Weekly Global News Wrap: McDonald’s boosts pay, benefits to attract workers; Popeyes to launch chicken nuggets; Panera’s swimwear collection

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

McDonald’s franchisees are adding emergency child care and other benefits amidst restaurants struggling to hire enough workers. The Wall Street Journal reported that franchisees aim to boost hourly pay, give workers paid time off and help cover tuition costs whilst its corporate parent said it is making a multimillion-dollar investment to back the efforts. Read more here.

Aside from labour concerns, prices at fast food chains in the U.S. will continue to rise, Business Insider reported. Citing a Gordon Haskett report, greatest price increases over the span of a year have been 10% at Taco Bell, 8% at McDonald's, and 8% at Dunkin', followed by Chipotle and The Cheesecake Factory. Read more here.

Subway has recruited five American sports figures to help promote its new Eat Fresh Refresh menu launch. The campaign features athletic legends Charles Barkley, Tom Brady, Stephen Curry, Megan Rapinoe and Serena Williams. Read more here.

Panera Bread released a limited-edition swimwear collection that is available via a dedicated e-commerce site, aiming to reach its soup-consuming customers. As Restaurant Dive reported, offerings in the Swim Soup line-up include one piece swimsuits and swim trunks themed around menu items like broccoli cheddar soup and a bread bowl pool float. Read more here.

After stockpiling poultry for six months, Popeyes is set to debut its take on chicken nuggets, which will emulate the chain's signature chicken sandwich. Read more here.