1851 Franchising Weekly Rewind

Fight for $15 Goes Nationwide On Wednesday, thousands of low-wage workers and activists from coast to coast marched in front of fast-food locations and college campuses for $15-an-hour wages. The Fight for $15 movement started over two years ago; low-wage employees, activists and some high-profile officials are championing it. Organizers are calling this the largest ever mobilization of U.S. workers seeking higher pay, although that cannot be confirmed. (From USA Today)

McDonald’s Franchisees are Not Loving It The morale of McDonald’s franchisees has hit an all-time low. According to a survey by Mark Kalinowski, an analyst at Janney Capital Markets, McDonald’s franchisees say their outlook for the business is between poor and fair. They also rated the business as a 1.81 out of 5, which is the lowest rating in the 11-year history of the quarterly survey. (From CNN Money)

Panera to Increase Share Buybacks Panera Bread Co. is authorizing $500 million new debt to buy back shares. This follows a dialogue with activist hedge fund Luxor Capital Group LP. The brand is also in the process refranchising company-owned locations. When the news broke on Thursday, company shares rose nearly 11.9 percent. (From Nation’s Restaurant News)

Planet Sub Is Planting a Tree for Every Sandwich Sold on Earth Day Planet Sub has partnered with the nonprofit Trees for the Future to plant one tree for every sandwich sold on Earth Day, April 22. This will be the second year in a row the oven-baked sandwich franchise will be planting trees for subs sold. Last year they planted 8,149 trees, and the brand’s goal this year is 15,000 trees. (From QSR Magazine)

Noodles & Company Goes Low-Carb Noodles & Company is ditching its signature noodles in place of spinach for the new BUFF Bowls this spring. Japanese Pan, Whole Grain Tuscan Fresca, Pesto Cavatappi and Bangkok Curry bowls are available nationwide. The bowls feature double portions of vegetables and protein served on a bed of spinach in place of noodles. The BUFF Bowls are low-carb dishes that are less than 400 calories. (From Fast Casual)