Weekly Global News Wrap: Starbucks union drive spreads; McDonald’s on cost pressures; Pizza Hut’s hops on spicy food trend

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

Over 30 company-owned U.S. stores have filed for union elections at Starbucks. Richard Bensinger, union organizer with Starbucks Workers United, said the petitions to organize have come faster than even those involved first believed possible. Read more from CNBC.

McDonald’s said pressures from increased labor and commodity costs are pressing operators, expecting it to continue throughout the year. The fast food giant reached a record US$112 billion in global systemwide sales for 2021 and annual same-store sales growth of 13.8% in the United States. Read more from Nation’s Restaurant News.

McDonald’s is also introducing four new “menu hacks” developed by customers in the United States. This includes the “Land, Air & Sea,” a Big Mac that includes a McChicken and a Filet-o-Fish. Read more from Restaurant Business.

TGI Fridays is reimbursing its general managers up to US$2,500 for vacation expenses, rolled out this year to help mitigate labor shortages. The chain is also offering them bonuses to help cover health insurance costs. Read more from Bloomberg.

Pizza Hut hopped on the spicy food trend, dishing out the "Spicy Lover's Pizza" for a limited time in the United States. The item features spicy marinara sauce, two types of pepperoni (classic and crispy cupped), red jalapeño peppers and a sprinkled mix of herbs and crushed chili peppers. Read more from CNN.