Presto tests voice AI tech that doesn’t require human intervention

The company is “in the process of conducting a live test” of an autonomous version of its voice AI product, months after revealing humans intervene 70% of the time it’s used. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 7, 2024

Instacart adds restaurant delivery with Uber Eats

Over the next few weeks, Instacart will add a restaurant tab powered by Uber Eats to its app, giving Uber access to potentially millions of new customers.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 7, 2024

El Pollo Loco’s new CEO unveils 5-part operations overhaul

From digital investments to incentivizing franchisees to bolster growth, Liz Williams laid out a path she expects will drive sales while decreasing costs.

By Julie Littman • May 6, 2024

The top restaurant trends in 2024

Restaurant owners crave tools that provide better insights that they can use to connect with their customers, integrate with other solutions, and receive real-time information about the health of their business.

By Natalie Zunker • May 6, 2024

Shake Shack’s kiosks are now its largest ordering channel

The chain added upselling options to its kiosks and made the channel’s customization experience more similar to online ordering.

By Julie Littman • May 2, 2024

Yum’s digital sales mix tops 50% systemwide

Following several quarters of kiosk and e-commerce deployment, digital is on track to generate $30 billion in annualized sales. 

By Julie Littman • May 1, 2024

IHOP’s POS migration is boosting speed, check totals

The diner chain has nearly completed a two-year migration of 1,500 restaurants to Tray’s platform, which integrates with handheld server tablets to trim order and pay times at tables. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 30, 2024

Chipotle makes order fulfillment, not fancier tech, its top CX focus

Faster order speed is “one of those things that cascades into everything being a lot better,” CEO Brian Niccol said.

By Bryan Wassel • April 25, 2024

IHOP adds 2 new Virtual Dining Concept brands, expands another

IHOP is focusing on virtual brands as a solution to traffic problems in non-peak dayparts and thinks two sports-themed brands could lift sales.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 25, 2024

Flynn Group, Zipline to deliver Panera Bread orders via drone

Deliveries are expected to begin next year and will be available from select Panera units in the Greater Seattle area. 

By Julie Littman • April 19, 2024

Krispy Kreme switching to points-based loyalty scheme

Loyalty members will earn 10 points for every dollar spent starting April 23 as the chain shifts away from a consistent 8.3% discount rate on rewards.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 17, 2024

Steak ‘n Shake installs facial recognition at self-ordering kiosks

The chain, which completed its move from full-service to self-service last year, first tested PopID’s technology in October and began deploying it in January.

By Julie Littman • April 16, 2024

Wow Bao links restaurant rewards to Roblox in platform-first integration

Metaverse hype may have dissipated, but brands remain interested in leveraging games like Roblox to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

By Peter Adams • April 11, 2024

4 ways restaurants can add AI to their operations

The technology can help employees improve customer satisfaction, cook food to a brand’s standards and accurately refill inventory, executives say. 

By Danielle McLean • April 11, 2024

Dynamic pricing firm Juicer snags $5.3M in funding

Restaurant pricing tools may help operators boost sales in lagging dayparts, but consumer sensitivity about these applications is still powerful.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 10, 2024

Florida c-store chain to test kitchen robots

Re-Up convenience stores is planning to use AI-driven machines to help fry its food, brew its coffee and squeeze fresh juice.

By Brett Dworski • April 5, 2024

Uber Eats partners with Waymo for autonomous delivery in Phoenix

Uber Eats has been expanding its network of autonomous delivery partners since 2022 and works with Motional, Nuro, Cartken and Serve Robotics. 

By Julie Littman • April 3, 2024

DeSantis signs Florida delivery bill pre-empting local delivery regulations

The law, backed by Uber and DoorDash, requires delivery firms to delist restaurants that request to be removed and will prevent local governments from passing regulations impacting third-party delivery.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 3, 2024

ASAP goes bust

ASAP, once known as Waitr, ceased its operations over the last few weeks and let go of its executives, prior to filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Tuesday.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated April 2, 2024

Dave’s Hot Chicken tests kiosks, bigger drinks in face of $20 CA wage

The fast-growing chain is raising prices 9% and testing tech that it says boosts check but doesn’t cut labor costs.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 1, 2024

The Future of Restaurants Report: 2024 Edition

The Square Future of Restaurants report will give you insight into how global restaurant owners are staying competitive and what motivates customers to dine with them.

April 1, 2024

Visa, Mastercard reach landmark credit card settlement

The two biggest U.S. card networks agreed to cap interchange fees for five years, among other terms, to settle merchant litigation that has lasted nearly two decades.

By Lynne Marek • March 28, 2024

McDonald’s, NielsenIQ team for Cultural Relevance ad-testing module

By analyzing the role and effectiveness of cultural factors in content, this solution can help advertisers deliver more impactful and inclusive ads.

By Jessica Deyo • March 27, 2024

DoorDash to deliver by drone from a VA Wendy’s

Wing drones will deliver meals from the fast food location to nearby customers within about 30 minutes, the company said.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated March 22, 2024

Presto lays off 18% of staff 4 months after most recent cuts

Following a pivot away from its tablet business to drive-thru artificial intelligence, the company eliminated 24 corporate roles.

By Julie Littman • March 19, 2024