latest posts

Meal Costs Continue to Rise as Consumer Prices Drop

By Hans Lammeman | July 15, 2026

Although June saw the largest decrease in the Consumer Price Index since 2020, the cost of eating out tells a different story in both full-service and quick-service operations.

Autonomous Delivery: Counting Down to Critical Mass

By Peter Backman | July 15, 2026

New data from China, Europe and the U.S. suggests autonomous delivery is entering a new phase of commercial growth.

New Report Reveals Cuisine with Most Effective Loyalty Programs

By Hans Lammeman | July 15, 2026

New research from Incentivio analyzing 4,000-plus restaurants reveals how loyalty effectiveness varies by cuisine type. Indian restaurants led the way for activation, while Coffee concepts drove the most engagement. 

Poll of the Week July 16, 2026

By Allison Olson | July 14, 2026

Related posts: Delivery Providers Roll Out Restaurant Relief Big Delivery Providers Bristle at Minimum Wage for NYC Delivery Workers Restaurant Analysts React to COVID-19 Closures Chick-fil-A Settles $4.4M Lawsuit as Customers Demand Delivery Price Transparency

Chipotle Venture Fund Invests in Six Agriculture and Restaurant Tech Startups

By Bernadette Heier | July 14, 2026

The investments span climate intelligence, soil health, sustainability, supply chain transparency and guest-facing technology.

The Innovation Fueling America’s Coffee Boom

By Hans Lammeman | July 9, 2026

From market leader Starbucks to emerging disruptors like 7 Brew and Dutch Bros,
innovation, both on the menu and beyond, is core to the scaling efforts shaping the U.S.
coffee industry.

Smashburger Doubles Down with Streamlined Menu

By Bernadette Heier | July 8, 2026

The fast-casual chain’s menu includes two burgers and two Häagen-Dazs hand-spun shakes, a smaller selection than previous seasonal promotions.

Miso Robotics Acquires Former Pizza Automation Pioneer Zume 

By Bernadette Heier | July 8, 2026

The deal adds Zume’s technology, intellectual property and more than 300 patents spanning food robotics and packaging to Miso’s portfolio.

Poll of the Week July 9, 2026

By Allison Olson | July 8, 2026

Related posts: Delivery Providers Roll Out Restaurant Relief Big Delivery Providers Bristle at Minimum Wage for NYC Delivery Workers Restaurant Analysts React to COVID-19 Closures Chick-fil-A Settles $4.4M Lawsuit as Customers Demand Delivery Price Transparency

AI Integrations Emerges as Summer Defining Trend for Square

By Hans Lammeman | July 8, 2026

Since the start of summer, the restaurant technology company announced integrations with chatbots ChatGPT and Claude, as well as AI-powered guest engagement platform Incentivio.