Technology

McDonald's stakes out virtual summer camp in mobile app

Featuring merchandise, menu hacks and music performances, the 27-day effort offers another sign the chain views its app as a linchpin to winning Gen Z.

By Peter Adams • June 30, 2022

DoorDash patent application hints at autonomous vehicles under consideration

While the company said patents don’t necessarily mean a product is under development, it is actively seeking ways to use robotics to supplement its Dasher community. 

By Julie Littman • June 30, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Off-premise initiatives

The pandemic has proven that off-premise operations, from takeout to drive-thru, is a vital part of the restaurant industry to keep revenue up and consumers returning.

By Restaurant Dive staff

Food benefits platform Sharebite raises $39M

The technology, which enables restaurants to deliver food to corporate clients, will use the funding to grow and launch new products.

By Alicia Kelso • June 29, 2022

BurgerFi and Anthony's launch co-branded Visa rewards card

The card offers customers 3% cashback on all purchases at any of the brands’ 185 locations.

By Alicia Kelso • June 28, 2022

Kura Sushi deploys server robots systemwide

Kur-B the KuraBot will deliver drinks and condiments to customers tableside at all 37 restaurant locations. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 24, 2022

McDonald's AI voice ordering tests underperforming on accuracy, survey says

Accuracy rates for the drive-thru tech are in the low 80% range, which puts it below the 95%-plus level the company wants before broader adoption, BTIG reports.

By Alicia Kelso • June 23, 2022

10 ways restaurants are embracing automation

Robots are quickly becoming the new face of labor across the restaurant industry. Here’s a look at how automation technology is shaping the segment.

June 17, 2022

Inside the restaurant: How a fry cook robot holds the line for White Castle

At a Mokena, Illinois, White Castle, Miso Robotics’ Flippy 2 allows one worker to shift roles to man the hospitality door.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 14, 2022

The key to surviving a recession is automation. Here's how 3 different types of restaurants are doing it.

Esper partners with restaurant operations of all shapes and sizes to deliver custom solutions for modernization.

June 13, 2022

Toast heats up restaurant payments competition

As Toast adds services, the Boston startup is taking business from larger rivals and fintech peers, analysts say.

By Jonathan Berr • June 9, 2022

Miso Robotics teams with Amazon Web Services to speed up product deployment

The partnership will allow the robotics firm’s software engineers to receive simulation results in minutes or hours instead of days.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 8, 2022

Lunchbox acquires NovaDine to improve offerings for enterprise chains

The transaction will enable restaurants to manage digital guest experiences from a single operating system and increase Lunchbox’s scale.  

By Alicia Kelso • June 8, 2022

Uber Eats debuts nationwide food shipping

Despite competition from Goldbelly and DoorDash, Uber's head of U.S. and Canada merchant ops says the offering adds new value for partner restaurants.

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 7, 2022

Tim Hortons US debuts first drive-thru-only model

The first drive-thru only model restaurants will open this summer in several states including West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan and New York.

By Alicia Kelso • June 7, 2022

Chick-fil-A tests autonomous delivery in Austin, Texas

Refraction AI, which offers self-delivery technology, tele-operations and delivery robots that use the bike lane, will be deployed at two locations in the city. 

By Julie Littman • May 31, 2022

The new faces of labor? Meet the robots of the National Restaurant Association Show

As restaurants struggle to find labor, tech companies like Nala Robotics and Richtech are developing automated chefs and baristas to fill gaps.

By Thai Phi Le • May 23, 2022

Nextbite exec dishes on how operators can make virtual brands successful

These concepts can optimize excess kitchen capacity and slow dayparts, but also poise operators to be nimble in emerging markets like Web3, says Chief Growth Officer Geoff Madding.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 23, 2022

Stop wasting your time dealing with sales tax - Automate it!

Automating sales tax eliminates stress and saves time on a task that does nothing for your bottom line.

May 23, 2022

Future-proofing device-based technology saves restaurants headaches — and millions in OpEx

 How restaurants can win in the newest arena of customer experience.  

May 23, 2022

Wow Bao launches virtual loyalty program through Paytronix

Bao Bucks could grow revenue for partner restaurants and secure Wow Bao's customer base, which can now access its menu at over 600 host kitchens. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 20, 2022

SoundHound AI, Square launch tool to automate phone ordering

SoundHound for Restaurants' voice assistant answers phone calls, take orders, accept modifications and send confirmations to complete payments.

By Alicia Kelso • May 19, 2022

Domino's grants 'Stranger Things' fans 'mind-ordering' powers through new app

An immersive mobile experience tied to the Netflix show’s return uses facial recognition and eye-tracking technology to help users order pizza.

By Peter Adams • Updated May 17, 2022

Wing Zone, Wavemaker Labs launch automated restaurant pilot

Wing Zone Labs plans to open up to 20 units, which will deploy Miso's Flippy 2 to handle frying stations with a goal of eventually becoming fully automated.

By Alicia Kelso • May 11, 2022

Starbucks builds out 'third place' with foray into NFTs

As a means to build a community around coffee, the chain will link the upcoming digital tokens to exclusive content and perks.

By Natalie Koltun • May 6, 2022

90% of new Starbucks stores will have drive-thrus

This move is part of a $1 billion investment, which includes tech upgrades such as handheld devices and equipment upgrades to improve efficiency, service and profitability.

By Julie Littman • May 4, 2022