Hungry Howie’s latest Cartwheel delivery partner
Hungry Howie's has added a new delivery partner to its Cartwheel program.

63 stories · last 7 days by relevance
Hungry Howie's has added a new delivery partner to its Cartwheel program.

Panera modified its rewards program structure, signaling an effort to deepen customer retention through revised earning mechanics.
Fast Casual Executive Summit (Oct. 4-6 in Arlington, Texas) will explore how integrating fragmented tech systems into a unified customer view can improve returns for fast casual brands.

Restaurant technology has shifted from maximizing order capture across channels to a more strategic, efficiency-focused approach, signaling that operators are prioritizing quality and cost management

Chowbus and Maple have partnered to offer multilingual voice AI ordering technology to restaurants.
Fast-casual operators from Hot Head Burritos, Smoothie King, and Kraft Heinz are sharing insights on executing brand collaborations successfully at an industry conference.

PAR Technology has launched Guest360, a platform designed to unify guest data across restaurant transactions.
A restaurant's reservation system captures customer data from busy service nights, creating a record of guest information.
Restaurant chains are investing in their own delivery apps to reduce third-party platform fees, though adoption remains a challenge for operators.
The founder of text-message ordering technology claims his platform powers over 800 restaurant brands including major chains like Shake Shack and Panda Express, signaling that SMS remains a viable ord
Industry experts are examining the potential federal definition of ultra-processed foods and its implications for restaurant operators, signaling possible regulatory shifts ahead.
Haidilao is implementing Infobip's data-driven personalization tools to expand its loyalty program globally, signaling how hotpot chains are investing in customer data infrastructure to compete across
Taco Bell partnered with Olivia Rodrigo for a Baja Blast collaboration, part of broader celebrity marketing efforts across quick-service chains amid ongoing industry leadership changes.
Starbucks is discontinuing a blending powder after baristas reported respiratory issues from airborne particles, aligning the change with its seasonal menu shift.
Restaurants are exploring Gen X and Baby Boomer hiring as a potential response to labor turnover, signaling a shift toward older demographics who may bring different workforce characteristics than you
Taco Bell partnered with Olivia Rodrigo to co-create a Baja Blast variant, signaling continued celebrity collaboration as a lever for beverage differentiation in QSR.

Restaurants are prioritizing first-party digital ordering channels as a strategic focus.
Restaurants are increasing customer technology investments despite traffic remaining 7% below pre-pandemic levels, suggesting operators see tech adoption as essential for competing in a slower-recover
Starbucks is facing pressure from pro-labor investors seeking to separate board chair and CEO roles while workers' union seeks consumer boycott support over contract negotiations.
Chipotle enlisted 100 creators to produce unscripted social and TV content showcasing the preparation of new menu items Pollo Asado and Chili Lime Chips, signaling a shift toward creator-led authentic
Wonder laid off approximately 150 employees, representing 7% of its workforce, as part of a streamlining effort.

Del Taco is launching a new catering platform as part of its Project Del Sunrise expansion roadmap, beginning September 3.
Events and private dining have become important revenue streams for restaurants, but the booking process remains inefficient, according to TripleSeat's CEO.
Daily tip payout systems are gaining adoption in restaurants, offering staff faster access to earnings and greater financial visibility.
Celebrity co-creation of limited-time beverages drives trial and social buzz—a scalable playbook for QSR brands chasing Gen Z traffic and shareability.

An industry analysis piece examines operational challenges ahead for 2026, signaling that restaurants face continued cost and margin pressures in the coming year.
Chipotle placed content creators in its kitchens as part of a restaurant-focused marketing initiative.
A new study claims a proposed $25 minimum wage could cost 5 million jobs, raising questions about what wage increase restaurant operators might find acceptable.

Dave's Hot Chicken's CMO discusses the chain's approach to AI, using it for backend operations like customer data and financial analysis while excluding it from creative and content work.

Owner, a restaurant tech platform, raised $240 million to expand its AI-powered technology and marketing services.
Wonder acquired Salt Hank's, Uber exited its Serve delivery platform, and Qu Foods hired Paul Rubin—three separate moves signaling ongoing consolidation and leadership shifts in restaurant technology
Owner, a platform for local businesses, has raised $240M in funding led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
Cash-based labor practices highlight wage/compliance risks and operational complexity that chains need to address as regulatory scrutiny intensifies.
Restaurants are facing online criticism for using AI to generate menus and social media content, though some argue the practice deserves more tolerance.

Case study on franchisee workforce practices — value depends on whether story reveals replicable retention tactics or operator cost-saving strategies.
Rove, a rewards platform, has expanded to include dining and in-store rewards capabilities alongside its existing offerings.
Qu has launched an embedded payment platform designed for quick-service restaurants, integrating payments directly into restaurant operations software.
Chipotle launched a '100 Creators' campaign with an apparent openness theme, suggesting the brand is emphasizing accessibility and inclusion in its creator partnership strategy.
Immigration enforcement is increasingly targeting restaurants.
Jeff's Bagel Run, an Orlando bagel chain nearing 40 locations, built its own point-of-sale system rather than adopting off-the-shelf software, signaling that specialized operators may see custom tech
Firehouse Subs has appointed Camp + King as its creative agency of record, handling advertising, social media, and creative work across the 1,500-location chain.
Block is expanding Square's presence in the restaurant sector, though the source does not provide specifics on the expansion strategy or growth trajectory.
Starbucks is promoting the return of its Pumpkin Spice Latte with new ads featuring Martha Stewart and actor Belmont Cameli that playfully address the drink's cultural perception.
A restaurant president characterized teen fryer violations as an unintentional error after the company faced $62,000 in child labor penalties, suggesting ongoing compliance challenges in restaurant op
Consumers generate detailed personal profiles through everyday transactions like McDonald's orders and entertainment purchases, yet typically lack visibility or control over these data compilations.

Case study of a regional chain's loyalty marketing leadership — useful for peer benchmark, but limited to vendor audience context.
Dr Pepper's 'Fansville' campaign, now in its ninth season, uses personalization to drive college football audiences and lift sales, signals the durability of branded entertainment in sports marketing.

Rove, a loyalty program, now operates across 2,000 restaurants and offers up to 14 miles per dollar, instant gift card rewards, and a new app feature.
General influencer marketing advice for food brands — not specific to restaurant chain operations or strategy.
New Jersey restaurants must shift to a request-only model for plastic utensils and condiment packets starting August 1st, signaling states' growing regulatory pressure on operators to reduce single-us