Weekly Global News Wrap: McDonald’s raises hourly wages; Wendy’s bets on nontraditional locations; Chick-fil-A gets into virtual kitchen game

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

McDonald’s is raising the hourly wages for its U.S. company-owned restaurants by an average of 10%. CNBC reports entry-level employees will be making $11 to $17 per hour, and shift managers will make $15 to $20 an hour, based on location. Read more here.

Starbucks and Chipotle Mexican Grill have dropped mask-wearing requirements for vaccinated customers, just about 10 months after mandating face coverings inside their stores to slow the spread of COVID, Restaurant Business reports. Read more here.

Salad restaurant chain Sweetgreen is planning an initial public offering in the U.S., according to a report from Bloomberg. The Los Angeles-based company is working with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. on a listing that could happen as soon as this year. Read more here.

Working to expand its global footprint to 8,000 restaurants by 2025, Wendy’s is betting on nontraditional locations to help drive growth, Restaurant Dive reports. The chain said 30% of the roughly 1,200 new locations will be made up of ghost kitchens, delivery-only locations, fuel and travel center locations. Read more here.

Chick-Fil-A has made plans for a virtual concept serving chicken wings, roasted chicken, salads, amongst others. Business Insider reported that the chain has filed to trademark the name "Outfox Wings," which is expected to be rolled out this year. Read more here.