YUMC
Shares of Chinese companies listed in the U.S. moved higher on Monday after the China Securities Regulatory Commission and U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board announced late last week that an agreement for cooperation on inspecting the audit work papers of U.S.- listed Chinese companies has been inked. China Automotive Systems, Yum China Holdings, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (MLCO) were some of the notable gainers in the consumer sector.
China remains in a #Quad 1 status, and YUMC is a Quad 1 stock
CMG New Menu Item
Chipotle latest menu innovation - how many versions of chicken does the consumer want? Highlights the limitation of the brand to produce new menu items.
Following the introduction of Pollo Asado, Chipotle is testing a new premium chicken option that adds different spices. The difficulty for employees with all the new menu items is that CMG's chicken is prepared in small batches throughout the day. The Chicken Al Pastor is made with "Responsibly Raised, freshly grilled chicken seasoned with a powerful marinade of Chipotle's signature adobo, seared Morita peppers, and ground achiote with a splash of pineapple." Then the employees hand-chopped into bites and finished with a touch of fresh lime and freshly chopped cilantro. CMG food is complex and labor-intensive to prepare.
Increased restaurant discounting
Restaurant chains continue to develop new value offers amid continued concern about the state of the economy and consumer spending power.
- KFC introduced a new 2-piece Drum and Thigh Combo Meal for $6. In addition to the two pieces of dark-meat chicken, the meal comes with mashed potatoes and gravy, a biscuit, and a medium drink. KFC said Monday that it would extend its limited-time deal of a $5 Mac & Cheese Bowl to users of its mobile app through Nov. 13.
- Applebee's said it would bring back it's All You Can Eat Boneless Wings offer for $12.99. While that deal is targeted more at football fans at the outset of the National Football League season, it nevertheless comes as a growing number of casual dining chains have started offering value.
- Red Robin has started offering more happy hour and lunch specials, such as a $10 Gourmet Meal Deal at lunch.
- Noodles & Co. earlier this summer started selling seven dishes for $7
- Del Taco started selling 20 items under $2.
- Burger King pulled its Whopper off of its 2-for-$5 deal offering two sandwiches for $5. That deal was later replaced with a 2-for-$6 offer.
- McDonald's has kept most of its offers either local or on its app.
- Wendy's brought back its "$5 Biggie Bag" this spring, but many of its offers have targeted loyalty customers.
The head-scratcher is Chili's saying it wants to move away from value.
The list will only grow from here!
