The Latest News
Marc Lore’s Wonder Opens the First of Four Food Halls Inside Walmart
The tech entrepreneur is bringing Wonder’s chef-driven meals to the masses as his ghost kitchen-style concept continues to evolve.
Outstanding Operator: Papa Johns
The world’s third-largest pizza chain is recognized for embracing new ways of learning, adapting to changing customer habits and exploring modern technology for each part of its business.
Flybuy Aims to Erase Restaurant Wait Times Via AI-Driven Solution
Flybuy Connect aims to eliminate restaurant wait times and provide a more accurate handoff for drive-thru, pickup or delivery orders.
Hungry House, MegaBite Merge to Form BiteLabs
The merged entity’s goal is to bring its chef-inspired, digitally forward fast casual offering across the Americas.
The Evolving Global Dynamics of Rapid Grocery Delivery
The transformation of the grocery delivery sector is a hallmark of the digital age, reflecting a shift towards convenience and efficiency worldwide.
Uber Eats Expands Robotic Delivery to Japan
Deliveries are expected to begin in part of Tokyo by the end of March 2024, via Cartken’s “Model C” autonomous, sidewalk robot.
Toast Lays Off 550 Employees Amid Restructuring
The Boston-based, restaurant technology company states the cuts are part of a restructuring plan to lower operating costs.
Outstanding Operator: Wow Bao
The Chicago-based Asian brand is no stranger to innovation, consistently pushing the envelope with omnichannel creativity and expansion in non-traditional formats.
Outstanding Operator: Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria
Since its inception, the pizza chain has continued modernizing operations, staying up-to-date with trends in consumer behavior and off-premises ordering.
Inspire Brands Buys Delivery Tech Platform Vromo
The move is part of Inspire Brands’ strategic plan to make delivery channels more profitable. Vromo serves as a management software, helping brands operate delivery at scale while providing the end customer with branded delivery tracking.
Starship Technologies Raises $90 Million Funding Round
The recent round of investments will be used to further develop AI as well as tech and wireless charging infrastructure.
Robots Are Coming, but Restaurant Automation Is Far From Easy
Despite the hurdles in restaurant robotics, many bigger fast food and fast casual brands remain committed to advancing the technology, as experts say automation in the industry is inevitable.
Food On Demand Topics
Finance
Uber’s Revenue Up 11 Percent as Delivery, New Verticals Rise
Uber slightly missed analyst expectations, but posted growth in active users and delivery bookings.
Research
Tillster’s Report Details Diner Expectations for Dine-in and Delivery
Tillster’s new “Phygital Index Report” sheds new light on what diners are thinking for delivered and in-person restaurant experiences.
The Deliverers
Loop Raises 6M to Increase Third-Party Delivery Profits for Restaurants
The company has experienced fast growth with their AI-powered back-office platform that helps restaurants account for the logistical and financial challenges often associated with third-party delivery.
Best Practices
What are your peers doing in delivery? Get some of the best practices out there.
Chipotle Founder Steve Ells Wants to Change the Way Restaurants Operate with Kernel
The plant-based, cashier-less eatery has no seating and is operated mostly by robotics.