Technology: Page 21

  • A person holds a smartphone showing the Starbucks app
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    Courtesy of Starbucks
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    What Starbucks’ bet on NFTs says about the future of loyalty

    The chain's renowned rewards program adds a buzzy new value-grab, potentially laying a course for other marketers to follow.

    By Aaron Baar • Sept. 6, 2022
  • An image of a building with "Rubio's Coastal Grill" on the outside.
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    Permission granted by Rubio's Coastal Grill
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    Rubio’s Coastal Grill introduces a new rewards program

    Rubio’s Rewards allows customers to cash in points in exchange for free menu items, with diners earning 10 points for every dollar spent. 

    By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 31, 2022
  • A man and a woman dressed as a chef look at a tablet. Explore the Trendline➔
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    Getty Images
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    Trendline

    Back-of-house Technology

    From AI-enhanced POS systems and analytics to robot-powered kitchen equipment, restaurants are investing in technology solutions to optimize kitchen operations and reduce employee turnover. 

    By Restaurant Dive staff
  • Panera new store design
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    Courtesy of Panera
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    Panera tests drive-thru AI

    The chain is working with OpenCity to deploy AI technology to two cafes in upstate New York with the goal of 5% to 10% faster service times.

    By • Aug. 29, 2022
  • Cellphone with an app open on screen
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    Permission granted by DoorDash
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    Sponsored by DoorDash

    How restaurants can tap digital solutions to unlock new potentials for growth

    Technology companies are doubling down on their commitment to helping small and medium sized restaurants with their products and innovations.

    Aug. 29, 2022
  • Chili's expanded its partnership with Bear Robotics into 51 states in 2022.
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    Permission granted by Chili's
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    Brinker pauses robotics server test

    The company is pivoting from the pilot, which involves Bear Robotics’ robot server, to focus on tech it says can better improve speed of service. 

    By • Updated Aug. 26, 2022
  • Black waiter, restaurant
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    Getty Images
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    Danny Meyer’s investment arm injects $10M into voice AI tech firm

    ConverseNow, which partners with 1,200 restaurants across 40 states, plans to use this cash better meet demand.

    By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 24, 2022
  • Gopuff
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    Courtesy of Gopuff
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    Gopuff taps Panera exec as new CFO

    Ted Stedem's addition to the ultrafast delivery company's C-suite comes a few months after it named a Pizza Hut alum to lead its Kitchen division. 

    By Brett Dworski • Aug. 15, 2022
  • A bank of windows below a red sign that says "Chipotle." A man stands in the background inside the restaurant.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Why Chipotle accelerated its software development cadence

    One philosophy is central to Chipotle's technology organization, CTO Curt Garner said: “We need to get 10% better every year.”

    By Roberto Torres • Aug. 12, 2022
  • Square POS
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    Courtesy of CashApp - Square
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    Square integrates with digital signage provider Raydiant

    The deal includes Raydiant’s self-service kiosks, digital menus and back-of-house tech, and is designed to boost engagement and simplify operations.

    By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 11, 2022
  • Picnic Works, Speedy Eats partnership automation technology
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    Courtesy of Picnic Works
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    Picnic Works, Speedy Eats to deploy 5K automated drive-thrus

    The companies expect to roll out the automated stations, worth an estimated $800 million, in the U.S. throughout the next five years.

    By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 8, 2022
  • Group of smiling young friends talking together over lunch and drinks at a table in a trendy bistro.
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    Mavo/Shutterstock.com

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    Sponsored by Mood Media

    Turn every restaurant space into an experiential space

    Discover new ways to connect with guests in these important areas of your restaurant.

    Aug. 8, 2022
  • People enjoying eating together
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    Getty Images
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    Sponsored by Vericast

    How restaurants can use direct mail to boost visits

    Rising costs may make you think to limit your marketing spend. Instead, seize the chance to drive response with guests.

    Aug. 8, 2022
  • Uber Eats app functionality in stadiums
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    Permission granted by Uber Eats
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    Uber launches pilot to deliver equipment to Chicago restaurants

    The partnership with foodservice equipment distributor Parts Town will provide two-hour delivery to operators and service technicians. 

    By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 4, 2022
  • A white table with hands reaching out toward food items like hamburgers, sushi and French fries.
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    Permission granted by C3
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    TGI Fridays expands C3 partnership with new virtual brands

    TGI Fridays’ test phase, which began with a rollout of Krispy Rice in select markets last fall, generated up to $1 million in sales per restaurant.

    By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 3, 2022
  • A Flytrex drone can carry up to 6.6 pounds and make five-mile round trips, according to the company’s website.
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    Permission granted by Flytrex
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    Flytrex expands delivery radius to service 100K customers

    The drone delivery firm, which flies orders from restaurants and retailers, received FAA approval to expand its radius from one to two nautical miles from its operating stations in North Carolina and Texas. 

    By • July 28, 2022
  • Large squares containing "ASAP" and "Pick Up Orders"
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    Permission granted by Waitr Holdings
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    Waitr strikes exclusive partnership with New York Giants, New York Jets

    The delivery firm, which is rebranding as ASAP, will provide in-stadium mobile ordering during home games, concerts and events at MetLife Stadium.

    By • July 27, 2022
  • Three side-by-side images of smartphone screens showing grocery e-commerce features, like a barcode scanning tool.
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    Uber; Getty Images

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    Uber is looking to change its ‘frustrating’ US grocery experience

    After a rough launch with Cornershop two years ago, Uber is aiming to course-correct by adding new features on Eats for customers, workers and retailers.

    By Catherine Douglas Moran • July 27, 2022
  • Jamba by Blendid kiosk at the Walmart in Dixon, California
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    Permission granted by Blendid
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    Jamba by Blendid expands to UCLA

    The University of California Los Angeles marks the third college campus to open a Jamba by Blendid kiosk this year, and fifth overall for Blendid. 

    By Alicia Kelso • July 26, 2022
  • McDonald's drive thru sign
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s CEO: Robots aren’t practical in vast majority of restaurants

    Though 10% labor inflation and staffing levels are challenging the chain, CEO Chris Kempczinski said automation won’t be a “silver bullet” solution. 

    By • July 26, 2022
  • Image of a counter with a ordering kiosk and shelves in the background with bags.
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    Permission granted by Kitchen United
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    Kitchen United secures $100M

    The firm plans to grow from 15 locations to over 500 using malls, shopping centers and supermarkets operated by new investors, Business Insider reports.

    By • July 25, 2022
  • An image of a bike rider with a yellow backpack that says "Lunchbox" on it
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    Courtesy of Lunchbox
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    Lunchbox reportedly lays off 60 employees

    The job cuts reduced the restaurant tech firm’s staff, including engineering and technology roles, to 120 workers, Business Insider reports.

    By • July 22, 2022
  • Reef Technology's virtual food hall at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport in mid-July, 2022. Courtesy of Reef Technology
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    Permission granted by Reef Technology, Mason Harrison
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    Reef Technology's expansion

    Reef opens virtual food hall at Raleigh-Durham airport

    The ghost kitchen platform plans to offer delivery to travelers at gates throughout the airport as part of its first foray into airport foodservice. 

    By • July 21, 2022
  • A Piestro branded pizza box.
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    Courtesy of Piestro/Matt Lucido
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    Piestro and Capriotti’s pilot automated pizzeria in Las Vegas

    The sandwich chain plans to buy up to 100 Piestro Pods in the five years following the pilot, and to incorporate the pods in future store layouts. 

    By • July 21, 2022
  • An image of a stainless steel kitchen makeline
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    Courtesy of Chipotle/Hyphen
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    Chipotle invests in kitchen automation platform Hyphen

    The tech firm and mushroom-based protein company Meati are the first recipients of Chipotle’s venture fund Cultivate Next.

    By • July 21, 2022
  • A Jamba by Blendid unit
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    Permission granted by Jamba by Blendid
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    Jamba by Blendid to open in Love's Travel Shops

    The robotic smoothie maker will first pilot in a Love’s Travel Shop in Williams, California, with additional locations and kiosk operations to be announced.

    By • July 19, 2022