DoorDash, Google Bet on AI to Shape the Future of Dining
From software that automatically professionalizes menu item photos to tools that capture the emerging trend of agentic ordering, artificial intelligence offers real-world solutions for restaurant operators. Emerging technology not only opens doors for restaurants to...
Restaurants Shift Marketing Strategies as Digital Ordering Matures
Restaurant executives and marketing leaders said winning the digital guest now requires more than promotions alone, pointing to the growing importance of operational execution, targeted offers and packaging. Laura Michaels, editor in chief of Franchise Times,...
Papa Johns Pilots Drone Delivery with Wing
Papa Johns is testing drone delivery, but not for pizza—at least, not yet. On Monday the chain announced a pilot with Wing in Charlotte, North Carolina, focused on delivering its oven-toasted sandwiches through autonomous drones. Eligible customers can order items,...Poll of the Week May 14, 2026
Drivers for Restaurant App Downloads For you, what is the primary driver for downloading a restaurant brand’s app? Loyalty/Rewards Program First-Party Ordering/Order Tracking/Quick Reordering Exclusive/Targeted Offers Unsure/Other Please select one of the following...
DoorDash Ramps Up Reservations with Largest Expansion Yet
Third-party delivery market leader DoorDash furthered a push into in-restaurant dining this week with its largest expansion of reservations since launching the offering last fall. The move brings DoorDash Reservations to 10 major cities globally, ramping the...
Drive-Thru Concepts Welcome Tech Advancements, But Not Without Human Touch
When it comes to drive-thru innovation, “the magic happens at the window.” That’s according to Patrick Shaheen, vice president of operations for Ballard Brands, whose coffee concept PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans is redefining the modern drive-thru experience. Shaheen,...
Restaurant Industry Insiders Suggest a Focus on Problem-Solving Tech
Where DoorDash Labs was launched eight years ago, the mission was centered on multimodality. Harrison Shih, the senior director of the delivery company’s technological development division, said from the start, they saw potential to expand the way DoorDash could...
Brand Leaders Embracing Change, but Still Put Food First
Suzie Tsai is candid about the state of her brand’s tech stack. The CEO of Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken noted a recent meeting with a restaurant industry expert who bluntly told her the brand’s tech stack was bad, to which Tsai said, “I agree.” In her view, Tsai is OK...
Dream Vs. Reality: Restaurant Marketers Still Working Toward Personalization
Having a loyalty program is no longer a differentiator, noted Olga Lopategui with Restaurant Loyalty Specialists, which helps optimize loyalty for restaurants. Where restaurants can gain ground is in the effectiveness of those programs—and understanding the gaps in...
Outstanding Operators
Food On Demand Outstanding Operators features restaurant brands with innovative operations that are taking creative paths to success with delivery and all things off-premises.