Technology
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Topgolf opens upscale bar and restaurant concept
Lounge by Topgolf, which will feature virtual gaming and open in Kirkland, Washington, is part of the brand's strategy to diversify with smaller locations.
By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 23, 2020 -
How 6 full-service brands make off-premise work
While Chuy’s and Macaroni Grill have honed their third-party delivery partnerships, Olive Garden is doubling down on its independent off-premise strategy.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 23, 2020 -
Grubhub diversifies with tech suite focused on pickup
The company's Ultimate platform offers digital queues, POS integration, kitchen display systems and self-order kiosks, all of which could help it gain an edge against rival third-party providers.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 23, 2020 -
Pickup is leading app and web integration for restaurants
Brands that offer order updates and time-saving features are winning among consumers, says Gartner report.
By Lauren Stine • Jan. 17, 2020 -
Panda Express celebrates Lunar New Year with social AR
Available on Facebook and Instagram, the virtual filters highlight different cultural traditions like red envelope gift-giving.
By Robert Williams • Jan. 16, 2020 -
Taco Bell deploys AI for in-app personalization
The partnership with Certona will let users see customized menu recommendations and offers based on preferences and other criteria like weather and location.
By Lauren Stine • Jan. 14, 2020 -
How Starbucks uses AI to counter mobile's isolating effect
At NRF's Big Show, CEO Kevin Johnson shared why the chain is embracing artificial intelligence to compensate for some of mobile's downsides.
By Chantal Tode • Jan. 14, 2020 -
Chili's leans into personalization with Presto partnership
The casual dining restaurant’s deal with the tabletop tech provider is aimed at better tracking ordering behaviors and is part of the company’s strategy to boost customization.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 13, 2020 -
Luckin launches self-serve vending machines
Available in standard and mini sizes, Luckin is targeting high-traffic areas like hospitals, campuses and airports with its new unmanned offering in China.
By Lauren Stine • Jan. 10, 2020 -
McDonald's creates new tech executive role, digital engagement team
Lucy Brady, current SVP of corporate strategy and business development, will lead the team as chief digital engagement officer and oversee digital ordering, personalization, payments, loyalty and delivery.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 08, 2020 -
Zume shutters Zume Pizza, will lay off 53% of employees
The startup will continue to operate its Zume Forward Mobile and Zume R&D divisions, and has opened 100 new positions at Zume Packaging.
By Julie Littman • UPDATED: Jan. 9, 2020 at 5:41 p.m. -
48% of restaurants struggling with rising labor costs, study finds
Restaurants are increasingly turning to technology to alleviate labor woes, but adoption remains low, research from Zenput and Technomic shows.
By Lauren Stine • Jan. 07, 2020 -
How QSRs are leading the way on personalized, omnichannel experiences
Lessons learned by McDonald's, Starbucks and others could help marketers across the industry in 2020 and beyond.
By Chris Kelly • Jan. 02, 2020 -
McDonald's to roll out mobile app payment technology starting in UK
The chain's partnership with Dutch tech company Adyen NV to process mobile app payments furthers the company's focus on technology worldwide.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 18, 2019 -
Caribou Coffee boosts ROI with revamped loyalty program
The coffee chain's redemptions improved 215% after switching to a points-based program during a summer promotion.
By Robert Williams • Dec. 12, 2019 -
Wendy's outsourcing IT, expects up to $15M restructuring costs
The chain expects severance and related employee costs to be between $8 million and $9 million.
By Samantha Ann Schwartz • Dec. 11, 2019 -
Third-party sales will make up 70% of delivery orders in 2022
Off-premise demand is transforming restaurant real estate to include more ghost kitchens, new interior formats and drive-thru pickup lanes, according to a CBRE report.
By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 09, 2019 -
Domino's GPS tracker will help improve delivery times nationwide
The technology will provide delivery couriers with navigational tools that could help improve speed, which has been an increased focus for the pizza chain.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 09, 2019 -
Dive Awards
Deal of the Year: McDonald's acquires Dynamic Yield
The world's largest fast food chain's $300 million purchase of an artificial intelligence company signaled the start of a technology-first age for restaurants.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 09, 2019 -
Dave & Buster's cashes in on contactless commerce app
The restaurant chain's app uses NFC technology to let customers play games with a phone tap and manage rewards points.
By Robert Williams • Dec. 05, 2019 -
Kroger launches ghost kitchen to deliver meals on demand
Restaurants will have more competition in delivery with the first major grocer partnering with ClusterTruck to serve fresh-made meals to customers in four cities during a 12-week pilot.
By Jessica Dumont • Dec. 03, 2019 -
Restaurant industry will be shaped by AI, autonomous vehicles in 2030
In 10 years, restaurants can expect these technologies to transform day-to-day operations, from dynamic pricing to drive-thrus, according to a National Restaurant Association report.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 03, 2019 -
Papa John's RCS promo for vegan pizza outdoes SMS 23%
The pizza chain used the media-rich messaging format for a World Vegan Day campaign.
By Robert Williams • Dec. 02, 2019 -
American Express unveils in-app restaurant booking service
The service lets Platinum Card and Centurion members make reservations at more than 10,000 eateries worldwide.
By Robert Williams • Nov. 27, 2019 -
Q&ABlaze Pizza uses digital, drive-thrus to slice up market competition, says CEO Mandy Shaw
The brand's new leader believes its franchise model and focus on multiple off-premise touch points threaten fast casuals and legacy pizza chains slow to engage with third-party delivery.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 25, 2019
