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August has come to an end, which means it’s time to take a look back on all that franchises have accomplished in the past month. Catch up with the latest franchise openings and innovations in this Monthly Franchising News August Roundup.
McDonald’s Canada Debuts MacCoin Global Currency
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the franchise’s iconic Big Mac sandwich, McDonald’s Canada launched its first global currency, the MacCoin. The coin features unique designs representing the five decades of the Big Mac. Starting August 2, McDonald’s Canada distributed 50,000 MacCoins all across Canada. Each coin is redeemable for one Big Mac at participating McDonald’s restaurants. Canadians were able to get their hands on the MacCoins August 2 through August 8 by sharing why they love the Big Mac on Twitter using the hashtag #BigMac50. Additional coins were also given out through local radio station giveaways. More than 6.2 million coins are being distributed in over 50 countries around the world, and each coin can be used to redeem the famous burger at participating locations worldwide.
Popeyes Comes to Winnipeg
This month saw the opening of Winnipeg’s first Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and franchise owners the Enright Group have plans to open more locations across the rest of Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. Co-owner Jonathan Enright is excited about bringing the fried chicken franchise to Manitoba. The newly opened restaurant is located in Seasons of Tuxedo adjacent to the Outlet Collection mall at Kenaston Boulevard and Sterling Lyon Parkway, making it an ideal location to bring in customers. The Enright Group is no stranger to franchising – it already operates 16 Boston Pizza franchises in Manitoba, but the quick-service Popeyes restaurant will be a learning experience for the franchisees.
Tim Hortons to Fix Leaky Lids
Tim Hortons is working on fixing their leaky lids that consumers have long been pushing the franchise to change. The brown lids on the coffee giant’s cups have not changed in 20 years, and Tim Hortons is ready to address the issue. Six of the iconic Canadian coffee franchise’s locations are experimenting with environmentally-friendly lids decorated with a maple leaf. Trials of walking up the stairs and driving with the cups helped design a cap that would not spill. The lid upgrade is just one of many ways Tim Hortons is working to win back public and franchisee favor. Environmental upgrades in the brand’s packaging, including the new lids, may also result in the brand reducing its use of plastic straws, something that the franchise is actively reviewing due to recent environmentalist pressure.
Glamour Secrets Beauty Group Debuts Triple-concept Location
Glamour Secrets (GS) Beauty Group has debut its first triple-concept store location, which offers services from three of the company’s brands all within one location: Trade Secrets, Glamour Secrets Beauty Bar, and Taylor & Colt. The triple-concept store is located in Toronto’s financial district. This exciting new addition joins the franchise’s 12 existing stores in Toronto’s underground PATH pedestrian walkway with excellent access to shopper foot traffic. GS Beauty Group is a leading chain of beauty salons and retail franchises with more than 80 corporate and franchise locations. GS Beauty Group includes the brands Trade Secrets, Glamour Secrets, GS Beauty Bar, Taylor & Colt, and The Cut Above.