Technology
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Dave & Buster’s prioritizes tech investments on the hunt for better experience
Technology updates and the introduction of on-premise sales managers who tailor consumer experience to specific stores are showing promise.
By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 16, 2024 -
Chipotle starts in-store testing for avocado, makeline robots
The two pieces of equipment, including the Autocado, were developed in conjunction with firms backed by its venture fund.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 16, 2024 -
Trendline
Back-of-house Technology
From voice AI at the drive-thru to robot-powered makelines, restaurants are investing in technology solutions to optimize kitchen operations and reduce employee turnover.
By Restaurant Dive staff -
Sponsored by Square
Mapping Broad Street Oyster Co.’s journey from pop-up shop to storefront number 6
Here's how this seafood restaurant went from pop up shop to six physical locations in five years.
By Maya Rollings • Sept. 9, 2024 -
First Watch appoints CIO
Rob Conti, who previously served as SVP of information technology, has been instrumental in the company’s rollout of business intelligence, pay-at-table technology and other systems.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 4, 2024 -
Q&A // Meet the exec
How Taco John’s CEO is developing a people-first culture
Heather Neary, who joined the chain earlier this year, is developing a culture of communication as the restaurant grows beyond its Midwestern roots.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 3, 2024 -
Yelp files antitrust lawsuit against Google
Google’s massive search market share “starves” competitors of traffic and therefore revenue, the reviews platform alleged in a federal suit.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 30, 2024 -
Uber expands robotic delivery
Beginning this week, Coco will start delivering for Uber Eats in Los Angeles with additional cities forthcoming.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 27, 2024 -
Cava’s new loyalty program to go national in October
A new rewards structure is expected to drive traffic and spending, and give the chain access to valuable first-party data.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 26, 2024 -
Sponsored by Givex
Contactless technology that is here to stay
In just a few short years, contactless ordering and payment software has transformed the way restaurants optimize efficiencies and deliver exceptional service.
Aug. 26, 2024 -
Chick-fil-A’s long-awaited elevated drive-thru opens
The prototype has four drive-thru lanes, including mobile pickup areas, and can handle more cars than a traditional Chick-fil-A.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 21, 2024 -
Grubhub adds 60 schools to campus dining program
In 2023, student orders on Grubhub’s marketplace were up 30% while delivery orders increased 35%.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 21, 2024 -
Shake Shack will use robots to deliver orders in Los Angeles
The new partnership enhances Shake Shack’s push to use new technology, which also includes a rollout of kiosks across its restaurants.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 14, 2024 -
Sweetgreen automated kitchen concept improves retention, margins
The first establishment with the chain’s Infinite Kitchen technology has seen restaurant level margins of 31% and a 45% lower turnover rate than a traditional location.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 12, 2024 -
Presto Automation delisted from Nasdaq
Presto’s Interim CEO predicted delisting will let the firm pursue a startup like capital strategy, as its operations shift to the development of new voice-AI.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 8, 2024 -
Portillo’s pilots ordering kiosks
Facing traffic pressure as a result of QSR discounting, Portillo’s is testing in-store kiosks, a tech proponents say can boost average check size, in Illinois.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 7, 2024 -
Chili’s deploys Ziosk pay-at-table tech
The tabletop tablets, which Chili’s previously used up until four years ago, are expected to increase guest engagement and loyalty enrollment.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2024 -
Grubhub adds features to improve consumer experience
Among the most significant additions is product recommendations at checkout, which could help restaurant partners upsell customers.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 2, 2024 -
Taco Bell to deploy drive-thru voice AI to hundreds of US locations
The technology is part of Yum’s ongoing strategy to create a digital ecosystem that can improve operations and boost profits.
By Julie Littman • July 31, 2024 -
Presto CEO says the business will survive if delisted
The voice AI company, which went public in 2021, could benefit from a NASDAQ delisting that lets it act more like a start-up, Gee Lefevre said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 30, 2024 -
Chipotle’s advanced equipment strategy takes a step forward
The fast casual giant said its avocado processing machine and automated digital makeline are in the final steps before in-restaurant testing.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 26, 2024 -
Marco’s opens first location with new digital-focused design
The prototype, which has the option for a pickup door and window, is expected to accelerate the chain’s growth while improving customer services.
By Julie Littman • July 25, 2024 -
Zaxbys creates e-commerce division, adds chief digital officer
Chris Kung, who joins the fast food chain after four years at Dollar General, will oversee the company’s new e-commerce and loyalty team.
By Julie Littman • July 24, 2024 -
C-stores see higher loyalty retention than QSRs, data shows
However, they sign up new members much more slowly than quick- and full-service restaurants, according to data from Paytronix.
By Jessica Loder • July 24, 2024 -
Bojangles to deploy voice AI at hundreds of drive-thrus
The chicken chain is positioning itself as an aggressive early-adopter of drive-thru voice AI, and says Hi Auto’s tool is more than 95% accurate.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 23, 2024 -
Coffee and EV charging: Mercedes-Benz partners with Starbucks
The collaboration will add DC fast chargers at 100 retail locations along the 1,400-mile Interstate 5 corridor.
By Haley Cawthon • July 22, 2024