
International Franchising News from Global Trade Expert Bill Edwards - May 2023
We’ve selected highlights from Bill Edwards’ biweekly Global Business Newsletter (#82, May 16, 2023).
Burger King is a company in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2015. 847 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher. - Burger King's Q3 sales rose 7.6% thanks to remodels and menu improvements [[586fdf]] - The chain’s performance helped lift Restaurant Brands International’s (RBI) Q3 systemwide sales to nearly $13 billion, a 6.2% increase from Q3 2025 [[586fdf]] - Burger King's remodel and menu initiatives are a key driver of RBI’s overall Q3 growth [[586fdf]] - RBI’s Q3 growth reflects the broader impact of Burger King’s sales gains [[586fdf]] Filed under Restaurants / Burger.

We’ve selected highlights from Bill Edwards’ biweekly Global Business Newsletter (#82, May 16, 2023).

Greg Flynn is the founder and CEO of the largest franchise operator in the world, Flynn Restaurant Group, which owns and operates approximately 800 Applebee's, Panera Bread, and Chipotle locations.

10 brands have high franchise loan default rates, including Jimmy John's and Petland.

McDonald’s Arch Deluxe hamburger is one of the most infamous fast food failures of all time, launched in 1996 and marketed as a sophisticated burger for adults.
Burger King introduced a limited-time Spider-Verse Whopper, featuring a red bun topped with black sesame seeds.

Bill Edwards shares global trade news in his April 2023 newsletter.

Burger King is closing 27 locations in seven states, including nine in Minnesota, due to weak sales and low profitability.

Franchise brands have used Twitter to engage with consumers, with notable interactions between brands like IHOP and Denny's.
MIAMI - ( BUSINESS WIRE ) - March 23, 2023 - Burger King® transitioned 31% of its North American field team fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) across 16 states, with…

Crumbl Cookies has a uniquely strong social media presence with 6.6 million TikTok followers and 3.6 million Instagram followers, dominating every other fast food chain.
Dave’s Hot Chicken signs a franchise agreement with restaurant industry entrepreneurs John and Jeff Froccaro to open new restaurants in New York.

Church’s Texas Chicken hires Roland Gonzalez as U.S. Chief Operations Officer with over 12 years of industry experience.

Church’s Texas Chicken hires Natalia Franco as Global Chief Marketing Officer, bringing over 30 years of executive leadership experience.

Several rappers have invested in or partnered with franchise businesses, including Drake and Rick Ross.

Tasty Restaurant Group aims to reach $1 billion in annual revenue with 421 units across 6 brands in 22 states.

Veggie Grill is a vegan restaurant chain with 35 locations and 700+ team members across the country, empowering millions to adopt a plant-based diet.

Kat Cole, President and COO of Athletic Greens, is described as the ‘Erin Brockovich of the restaurant industry’ and has become one of the franchise industry's most prominent executives.
“I am honored to join Krystal,” said Jermaine Walker, Vice President of Operations for Krystal Restaurants LLC.

Bill Edwards’ Global Business Newsletter covered international franchise development, global employment issues, international travel, and updates on pandemic rules in many countries.

Magic Johnson is involved in various business ventures, including Marvel, Jopwell, and the Los Angeles Sparks.

Steak 'n Shake, a 24/7 restaurant, offers a franchise opportunity with 199 company-operated restaurants, 159 franchise partner units, and 178 franchised units.

Burger King is one of the largest quick-service burger chains in the world, with 19,900 restaurants worldwide and 6,650 in the U.S. at the end of 2025.

Burger King's franchise costs, fees, profit, and data are outlined in a deep dive into the global quick-service restaurant brand's business model.
Roy Rogers Restaurants hires Adam Klaers as Executive Vice President.