In the Panera 2.0 prototype, guests “cut the line” by ordering at Fast Lane Kiosks and taking a GPS tracker to the table for service; a kiosk ambassador helps, if needed.
To-go orders are alphabetized by customer name on the Rapid Pick-Up shelf (center); the drive-thru (left), integrated into the Coralville, Iowa, store, is projected to account for 25 to 40 percent of business, further easing long lines.
Once reserved for the internet only, virtual brands are making their way onto in-restaurant menus and even their own brick-and-mortars, and seeing good results.