Weekly Global News Wrap: McDonald’s hit with US$900m suit over broken ice cream machines; More ghost kitchens for Wendy’s; IHOP testing two virtual brands

Here is a summary of the most interesting news stories of the week from around the world.

McDonald’s is being sued for US$900 million by a tech startup that claims it tried to fix the chain's broken ice cream machines, charging the fast food giant with "business interference, false advertising, deceptive trade practices and trade libel." Read more from Nation’s Restaurant News.

Domino’s CEO Ritch Allison is retiring, with COO and president Russell Weiner to succeed him. The pizza chain said  fourth-quarter net income was at US$155.7 million, or $4.25 per share. Read more from CNBC.

Wendy's said it plans to open 150 to 200 Reef ghost kitchen locations in 2022, a roughly sevenfold increase from its current roster of 30 Reef vessels in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. Read more from Restaurant Dive.

IHOP’s president said the brand is testing two virtual brands, Thrilled Cheese and Super Mega Dilla, at 50 U.S. restaurants as the chain experiences strong off-premise sales. Read more from Restaurant Dive.

Sweetgreen is looking to grow its 500-strong Outpost office drop-off program, banking on U.S. employees returning to offices. Under Outpost, office buildings become home to designated pickup areas, allowing workers to place orders as part of a larger group. Read more from Restaurant Business.