Franchise Highlights of the Week

State Senators in New Jersey are voting on a bill that would take the state’s minimum wage to $15.10 by 2021. Currently, the state’s minimum wage is at $8.38. If the bill passes, it will then be sent to Governor Chris Christie to either veto or sign into law. This would make New Jersey the third state to approve a $15 minimum wage.

McDonald’s Gets First Bid for China Restaurants

The U.S. fast food giant McDonald’s has confirmed the first franchise bid for the brand’s China and Hong Kong restaurants. The first bid is a joint venture between China’s Sanpower and the Beijing Tourism Group. Sanpower, a technology and real estate firm, is hoping to integrate the chain into its commercial shops and retail space. McDonald’s first announced plans to franchise its business in China this March. Currently, there are more than 2,200 McDonald’s in China, and the brand has plans to open 1,250 more locations.

Burger King Announces Mac n’ Cheetos

You read that right. The fast food chain Burger King has introduced a new food mash-up to the American Public—the Mac n’ Cheetos. The new menu item features deep fried sticks of macaroni and cheese covered with the iconic bright orange Cheetos breading. The Mac n’ Cheetos will be available nationwide on Monday, June 27, 2016, for a limited time, or while “supplies last.”

Move Over Starbucks, Another Cold Brew Coffee is entering the Fight

Dunkin’ Donuts is embracing the trend and adding a new cold brew iced coffee to locations nationwide. The new iced beverage will be launching in Los Angeles and Metro New York area on June 27, 2016. The chain plans on releasing their cold brew across the U.S. in the coming weeks. According to Dunkin’, the cold brew is naturally sweeter and smoother than the typical cup of iced coffee. The new coffee beverage is being launched one year after Starbucks started selling cold brew coffee.

Pieology acquires competitor Project Pie

On Wednesday, Pieology announced that the brand has acquired competitor the Project Pie fast-casual pizza chain. Currently, Pieology has more than 100 locations, and Project Pie has 20 units in the U.S. and other restaurants abroad. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.