The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that Restaurant Brands International on Tuesday posted a 15.9-per-cent profit jump for the full year in 2023 compared with 2022. The Globe's Susan Krashinsky writes that for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, the company's net income more than doubled, to $726-million or $1.60 a share, compared with $336-million or 74 cents in the same period the prior year (all figures U.S.). That increase was mostly driven by an income tax benefit, as well as improved income from operations at its restaurant banners, which also include Burger King, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Firehouse Subs. The deterioration of restaurant profits compared with 2018 led to renewed tensions last year between the company and some of its Tim Hortons franchisees. After an independent group called the Alliance of Canadian Franchisees spoke out about their concerns, the company sent default notices to the restaurant owners serving on the alliance board and terminated the franchise contract of its president. Now, the company says both sales and profitability are growing. Tim Hortons comparable sales -- which tracks sales growth not tied to new store openings -- grew by 8.4 per cent in the fourth quarter.