Technology
Krispy Kreme’s ‘Hot Doughnuts Now’ feature goes digital
Krispy Kreme’s fans live for the “Hot Doughnuts Now” storefront neon sign that alerts passers-by that a new batch of doughnuts has just been baked and glazed. Now the chain is shifting the alert to cell phones via a new app.
Technology
4 ways to gather customer feedback beyond an app
While apps and other high-tech tools provide data for operators, that doesn’t negate the benefits and effectiveness of low-tech comment-collecting methods.
If a thief steals your credit card data, expect to be out at least $80,000, estimates cyber-security firm ANXeBusiness Corp. in Southfield, Michigan. “Oftentimes, these restaurants feel like they’re being victimized a second time,” says Atlanta hospitality lawyer Charles Hoff, who counsels breached restaurants.
While not a completely unfamiliar term, line busting is gaining new currency as handheld devices enable operators to zap orders back to the kitchen from customers queued up at counters and drive-thrus. Part of the time patrons spend standing in line can then be used to prep their orders, moving them through the process more quickly.
Foodservice manufacturers introduced an array of new equipment at last week’s NAFEM Show in Anaheim, much of it boasting digital controls and “smart” operating systems. Several companies showed attendees how to integrate their equipment into a concept-within-a-concept as a way of solving a problem or exploiting an opportunity. Here are three examples.