1851 Franchise Weekly Sizzle

If you haven’t heard by now, the Pokémon craze is back—and bigger than ever. Old and new fans of the Pokémon game have unplugged from gaming systems and are on the move with the new augmented reality mobile exploration game Pokemon Go. Currently, the app has been downloaded more than Tinder and had doubled the engagement of the social media darling Snapchat. There are ways for franchises to get in the game and capitalize on this craze. From being a PokeStop, to running giveaways and promotions, the fans are out there and willing to be caught by the franchising PokeBall.

Fans of the breakfast chain Denny’s Corp., can now enjoy fluffier, thicker pancakes. The brand launched the new twice as thick Buttermilk Pancake recipe on July 12, 2016. The new recipe includes eggs, vanilla and buttermilk. The pancakes are now lighter, but can still hold up to the brands indulgent toppings, according to the Spartanburg, South Carolina-based restaurant chain. To promote the new pancake recipe the brand is releasing four new limited-time offerings, Sticky Bun, Strawberries & Cream, Double Berry Banana and Peanut Butter Cup.

It’s Now Easier to Order Pizza Hut

Pizza ordering is getting competitive in the digital age. This week the franchise brand Pizza Hut announced the company’s first chatbot. The new chatbot will allow customers to order Pizza Hut via Facebook Messenger and Twitter with “conversational ordering.” Fans will need to add Pizza Hut as a friend on the social channels and set up a profile through the website. They can then reorder favorites and ask for the latest deals. This comes as Domino’s has been pioneering new ways for customers to digitally order from the brand.

NLRB Rules on Fight for $15 Pins

In-N-Out has been ordered to stop enforcing rules that prevent employees from wearing buttons or insignia that relates to the Fight for $15 movement. The ban came from the employee handbook, which bars employees from wearing any type of pins or stickers. However, during the holiday season employees are required to wear “Merry Christmas” pins. Currently, the burger chain pays a minimum wage of $11 an hour, and has been praised for their fair wages.

Old Town Pasadena, California is now home to the first Jamba Juice Innovation Bar. The new concept will offer innovate food and beverage items unique to the space. Customers can enjoy juice flights and snack bar options, which includes Avocado and Sea Salt toast and a Southwest Quinoa Bowl. The new space also features a new, fresh design. The Innovation features an interactive juice bar, spacious Wi-Fi enabled seating area, and an open air patio.