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Marketing

So much for Starbucks' journey into the metaverse

The coffee shop chain told customers late last week that it would end its Starbucks Odyssey NFT virtual restaurant loyalty program experiment "to prepare for what comes next."

Technology

For restaurant tech, 'unified commerce' is the new 'omnichannel'

Tech Check: More restaurants are looking to align their tech stacks from front to back, taking cues from a revolution already underway in retail.

An update last week attempts to address lingering questions about what companies would be impacted by the upcoming fast-food wage hike. It looks like Panera Bread is not exempt after all.

The subscription drinks program that was $11.99 per month is now $14.99 per month, a 25% increase.

Fans can score a free pair of viewing glasses with every purchase, plus eclipse watching tips from a former NASA astronaut to prepare for the April 8 event.

The fry-centric virtual restaurant brand has nearly tripled in size since the acquisition thanks to partnerships with Mexican chains such as On the Border and Monterey’s Little Mexico.

The San Carlo, Calif.-based technology company also raised $1.2 million in a stock offering that it said will keep it afloat through April 1.

Longtime former employees exited the company as stores closed or paychecks stopped showing. But they’ve since been hit with surprise medical bills, and they’ve found themselves unable to file taxes or collect unemployment benefits.

The fast-casual brand was in freefall before it filed for bankruptcy last year. But improved operations and marketing, and a lot of hard work, have helped the chain turn the corner.

The Bottom Line: Wingstop, Burger King franchisees and robots were the big winners. But maybe count out dynamic pricing for a while.

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