Weekly Global News Wrap: Potential names for McDonald’s Russian successor; Pizza Hut joins the Metaverse; Fat Brands buys another brand

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

McDonald's in Russia registered possible brand names for the firm taking over its fast food restaurants, including "Fun and Tasty" and "The Same One”. The fast food giant has nearly 850 restaurants in Russia, and is selling them to local licensee Alexander Govo. Read more from CNN.

Starbucks will also exit Russia after 15 years, the latest of Western companies to do so due to the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. It has 130 locations in the country, all of which are licensed. Read more from CNBC.

Pizza Hut and Jimmy John’s are the latest major chains to get into the NFT space, attempting to tie them with real-world rewards. Read more from Marketing Dive.

Wendy’s biggest investor has explored options that include taking over the American burger chain. Trian Fund Management L.P., controlled by Wendy’s chairman Nelson Peltz, said in its Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it had discussed strategic options with the company’s board. Read more from Nation’s Restaurant News.

Fat Brands, the owner of Johnny Rockets, said it has a deal to acquire Nestle Toll House Café by Chip. The company plans to convert the chain’s 85 locations into its Great American Cookies concept, which it acquired last year in its deal for the franchisor Global Franchise Group. Read more from Restaurant Business.