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In this festive episode, Carl and Meredith explore five transformative trends in the restaurant industry as we wrap up 2024. They kick things off by discussing how personalization is finally becoming a reality for big brands like McDonald’s and Yum! Brands, leveraging data to craft tailored offers for customers. The conversation then moves to the latest Toast Trend Report, revealing intriguing shifts in dining habits, such as the growing popularity of early-week and same-day reservations, reshaping how restaurants plan and operate.
The discussion continues with DoorDash's proactive efforts to tackle fake Dasher accounts, a move with wide-ranging implications for delivery costs and gig economy efficiency. They also highlight Fresho, an Australian startup revolutionizing the wholesale food supply chain with a $17M funding boost. Finally, the hosts examine how smart technology is integrating with restaurant operations, from POS-connected kitchen equipment to predictive maintenance tools. This episode is packed with insights into how innovation is driving change across the industry.Support the show
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In this episode of The Digital Restaurant, Carl and Meredith dive into the hottest topics shaping the future of the restaurant industry. From Touch Bistro’s bold 2025 State of Restaurants Report to the resurgence of ghost kitchens, the conversation explores how technology and innovation are redefining dining trends. The duo breaks down why AI adoption is critical for restaurants of all sizes and examines the latest advancements in electric kitchen technology, including the intriguing concept of battery-powered stoves. Wrapping up the episode, they explore how Google Maps’ AI-driven enhancements are revolutionizing restaurant discovery and customer engagement.
Packed with insights and actionable takeaways, this discussion is a must-watch for restaurant operators, tech enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the future of dining. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments—whether it’s about ghost kitchens, AI tools, or your views on the electrification of kitchens. Subscribe for more episodes packed with expert insights, and check out the links in the description to dive deeper into the topics discussed!
Timestamp:
0:00 Introduction
02:00 Touch Bistro Restaurants 2025
09:00 Will Ghost Kitchens Make a Comeback? Or Evolove into Software?
12:00 Are Restaurants Ready to Lead with AI?
19:00 Should your next stove have a battery?
22:00 Google Shatters Expectations for Restaurant Discovery
26:00 Closing remarks
Articles mentioned:
1. Touch Bistro Restaurants 2025 https://bit.ly/3LGeVWs
2. Will Ghost Kitchens Make a Comeback? Or Evolve into Software https://bit.ly/3FwLn42
UrbanPiper Aims 10x Growth in US Market: https://bit.ly/3YjvGV8
3. Are Restaurants Ready to Lead with AI?https://bit.ly/3Fa7kbW
How Yum Brands Serves Up Digital Innovation: https://bit.ly/3LY8bpK
Even Mom-and-Pops Are Investing in Artificial Intelligence: https://bit.ly/3YGoeOf
4. Should Your Next Stove Have a Battery? https://bit.ly/3M7s3O2
5. Google Maps Will Use AI to Answer Questions About New Restaurants: https://bit.ly/3M75QpdSupport the show
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📖 Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant
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In this episode of the Digital Restaurant Podcast, we dive into several key industry trends and developments. We discuss Wonder's surprising acquisition of Grubhub at a steep 91% discount, exploring how this deal could bolster Wonder's vision of a "super app" for mealtime. The conversation shifts to the growing impact of Ozempic on the restaurant industry, with discussions around how reduced appetites might affect dining behaviors and prompt restaurants to rethink menu offerings. We also tackle the challenges CFOs face in financing restaurant tech, as the industry grapples with the high costs and benefits of tech investments. We touch on the rising trend of self-ordering kiosks, exemplified by chains like Bojangles and Shake Shack, and the potential for loyalty integration. Finally, we explore Serve's acquisition of Vebu, marking a potential shift toward a consolidation of automation technologies in the restaurant space
Timestamp:
00:01:14 Wondering why Wonder grabbed Grubhub?
00:05:44 What does Ozempic mean for restaurants?
00:09:4 RFDC Highlights: Financing Technology
00:13:52 More evidence to show that kiosks were the tech to have in 2024
00:17:03 Serve Buys Autocado
Articles mentioned in the video:
Wonder Grabbing Grubhub
Wonder Acquiring Grubhub - Restaurant Business Online
https://bit.ly/3sbsD4f
Wonder Buys Grubhub for a Stunning Discount - IB Times
https://bit.ly/45n1q6h
Wonder Grabs Grubhub: WSJ
https://bit.ly/45n57X4
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What Ozempic Means for Restaurants
Ozempic's Impact on Restaurants - Franchise Times
https://bit.ly/45n0SoI
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Financing Technology in Restaurants
Restaurant CFOs Embrace Technology - Franchise Times
https://bit.ly/45lFy6I
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Kiosks as a Key Tech Trend in 2024
Bojangles and Grubbrr Installing Kiosks - Restaurant Dive
https://bit.ly/45mf9l4
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Serve Robotics Buys Vebu (Autocado)
Serve Robotics Buys Vebu - Restaurant Dive
https://bit.ly/45n5aM2Support the show
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Articles mentioned in the video:
DoorDash and Toast are quietly becoming ShopifyRelated Article: DoorDash Debuts Commerce Platform, Mobile App Support for Merchants
Instacart is likewise wrapping around its B&M clients
Related Articles: Instacart focuses on diversifying tech, brand partners to fuel growth
Instacart adds games, personalized coupons to its smart carts4. Supply chain AI supporting Wendy's & Chipotle
Related Article: Supply chain AI supporting Wendy's
5. Lists - finally!Support the show
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Is drone delivery the future of dining convenience, or simply a fleeting trend? Let's unveil the groundbreaking partnership between Serve's robot delivery and Wing's drone technology, poised to revolutionize how food finds its way to your doorstep. By synergizing Serve's short-distance, heavy-load capabilities with Wing's high-speed, long-distance prowess, we explore a new era of delivery efficiency that could breathe new life into ghost kitchens. Yet, as with any innovation, we're faced with the complexities and logistical hurdles inherent in this dynamic ecosystem.
On another front, the ever-pertinent issue of data privacy in restaurant delivery takes center stage. Recent legal developments in New York City have stirred the pot for platforms like DoorDash and Grubhub, putting the spotlight on the disparities in data access between large restaurant groups and independent operators. We'll discuss innovative approaches to data sharing that aim to balance consumer privacy with business growth. Meanwhile, Thanks and Attentive's collaboration offers a masterclass in leveraging SMS marketing to foster customer loyalty, exemplified by Babacus's impressive results. As the digital dining landscape evolves, we invite you to reimagine your dining experiences through the lens of technology and data.Support the show
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What if your food delivery arrived late 98% of the time? Join us as we explore staggering statistics from InTouch Insights on the current state of the digital restaurant landscape. Meredith and Carl reveal why younger consumers under 45 are setting the trend in delivery orders and discuss the intricate challenges of ensuring on-time deliveries—only 2% hit the mark! We dissect the complications of batching orders, delve into the importance of accurate delivery estimates, and uncover Pepsi's creative strategies to drive pizza sales on DoorDash. Plus, find out how AI could be the game-changer for "lazy yet smart" workers looking to excel in this fast-paced industry.
Switching gears, we dive into the transformative power of AI within business and technology. Learn why hiring smart, efficient workers who can harness AI is critical, and discover the potential of AI agents to replace traditional apps, paving the way for personal digital assistants. We offer actionable insights on integrating AI into your decision-making processes, highlighting tasks ripe for automation and those best handled through human-machine collaboration. Finally, hear from Joe Park, CTO at Yum, about balancing tech investments with human interaction in hospitality, and get the scoop on Olive Garden's strategic move to partner with Uber Eats, all in response to evolving consumer demands.Support the show
🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!
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Can the restaurant industry learn from airlines and hotels when it comes to loyalty programs? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Irvi Patel, who shares her remarkable transition from the finance sector to her current role leading customer experience and engagement at GoToFoods. Irvi provides a fascinating comparison of industry maturity stages, illustrating the immense growth potential in the restaurant sector through data-driven decision-making and consumer behavior insights. You won't want to miss her expert analysis on developing effective loyalty strategies that can set restaurants on a path to success, much like their hospitality counterparts.
Digital transformation is sweeping the restaurant industry, and we explore what this means for brands at different stages of digital maturity. From the pioneering digital solutions of Starbucks and Chick-fil-A to GoToFoods' customer-focused enhancements in their apps and websites, we break down how restaurants can navigate this complex landscape. We liken first-party channels to boutiques and marketplaces to department stores, providing a clear understanding of the strategies involved. Discover the importance of a common digital platform for managing multiple brands and achieving efficiency in customer engagement.
Finally, we delve into the power of personalization and its role in enhancing guest experiences. By integrating loyalty programs with first-party channels and leveraging customer data, restaurants can significantly improve operations and customer satisfaction. Irvi emphasizes the importance of engaging with loyal customers and asking the right business questions to utilize data effectively. We also touch on digital hospitality and how new technologies like the QPOS system can create seamless omni-channel experiences. Tune in to learn how restaurants can achieve digital maturity and elevate their customer interactions to new heights.Support the show
🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!
📖 Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant
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Support the show
🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!
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Can technology enhance your dining experience, or is it slowly eroding the personal touch that makes dining special? Join us as we dissect Pete Wells' provocative retirement essay and engage in a lively debate between Meredith and Carl on whether technological innovations like kiosks and mobile ordering are a blessing or a curse for the hospitality and restaurant industry. While Wells laments the loss of personal interaction, Meredith counters with compelling arguments on the efficiency and satisfaction that technology brings to fast food and casual dining. Drawing insights from our book "Delivering the Digital Restaurant," we delve into the generational shift towards digital preferences and how modern diners are redefining the dining landscape.
Beyond the dining room, we delve into the financial dynamics between restaurants and delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber. Learn how restaurants might be inadvertently funding these platforms through merchant-funded promotions and the broader implications of this trend. We also explore the groundbreaking potential of reinforcement learning in AI, revealing how it can elevate customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive future growth. Amidst mixed economic forecasts, there's a tech-driven transformation underway in the restaurant sector—tune in to discover how these advancements are reshaping your dining experience and the industry as a whole.Support the show
🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here!
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How would your restaurant handle a massive global outage affecting millions of devices and services? On this episode of the Digital Restaurant, we dissect the recent CrowdStrike crisis, shedding light on how it exposed critical vulnerabilities across various industries, including restaurants. Learn how businesses like Starbucks took a proactive approach to turn a negative situation into a customer win by offering free coffee during the outages. We'll equip you with actionable strategies to prepare for IT failures, ensure vendor and system redundancy, and maintain robust communication to support your customers during such disruptions.
Next, we dive into California's Prop 22 and its significant impact on gig workers and companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash. Discover the legislative complexities and what this means for the future of the gig economy. We also spotlight Bojangles' cutting-edge AI, Bo Linder, revolutionizing drive-thru service, and explore its potential future applications. Finally, we examine New York's Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act and its implications for the dining industry. Hear about the measures being implemented by restaurants and reservation platforms to combat unauthorized reservation sales and what this could mean for your next dining experience. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion that ties back to our book series, Delivering the Digital Restaurant.Support the show
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What if a new law could make your favorite takeout significantly more expensive? Join us on this week's The Digital Restaurant as we unravel the profound impacts of Seattle's new delivery driver wage laws on local eateries. You'll uncover how a $26.40 minimum wage and additional mileage fees have led platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats to impose a $5 surcharge, slashing delivery demand by half. We explore how restaurants like Bok Bok Fried Chicken and Biscuits are tackling these challenges head-on by creating their own delivery services to manage costs and enhance customer experiences. Plus, we dive into the broader implications of similar laws across the U.S., revealing the uncomfortable truth about consumer benefits from low driver wages.
Peek behind the curtain of restaurant management as we weigh the benefits of employing W-2 hourly drivers versus 1099 gig workers. Learn why maintaining visibility on third-party marketplaces remains crucial, even when handling deliveries in-house. We also introduce you to the exciting world of dashboard dining through Maviio's On my Way platform, which promises to revolutionize pickup orders. Finally, see how Kura Sushi leverages cutting-edge automation to stay competitive amidst soaring labor costs and shifting consumer behaviors. Discover how effective marketing can make all the difference in communicating their value proposition without resorting to heavy discounts. Don't miss this insightful episode that navigates the future of restaurant delivery and the technologies shaping it.Support the show
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What if the restaurant industry isn't just facing a temporary downturn, but a fundamental shift in how it operates? Join us on this thought-provoking episode of The Digital Restaurant as we scrutinize Technomic's bearish forecast for 2024, digging into the reasons behind sluggish traffic and rising price sensitivity among consumers. Discover how cutting-edge technology helps us track these trends in real-time yet surprisingly hasn't managed to slash operational costs. We also bring you fresh insights from Inciso's latest report, capturing the thoughts of IT and digital e-commerce professionals across various restaurant segments on the future of the industry.
In the second part of our episode, we turn the spotlight on McDonald's recent pause in its partnership with IBM for voice AI in drive-thrus. Could this signal a shift in how fast food giants approach technology? We share personal experiences and insights about voice AI, comparing McDonald's approach with Taco Bell's successful implementation. Additionally, we explore the strategic use of music in restaurants, examining how different tempos influence customer behavior and reinforce brand identity with real-world examples from industry leaders like McDonald's and Starbucks. Don't miss this engaging conversation that ties together technology, consumer behavior, and the evolving landscape of the restaurant world.Support the show
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What happens when two industry giants like Amazon and Grubhub join forces? This episode unpacks the latest integration that allows Amazon customers to order directly from Grubhub via Amazon's platform. We'll explore the ripple effects this move could have on competitors like DoorDash and Uber Eats, and speculate on further collaborations that might completely reshape the food delivery landscape. Amazon's increased stake in Grubhub is a game-changer, and we dissect the benefits for restaurants and Prime members, as well as consider the ever-growing importance of subscription services in today's market.
Consumer insights researcher Lisa Miller joins us to shed light on the declining trend of delivery services, especially in the full-service restaurant sector, attributing this drop to rising fees and quality issues. We also discuss the potential shift from QR codes to NFC technology for a smoother dining experience and delve into the skepticism surrounding lab-grown meat. Survey findings from YouGov show a significant hesitation among consumers to embrace lab-grown meat, and we analyze how education, branding, and positive messaging can shift public opinion. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the future of restaurant technology and evolving consumer preferences.Support the show
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Discover the future of eating out without stepping foot outside your door as Meredith and I slice into the digital dining revolution. We kick off with the surprisingly sophisticated world of pizza trackers, examining whether these real-time updates truly enhance customer satisfaction or if they're just a tech gimmick. But it's not all about the tracking – we also sink our teeth into the heated debate surrounding junk fees in the restaurant industry. How will new legislation impact those extra charges tacked onto your meal by delivery platforms? And what's cooking at McDonald's with their digital marketing fund? We serve up fresh insights as we tour the National Restaurant Show, revealing a trend toward tech that delivers tangible results over a mere flash in the pan.
As we continue to simmer on the topic, we scrutinize the precision and customer value of pizza delivery systems through the lens of YouTuber Sam Reid's deep-dive investigation. Can you trust the name on your pizza box? We'll share how these tools are connecting customers to the in-restaurant experience from the comfort of their couch, despite occasional system gaming. And as consumer behavior shifts under the weight of rising delivery fees, we explore McDonald's smoldering strategy to stoke the fires of customer loyalty through personalized digital experiences. Tune in for a hearty portion of food for thought as we dissect how these trends might reshape your dining habits and the restaurant industry at large.Support the show
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Join us in this insightful episode of The Digital Restaurant Podcast from the Food on Demand Conference at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Dive into the discussions with industry experts like Andrew Custage from Medallia and Deena DePhillips from Red Robin, as they explore pivotal topics ranging from the impacts of delivery versus pickup pricing to the crucial decisions between building versus buying technology. Don’t miss Travis Kalanick's rare appearance at a conference stage, sharing visionary thoughts on the future of meal delivery and automation. Tap into the complexities and strategies behind restaurant technology, third-party platforms, and more. Whether you’re an industry veteran or a curious newcomer, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of restaurant technology.
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Discover the future of dining with us as we unravel the latest technological marvels transforming the restaurant industry. You'll get an insider's look at how digital advancements like kiosk ordering and mobile pickups are reshaping the customer journey, yet sometimes leave us tapping our feet with longer wait times. Hold onto your forks for our special sit-down with Irvi Patel from GoToFoods and Maria Rivera from Small Sliders at the Food on Demand conference, where we'll slice into the rise of delivery-only models and ghost kitchens.
Grab your headphones and prepare to be served a hearty discussion on the self-service revolution. We analyze the impact of apps from culinary giants such as Panera and Chipotle on customer satisfaction and scrutinize how they're performing against the charm of traditional eateries. Get ready for a taste of AI in drive-thrus and the innovative spin on pickup lockers, as we pepper in the challenges and successes that accompany these technological treats. Plus, we'll stir the pot with Grubhub's latest partnership with Hilton, dishing out what it means for your next in-room dining experience.
Finally, we simmer down to the hot-button issue of tipping in America. Hear about Domino's crafty coupon strategy designed to sweeten the deal for both patrons and drivers. We'll pour over the historical context of gratuities, the modern twists POS systems have added to this long-standing practice, and how industry heavyweights like Texas Roadhouse and Starbucks are adapting. It's a full menu of insights that'll leave you with food for thought, so tuck in and join the conversation!Support the show
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Discover the future of restaurant delivery and technology in our latest episode, where Meredith and I dissect Deliveroo's earnings, the shift towards first-party pickup channels, and how senators are scrutinizing junk fees. If you're in the restaurant business or just a food delivery aficionado, this discussion is packed with insights on consumer behavior, the UK versus US financial transparency, and whether pandemic-driven changes are here to stay.
Join us as we navigate the dynamic interplay between customer data trends and restaurant technology. We'll explore why operators are craving end-to-end tech solutions and how this demand is transforming customer interactions, from digital kiosks to personalized ordering experiences. Don't miss out on our analysis of investment trends within the industry and the critical need for transparency in digital transactions, a hot topic amongst policymakers. Tune in for an enriching conversation at the forefront of the restaurant industry's tech evolution.Support the show
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This special edition of The Digital Restaurant podcast features James Buell COO of World of Beer Bar & Kitchen, discussing the innovative approaches to digital customer acquisition. The conversation revolves around how the integration of technology, particularly through partnerships with companies like Nift, plays a crucial role in driving customer engagement and loyalty.
James shares his journey from a marketer to COO, emphasizing the value of mentorship and seizing opportunities within smaller, nimble teams. World of Beer's focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, both in-house and digitally, through their open floor plans, exceptional beer and food offerings, and customer-centric operations, is highlighted as a key differentiator in the competitive restaurant landscape.
The use of digital tools, such as the World of Beer app, enhances customer engagement by offering personalized recommendations and encouraging exploration within the beer community. The discussion also delves into event marketing and the strategic pivot to grassroots approaches, effectively bridging the gap between digital presence and physical experiences.
Nift emerges as a pivotal partner in acquiring net new customers by leveraging geo-targeting to introduce World of Beer to potential patrons who have yet to experience their offerings. James underscores the importance of the first visit, facilitated by Nift's unique approach to customer acquisition, which not only introduces new customers to World of Beer but also significantly impacts average check sizes compared to traditional marketing methods.
The conversation with Nift also covers the mechanics of their model, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between digital initiatives and physical customer experiences. Nift's ability to generate new customer visits without cannibalizing existing clientele and its measurable impact on business metrics such as average check sizes and customer acquisition costs underscores its value as a digital marketing tool.
James' narrative reflects a comprehensive digital strategy that embraces technology, personalized customer engagement, and partnerships to enhance the dining experience and business growth. His insights offer valuable lessons on the dynamic interplay between digital innovation and operational excellence in the restaurant industry.
Learn more about Nift at www.gonift.com
Learn more about World of Beer at www.WOBfranchising.comSupport the show
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