Shake Shack takes on procure-to-pay, supplier management in tech upgrade

A digital transformation and new enterprise resource planning systems gives Shake Shack a more granular picture of its procurement operations and frees up in-restaurant teams from administrative tasks.

By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 28, 2020

Noodles & Company's digital sales grew 46% last year

The company aims to eventually bring guests from third-party delivery partners to direct delivery, CEO Dave Boennighausen said on its Q4 earnings call. 

By Lauren Manning , Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 27, 2020

Explore the 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's coffee subscription leverages loyalty to fight breakfast battle

The chain's CEO said the unlimited coffee and tea offering, which diners can access for $8.99 through its rewards program, increased visits by 70% during its pilot. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 27, 2020

KFC Canada tests Google's food ordering service

By saying, "Hey Google, order food from KFC," Google Assistant will wake up to take an order.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 26, 2020

Domino's zeros in on tech to improve service, labor costs

Tools like GPS tracking, a newly launched Pie Pass program, autonomous delivery tests and AI platforms for staffing could help franchisees drive efficiencies and profitability in a tight labor market. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 21, 2020

Wingstop bolsters digital growth with pickup lockers, ghost kitchen

CEO Charlie Morrison said on an earnings call that Wingstop's digital mix topped 40% in January and its off-premise business drives about 80% of sales. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 20, 2020

Domino's speeds up pizza pickup with Pie Pass

This investment reflects growing focus on optimizing pickup, since 95% of diners report collecting their order on time is the most important aspect of the service. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 18, 2020

Lunch Break: Firehouse Sub's VP of operations services shares strategies for tech deployment

Rich Goodman talks about how the sandwich chain, with a 98% franchised system, approaches upgrades, from new online guest experiences to digital education resources for employees. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 18, 2020

WeWork launches Food Labs in NYC amid struggles

The company opened its newest food-focused co-working space and innovation lab, which is designed to promote research and development and collaboration.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 14, 2020

OpenTable loyalty perk helps diners land hard-to-book restaurants

Its Dining Points can now be used to book popular places during peak dining times, extending a feature originally introduced in November to Capital One cardholders. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 12, 2020

Papa John's returns to Snapchat with Valentine's AR lens

Last year, more than 25% of Snapchat users who swiped up on the chain's AR lens ordered a Valentine's Day pizza.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 11, 2020

Burger King, Tim Hortons invest in personalized drive-thru tech

The brands' menu boards will offer locational, situational and customized offerings similar to McDonald's rollout of Dynamic Yield.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 10, 2020

Chipotle's digital sales spike 90% for fiscal 2019

To amplify this growth, more than half of the 150 to 165 new stores to launch in 2020 will be equipped with "Chipotlane" mobile pickup drive-thrus.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 5, 2020

Full-service cloud kitchen brand Kitopi raises $60M

The company will use the funding to open 150 delivery-only locations around the world by the end of 2020.

By Lauren Manning • Feb. 4, 2020

Amazon Go will soon offer hot food and fountain soda

A San Francisco location recently closed for renovations and informed customers it's adding more meal and beverage options, including espresso.

By Krishna Thakker • Jan. 28, 2020

Yelp rolls out restaurant health score popup notifications

Following a pilot in San Francisco, Yelp has launched the feature in Chicago and Los Angeles to flag restaurants with the worst health inspection violations. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 27, 2020

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 Manning • 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 Manning • 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 Manning • Jan. 10, 2020