From drive-thru to back-end operations to predictive ordering for consumers, restaurant brands are beginning to pilot artificial intelligence to streamline food service. The technology has yet to reach critical mass in large chains, but has the potential to automate more tasks and empower restaurant workers to have a more meaningful experience with customers. Analysts say … Read more
Starbucks says it’s on track for customers to be able to order reusable cups from any location in the United States, through ordering methods such as drive-thru and mobile, by the end of this year. Mobile and drive-thru have become huge drivers for Starbucks sales, and a key test of the reusable program is currently … Read more
Restaurants are expecting a sales boom this summer, but consumers are still concerned about inflation. Last year, restaurant sales in May, June and July were tepid as rising gas prices and worries about the economy weighed on consumers. About a third of consumers surveyed by Datassential plan to dine out less in the next month, … Read more
Many U.S. companies said China’s recovery helped their quarterly sales, but demand did not pick up as quickly as expected for some. Starbucks, Disney, MGM Resorts and Procter & Gamble are among the companies that reported increased sales in China. But companies are still waiting to see the same recovery in travel retail. Pedestrians walk … Read more
Pedestrians carry McDonald’s bags in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, April 6, 2023. Victor J. Blue | Bloomberg | Getty Images As restaurants prepare to report their first quarter results, investors are expecting strong results. But the rest of the year could prove more bumpy for the sector. McDonald’s, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Domino’s Pizza … Read more
