PJ's Coffee Joins C-Store Franchise Lineup
Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
A seasonal menu helps restaurants attract repeat customers, match seasonal demand, control food costs, promote limited-time items, and improve profitability.
Jun 23, 2026
A restaurant is ready to franchise when its systems, numbers, brand, training, supply chain, legal structure, and support can scale.A restaurant is ready to franchise when its systems, numbers, brand
Jun 23, 2026
Carl's Jr. has launched a "Pass on Jack" marketing campaign rewarding loyalty members with a free Sourdough Star burger for driving past a Jack in the Box to reach a Carl's Jr. location- a direct shot at its California-based burger rival.
Jun 24, 2026
Jersey Mike's has dethroned Chick-fil-A as the top-rated major fast food brand in the 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index, scoring 84 points to end the chicken chain's 11-year reign at the top of the rankings.
Jun 23, 2026
Houston TX Hot Chicken has signed a master franchise agreement with PizzaExpress to enter the UK market, with three locations set to open in 2026 and plans to scale to 50 locations nationally within three years.
Jun 23, 2026
Starbucks is hiring more than 300 coffeehouse coaches nationwide following a successful 62-store pilot, as the coffee giant works to double store leadership capacity and fill 90% of retail leadership roles through internal promotions.
Jun 23, 2026
Domino's has announced that CEO Russell Weiner will retire on October 1, with COO and US President Joe Jordan named as his successor- a leadership transition that comes as the pizza giant pursues its most ambitious growth targets yet.
Jun 23, 2026
Wendy's has appointed Steve Cirulis as its new CFO and chief strategy officer, reuniting him with CEO Bob Wright following a successful brand turnaround at Potbelly, as the burger chain works to reverse four consecutive quarters of same-store sales declines.
Jun 23, 2026
On The Border has filed for Chapter 7 liquidation less than 15 months after emerging from its first bankruptcy, leaving only five US franchise locations still operating as OTB Hospitality initiates an orderly wind-down of assets under court supervision.
Jun 23, 2026
Explore the history and implications of E. coli outbreaks in the food industry, focusing on recent cases like McDonald's.


E. coli O157:H7, a strain notorious for foodborne illnesses, has plagued the foodservice sector for decades. One of the most notable outbreaks occurred in 1992-93, affecting 732 individuals across four states in the U.S. This outbreak was linked to Jack in the Box restaurants across California, Idaho, Nevada, and Washington, resulting in four fatalities and leaving 178 others with permanent injuries.

The food industry continues to grapple with E. coli infections, as seen in various incidents involving major brands. For instance, in 2020, Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. faced criminal charges and a hefty fine due to food adulteration that led to over 1,100 illnesses, some related to E. coli. Similarly, Taco Bell had to remove green onions from its outlets in 2006 after an E. coli outbreak affected numerous customers, causing severe health complications.
The recent E. coli outbreak associated with McDonald's has prompted actions such as the temporary halt in using certain ingredients in multiple states. Other brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Burger King have also pulled onions from their menus to address potential contamination risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a significant number of individuals impacted by the outbreak strain, emphasizing the broader scope of the issue beyond the known cases.

Food safety expert Bill Marler highlighted the progress made in preventing E. coli outbreaks, particularly related to ground beef. Improved interventions during slaughter and stricter regulations, including considering E. coli O157:H7 as an adulterant, have enhanced safety measures. However, the prevalence of E. coli in various foods beyond beef poses ongoing challenges, necessitating continuous vigilance across the food industry.

The CDC's response to the McDonald's incident underscores the seriousness of E. coli contamination. Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting, typically appearing days after exposure. While many recover without medical intervention, cases can develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), requiring hospitalization. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for prompt action and containment of outbreaks.