step instructions on... 

Restaurants Offer Deals to Boost Traffic During the Coronavirus Pandemic 

Now that President Trump has extended social distancing guidelines until April 30th, consumers should expect to get food delivered, takeout, or from the drive-thru for the next month when they want to dine out. Restaurants are offering incentives to get consumers to eat away from home to generate income during these unprecedented times.

Taco Bell announced that the chain wants to give back to Americans this Tuesday, with a free Doritos Locos Taco for drive-thru guests. The restaurant is also offering free delivery through GrubHub on all orders more than $12.00. The chain will also be transforming its Taco Bell Trucks to...

Yum Brands Closing 7,000 Stores Globally Due to COVID-19

Yum Brands is closing 1,000 Pizza Hut Express outlets and at least 900 U.K. KFC stores in a group of 7,000 restaurant outlets the Louisville, Kentucky-based company said it is closing globally, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing and the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper.

As the parent company of those two brands, as well as the Mexican-American QSR, Taco Bell, and the fast casual brand it just closed the sale on this month, The Habit Burger Grill, Yum has approximately 50,000 outlets globally.

The SEC filing relayed that the cause for the closings was the current COVID-19 pandemic and...

Restaurants Limit Business to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus 

Due to the spread of the coronavirus in the United States, restaurants and bars are closing or limiting business to prevent further contamination. Governors in states including California, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington have closed restaurants, bars, and wineries. Meanwhile, mayors of major cities throughout the country have ordered similar restrictions. These decisions come amid growing pressure for state and city governments to act as the number of coronavirus cases in the United States is rising. At the time of this publication, there are over 3,800 cases throughout the country.

Several restaurant chains announced that they will be closing their dining rooms, switching to take out or delivery models until further notice. Chick-fil-A announced...

Taco Bell Unveils Plans For New, More Experiential Cantina Restaurant Concepts

After redefining the quick service restaurant (QSR) experience in 2015 with its urban Cantina concept, Taco Bell today announced plans to test new “fast social” restaurants that will once again push the boundaries of both the industry and the guest experience. The development plans—including new Cantinas and conversions of traditional Taco Bell restaurants—are one of the brand’s key growth strategies to becoming a $20 billion brand with 10,000 restaurants globally in this decade.

Initially known for being a staple in suburban communities, Taco Bell successfully made its way into metropolitan cities with the introduction of its urban-inline restaurants. With this new wave of growth came a more simplified and modern restaurant experience, bringing forward an atmosphere as unique as...

Taco Bell Introduces Veggie Mode 

On March 12, Taco Bell officially activates Veggie Mode, a single-swipe feature that instantly transforms the menu to show only vegetarian items on self-service ordering kiosks nationwide. While most of the industry is celebrating plant-based with one single offering on their menus, Veggie Mode makes it easier than ever for consumers to gain instant access to Taco Bell's nearly 50 American Vegetarian Association (AVA)-certified items.

Taco Bell has also expanded its amount of AVA-certified vegetarian ingredients, now including fan favorites like Potato Bites, Chalupa shells and Hash Browns. As always, customers can further customize their orders while in Veggie Mode, with a total of over...