Food, Beverage & Agriculture · Week of Nov 2, 2026
KFC deals, restaurant results and growth: the week in food releases
KFC featured in three releases as restaurant chains reported mixed quarters, expanded store counts and launched promotions; The Andersons agreed a $915 million ethanol deal.
Restaurant operators dominated the week. Yum China and The Wendy's Company both reported third-quarter results, with Yum China citing revenue up 8% and a record 692 net new stores, while Wendy's reported net income down 65.9% and U.S. same-restaurant sales down 5.7%. KFC figured in three releases: its owner in China, Yum China, reported results; KFC launched what it calls its largest global collaboration, a Marvel tie-in in 100 countries; and PepsiCo said it renewed its beverage partnership with KFC in eight international markets.
Unit growth and deals were a second thread. Wendy's signed a letter-of-intent to acquire up to 163 Meritage Hospitality Group restaurants, and Paris Baguette opened its first drive-thru café, its 62nd opening this year. Outside restaurants, The Andersons agreed to buy Harvestone Low Carbon Partners for $915 million, and convenience retailer Yesway announced holiday promotions across its stores.
Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Yum China Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results
Yum China says third-quarter revenue rose 8% to $3.5 billion, operating profit grew 13% to $451 million and diluted EPS rose 20% to $0.91, with a quarterly record of 692 net new stores bringing its total to 19,989. The company raised its 2026 target to more than 2,400 net new stores, added $1 billion to its buyback authorization and says it is on track to return $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2026.
The Wendy's Company
THE WENDY'S COMPANY REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2026 RESULTS
The Wendy's Company reported third-quarter net income of $15.1 million, down 65.9%, on revenues of $547.0 million, with U.S. same-restaurant sales down 5.7% and global systemwide sales down 5.9%. The company launched its multi-year Dave's Way strategy and signed a letter-of-intent to acquire up to 163 Meritage Hospitality Group restaurants, subject to a definitive agreement, better and higher offers and court approval.
Yesway, Inc.
Yesway Brings Holiday Cheer, Savings and Friendly Competition to Its Stores this Holiday Season
Yesway announced holiday promotions at participating Yesway and Allsup's stores from November 4, 2026, through January 5, 2027, led by two new Hatch chile salsas sold for 49 cents each with a hot food purchase. The program also includes daily free items for Rewards members, fuel discounts of 10 to 25 cents per gallon and a sweepstakes with a 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat as grand prize.
Kentucky Fried Chicken
KFC Brings the Doom: New Marvel-Inspired Menu Lands Ahead of Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Doomsday"
KFC announced a limited-time Doctor Doom-inspired menu tied to Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Doomsday" in 100 countries, which it says is its largest global collaboration to date, running from 9 November in select markets through January 2027. The menu will not be offered in the United States, India or China, and offerings vary by market.
The Andersons, Inc.
The Andersons, Inc. to Acquire Harvestone Low Carbon Partners, Expanding Ethanol Production Capacity and Low-Carbon Fuels Capabilities
The Andersons agreed to acquire Harvestone Low Carbon Partners from Energy Capital Partners for $915 million, adding three ethanol plants in North Dakota and Indiana with about 215 million gallons of annual production and operating carbon capture infrastructure. The company says about half the price is attributed to expected 45Z and 45Q tax credit cash flows, and that combined capacity will reach about 730 million gallons, with closing expected in the fourth quarter of 2026 or early first quarter of 2027.
Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Yum China Board Welcomes New Board Member
Yum China appointed Alexander Dimitrief, a former General Counsel of GE and of Sotera Health Co., to its Board effective November 4, 2026. The Board expands to 13 directors, 12 of whom are independent.
PepsiCo, Inc.
PepsiCo Secures Renewal Across Select KFC International Markets
PepsiCo says it has been retained as KFC's beverage partner in Australia, India, UK, Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium, though the release does not give the length or financial terms. PepsiCo says it will support KFC's plans for new beverage offerings aimed at Gen Z consumers.
Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette Opens First-Ever Drive-Thru Location in Moore, Oklahoma, Marking a Major Brand Milestone
Paris Baguette opened its first drive-thru café at 2120 Riverwalk Drive in Moore, Oklahoma, on Nov. 3, its 346th North American location and 62nd opening this year. The company says it has 600 more locations in development, and the franchisees plan cafés in Lee's Summit, Missouri, and New Mexico in 2027.
This roundup is written with AI assistance from the press releases listed above, using only what they state. The releases are the companies' own announcements, not Major Health News reporting.