The Florida-based operator brings its high-end FBO brand to Aruba.
Intrepid scientists are trying to make sure that the chocapocalypse doesn’t happen.
On a recent test drive, the vehicle made some of North Carolina’s less hospitable terrain seem like a walk in the park.
The Myanmar Government has set out plans to increase the country’s minimum wage rate by 33% across all regions – a move the garment sector suggests could put pressure on its business owners.
The European Union (EU) financial watchdog has highlighted concerns about how Chinese clothing and footwear exporters may be exploiting loopholes in EU customs and VAT controls to evade paying proper amounts of these taxes.
US President Donald Trump has restored eligibility for The Gambia and Swaziland to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which will remain in effect until 30 September 2025 and gives some Sub Saharan African countries preferential trade terms when exporting to the US.
UK retailer Marks & Spencer has confirmed the sale and franchise of its retail business in Hong Kong and Macau to its long-established franchise partner Al-Futtaim.
The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh has detailed progress with its Safety Committee Training Program, despite recently admitting major life-threatening safety concerns remain outstanding in too many of the factories it monitors.
Hundreds of Southern California Subway restaurants have launched a controversial $4.99 footlong deal despite protests from some franchisees.
The promotion launched Monday, Jan. 1 at participating restaurants across the nation including roughly 785 Subway restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange County. The deal, which first emerged during the Great Recession, was last seen on menus in 2012. The latest bargain shaves the cost of some sandwiches by as much as $1.80 — a drastic drop that struggling restaurants can ill-afford.
Bob Grewal, who owns the master development rights for more than 2,000 Subway restaurants across the country, said franchises who dislike the deal do not have to participate. He said roughly 90 percent of his franchise stores in Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area, are selling the discounted subs.
“That’s quite a bit,” he said.
Some operators, especially shops in locations where the rent is high, have chosen not to participate.
“There are franchisees upset about the deal. And, they have a right to be,” said Grewal, whose company is the largest Subway franchisor in the world. “We can’t by law force anybody to do the $4.99.”
He said the deal was brought back to increase foot traffic in restaurants at a time when fast food rivals are pushing value meals. McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Del Taco, for example, recently announced tweaks to their value menus for 2018.
“Everybody in QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry is launching price point promotions. We wanted to bring back a real value to customers,” he said.
Grewal said franchise representatives must approve all chain-wide promotions. Despite protests from some franchise groups, the $4.99 footlong deal was approved twice by Subway representatives, said Grewal, who also operates restaurants in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.
In previous years, Subway offered several subs for $5 between 2008 and 2012. In 2014, Grewal said Subway brought back the deal but raised the price to $6. This year, represents a compromise. The $4.99 price is only good for five subs: Black Forest Ham, Meatball Marina, Spicy Italian, Cold Cut Combo and Veggie Delite.
At his 243 Orange County Subways, those subs range in price from $5.99 to $6.79 for a 12-inch sandwich, Grewal said.
“A majority of the country will barely break even — even if they get a traffic bump,” Grewal said.
So why do it?
“This is not to make money. It’s to bring them (customers) back to Subway restaurants.”
Once the deal goes away, operators like Grewal are hoping customers will continue to come back.
Restaurants need the boost. In 2016, Subway sales reached $11.3 billion, down 1.7 percent from the year before, according to the latest data from Chicago-based market research firm Technomic.
City officials in Laguna Niguel will hold a dedication ceremony for the pickleball courts at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Pickleball is a cross between badminton and tennis and is a sport that is growing in popularity. The city will soon be opening four courts to the public at the park.
The dedication ceremony is free for the public to attend and the county entrance fee to the park will be waived for the event for those who mention the pickleball dedication as they enter.
IF YOU GO
What: Pickleball Courts Dedication Ceremony
When: 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10
Where: Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road
Cost: Free
Information: 949-425-5100 or cityoflagunaniguel.org