Latest news with #RestaurantBrandsInternational
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
‘Unsafe': Popeyes accused of using supplier that stored chicken in residential garages
A lawsuit alleges Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen of purchasing meat unsafe for human consumption, that was stored and packaged in residential garages. A lawsuit filed against Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is accusing the fried chicken chain of buying 'unsafe' meat from an unauthorized seller that was allegedly storing and packaging raw chicken in residential garages in Ontario. The lawsuit was filed at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on May 26 by ADP, a former raw chicken supplier to Popeyes. The company alleges they lost their contract with Popeyes after bringing forward its concerns about the 'unsafe supply' of products. Popeyes, Restaurant Brands International (RBI)—the Toronto-based company that owns the fast-food chain—and Restaurant Services Canada Inc. (RSCI), the supply chain manager, are all named in the lawsuit. Popeyes, for its part, said in a statement to CTV News that the claims from ADP Direct Poultry Ltd. are unfounded and that it found 'no evidence' to support them following an investigation. The lawsuit also names another company as the unauthorized supplier that allegedly provided, at times, 'rotten or expired' chicken deemed 'unfit for human consumption' to various franchisees across Ontario. The documents continue to say this chicken created a public health risk because it was delivered in vehicles that did not have the proper refrigeration to prevent it from spoiling. The statement of claim alleges that these tainted products were bought by various franchisees—both known to ADP and not, all named in the suit—due to their lower prices. The lawsuit also alleges the franchisees continued to sell the chicken to customers, even after ADP brought forward its concerns that the products did not adhere to food health and safety standards. The allegations have not been tested in court. As laid out in the documents, Popeyes had a system of authorized suppliers and distributors who adhered to the company's specifications and standards, meaning franchisees were required to purchase from within their approved list of vendors. Any restaurant looking to purchase ingredients outside of the company's list of vendors had to write a formal request, after which the supplier in question would have to submit to an inspection to ensure it meets the requirements as well as health and safety standards. ADP claims the chicken sold by the unauthorized company was not inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or any other inspector. CTV News Toronto contacted the CFIA for comment. The supplier claims RSCI, meanwhile, did not investigate the unsafe supply of chicken as they promised and instead conspired to 'manufacture a rationale for removing ADP' from their authorized vendors list. In turn, the filings further allege franchisees were 'upset about the reporting of the unsafe supply' and worked with the RSCI to lodge 'false or misleading' complaints about the quality of their products. CTV News has reached out to Restaurant Services Inc., parent company to RSCI, for comment but has not yet heard back. 'We believe this former supplier is lashing out after losing our business for a variety of legitimate reasons,' Emily Ciantra, Popeye's director communications, told CTV News Toronto in a statement. 'We have always been committed to rigorous safety standards, including regular inspections by third party auditors who verify our strict standards are being followed.' ADP seeks $35 million in damages from Popeyes, RBI and RSCI, citing breach of contract and breaches of the Competition Act. The documents state that $30 million is to cover ADP's loss of profits after their contract—which was expected to continue until 2027—was prematurely terminated. An additional $5 million is to cover the costs the supplier incurred after boosting its production facilities to meet Popeyes' increased production demand, the documents state. ADP also seeks $1 million in punitive damages. The supplier adds it also lost out on business opportunities, such as providing products to other fast-food chains like Wendy's. Additionally, the raw chicken supplier is seeking at least $10 million in damages from the unauthorized company, who it deems liable for 'unlawfully interfering' with ADP's economic relationship with Popeyes, as well as $500,000 in aggravated damages. ADP also seeks $150,000 from each franchisee and an account detailing the quantity of 'unsafe supply' they bought from the company as well as how much they profited from the unauthorized products. 'The defendants' conduct was malicious, high handed, intended to cause harm to ADP, endangered the public, and warrants aggravated and punitive damages,' the filings state.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Popeyes accused of using ‘unsafe' chicken allegedly stored in residential garages in Ontario
A lawsuit filed against Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is accusing the fried chicken chain of buying 'unsafe' meat from an unauthorized seller that was allegedly storing and packaging raw chicken in residential garages in Ontario. The lawsuit was filed at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on May 26 by ADP, a former raw chicken supplier to Popeyes. The company alleges they lost their contract with Popeyes after bringing forward its concerns about the 'unsafe supply' of products. Popeyes, Restaurant Brands International (RBI)—the Toronto-based company that owns the fast-food chain—and Restaurant Services Canada Inc. (RSCI), the supply chain manager, are all named in the lawsuit. Popeyes, for its part, said in a statement to CTV News that the claims from ADP Direct Poultry Ltd. are unfounded and that it found 'no evidence' to support them following an investigation. The lawsuit also names another company as the unauthorized supplier that allegedly provided, at times, 'rotten or expired' chicken deemed 'unfit for human consumption' to various franchisees across Ontario. The documents continue to say this chicken created a public health risk because it was delivered in vehicles that did not have the proper refrigeration to prevent it from spoiling. The statement of claim alleges that these tainted products were bought by various franchisees—both known to ADP and not, all named in the suit—due to their lower prices. The lawsuit also alleges the franchisees continued to sell the chicken to customers, even after ADP brought forward its concerns that the products did not adhere to food health and safety standards. The allegations have not been tested in court. As laid out in the documents, Popeyes had a system of authorized suppliers and distributors who adhered to the company's specifications and standards, meaning franchisees were required to purchase from within their approved list of vendors. Any restaurant looking to purchase ingredients outside of the company's list of vendors had to write a formal request, after which the supplier in question would have to submit to an inspection to ensure it meets the requirements as well as health and safety standards. ADP claims the chicken sold by the unauthorized company was not inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or any other inspector. CTV News Toronto contacted the CFIA for comment. The supplier claims RSCI, meanwhile, did not investigate the unsafe supply of chicken as they promised and instead conspired to 'manufacture a rationale for removing ADP' from their authorized vendors list. In turn, the filings further allege franchisees were 'upset about the reporting of the unsafe supply' and worked with the RSCI to lodge 'false or misleading' complaints about the quality of their products. CTV News has reached out to Restaurant Services Inc., parent company to RSCI, for comment but has not yet heard back. 'We believe this former supplier is lashing out after losing our business for a variety of legitimate reasons,' Emily Ciantra, Popeye's director communications, told CTV News Toronto in a statement. 'We have always been committed to rigorous safety standards, including regular inspections by third party auditors who verify our strict standards are being followed.' ADP seeks $35 million in damages from Popeyes, RBI and RSCI, citing breach of contract and breaches of the Competition Act. The documents state that $30 million is to cover ADP's loss of profits after their contract—which was expected to continue until 2027—was prematurely terminated. An additional $5 million is to cover the costs the supplier incurred after boosting its production facilities to meet Popeyes' increased production demand, the documents state. ADP also seeks $1 million in punitive damages. The supplier adds it also lost out on business opportunities, such as providing products to other fast-food chains like Wendy's. Additionally, the raw chicken supplier is seeking at least $10 million in damages from the unauthorized company, who it deems liable for 'unlawfully interfering' with ADP's economic relationship with Popeyes, as well as $500,000 in aggravated damages. ADP also seeks $150,000 from each franchisee and an account detailing the quantity of 'unsafe supply' they bought from the company as well as how much they profited from the unauthorized products. 'The defendants' conduct was malicious, high handed, intended to cause harm to ADP, endangered the public, and warrants aggravated and punitive damages,' the filings state.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pret A Manger ‘considering stake sale ahead of possible flotation'
The owner of Pret A Manger is reportedly considering selling a stake in the sandwich chain ahead of a potential stock market flotation. Luxembourg-based JAB Holding – which bought Pret for £1.5 billion in 2018 – told the Financial Times that while it was not 'currently' considering a stake sale in Pret, it could look at the move with an initial public offering (IPO) in its sights. 'As we move closer to a potential IPO, we may evaluate bringing on a pre-IPO investor,' it told the FT. It is thought to mark the first time Pret has publicly confirmed IPO plans for Pret. JAB – which also owns Krispy Kreme and Keurig Dr Pepper – announced last month it had hired hospitality industry stalwart Jose Cil as chairman of Pret's board. Mr Cil was most recently chief executive of Burger King owner Restaurant Brands International, which also owns chains including Popeyes. JAB has been contacted for comment. Pret recently announced it was dropping plans for a doubling of its current £5 monthly subscription for up to five coffees a day as it looks to retain customers against a difficult consumer spending backdrop. The group had previously told subscribers that their subscription would increase to £10 a month from March 31, when a '50% off' deal ended. It followed Pret overhauling its £360-a-year subscription in July last year in favour of 50% off up to five coffees a day for £10 a month. The chain also removed a 20% discount on food for subscribers to end dual pricing – 'something we never really got comfortable with', it said at the time. Under the old deal that lasted for almost four years, Club Pret membership offered up to five barista-made drinks daily for a monthly fee of £30. Pret is headed up by chief executive Pano Christou, who was promoted to the top job in 2019. The firm opened its first shop in London in 1986, where the company remains headquartered. It now has 700 shops worldwide with around 12,500 employees across 21 markets.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Pret A Manger ‘considering stake sale ahead of possible flotation'
The owner of Pret A Manger is reportedly considering selling a stake in the sandwich chain ahead of a potential stock market flotation. Luxembourg-based JAB Holding – which bought Pret for £1.5 billion in 2018 – told the Financial Times that while it was not 'currently' considering a stake sale in Pret, it could look at the move with an initial public offering (IPO) in its sights. 'As we move closer to a potential IPO, we may evaluate bringing on a pre-IPO investor,' it told the FT. It is thought to mark the first time Pret has publicly confirmed IPO plans for Pret. JAB – which also owns Krispy Kreme and Keurig Dr Pepper – announced last month it had hired hospitality industry stalwart Jose Cil as chairman of Pret's board. Mr Cil was most recently chief executive of Burger King owner Restaurant Brands International, which also owns chains including Popeyes. JAB has been contacted for comment. Pret recently announced it was dropping plans for a doubling of its current £5 monthly subscription for up to five coffees a day as it looks to retain customers against a difficult consumer spending backdrop. The group had previously told subscribers that their subscription would increase to £10 a month from March 31, when a '50% off' deal ended. It followed Pret overhauling its £360-a-year subscription in July last year in favour of 50% off up to five coffees a day for £10 a month. The chain also removed a 20% discount on food for subscribers to end dual pricing – 'something we never really got comfortable with', it said at the time. Under the old deal that lasted for almost four years, Club Pret membership offered up to five barista-made drinks daily for a monthly fee of £30. Pret is headed up by chief executive Pano Christou, who was promoted to the top job in 2019. The firm opened its first shop in London in 1986, where the company remains headquartered. It now has 700 shops worldwide with around 12,500 employees across 21 markets.
Miami Herald
31-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Burger King menu adds wild new burger, supports growing craze
Burger King has regularly pushed the boundaries of burger innovation. Much of that innovation comes from the company's locations all over the world. Restaurant Brands International (QSR) CEO Josh Kobza highlighted the chain's non-United States results during it first-quarter earnings call. Related: Popular sandwich chain to open locations in Mexican market "Shifting now to International. We're pleased with our relative performance this quarter, delivering 2.6% comparable sales or roughly 3.7%, excluding the headwind from Leap Day and 8.6% system-wide sales growth. We saw solid growth in many of our largest markets, including the UK, Germany, Brazil, Japan and Australia. These markets share a few common traits, compelling everyday value, exciting menu innovation, modern restaurant image, strong digital capabilities and a focus on restaurant level execution," he explained. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Sales in the U.S. were not as strong. "Shifting now to Burger King in the U.S., where we saw a 1.1% decrease in comparable sales, or relatively flat results adjusting for leap day. Burger King U.S. continued to outperform the broader burger QSR category, reflecting the ongoing progress of our claim to flame plan in capturing share," he said. Burger King U.S. may have to borrow the latest idea from its Japanese restaurants. Burger King Japan has partnered with the Pickleball Japan Federation (PJF) to support the growth of the sport in the country. The fast-food chain is clearly having fun with the play on words, but pickleball actually has no relationship to the popular burger topping. That's not stopping Burger King from launching a wild new burger that does not follow the traditional rules generally applied to hamburgers. The Pickleball Burger won't use a traditional bun. Burger King describes the new burger a "large, American-style rice burger, with three flame-grilled 100%-beef patties sandwiched between special rice patties that have been jointly developed with Hachidaime Gihey, a long-established rice shop in Kyoto." More food news: Taco Bell menu adds more items customers demandedMcDonald's menu adds new twist on popular, discontinued itemMcDonald's to close all its CosMc's experimental spin-off locations American-style seems to describe the burger patties, not the rice patties being used as the bun. The Pickleball Burger appears to have pickles on two layers, but no other toppings. The burger, which has been released will be available for a limited time starting at a cost of 1,790 yen or $12.28. The Pickleball Burger isn't the Pickleball Whopper because it sort of a sequel to last year's Kyoto Whopper. "The Kyoto Whopper uses Japanese-grown rice, but not in the way that we're used to seeing. Whereas typical "rice burgers" use rice as substitutes for the bun, the Kyoto Whopper has a rice patty in addition to an all-beef one, sandwiched inside a sliced bread bun along with lettuce, tomato, and onion," Sora News 24 shared. Burger King has leaned on the Whopper name heavily. "This quarter, strong value offerings like the $5 duos and $7 trios were complemented by premium innovation, including the Steakhouse Bacon Whopper, which achieved one of our highest product satisfaction scores to date,' Kobza said. The CEO plans to do more of the in the chain's global markets. Plans include building the Burger King brand. "I think when you look at the Burger King brand in international, it's a bit different. It has some really great qualities that are - that position it to grow so well. We've got a strong brand positioning," he said. "We've got modern restaurants in almost all of our markets. Related: Pepsi makes major change that will anger some customers The company has room for growth, however, and there's always room for more Whopper. "We have a lot more digital business as well. And because of a lot of those things, we have pretty great brand perception and really good food quality perception in those markets, where we balance some of our favorites like the Whopper with strong localization that each of our teams bring," he added. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
