Tech Check

Joe Guszkowski

Senior Technology Editor Joe Guszkowski looks at the week’s technology trends and news, examining the continued influx of new technologies into restaurants, including mobile ordering, delivery, artificial intelligence, virtual brands, ghost kitchens and robotics.

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It's time to send 'ghost kitchen' to the graveyard

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 02, 2023

Tech Check: The catch-all term for delivery restaurants is no longer accurate. Let’s lay it to rest and come up with a new label.

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Wonder bets meal kits aren't dead yet

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 29, 2023

Tech Check: By acquiring the struggling Blue Apron, the restaurant delivery concept believes it can touch more dining occasions. But will it work?

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Why restaurants should keep an eye on Instacart

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 19, 2023

Tech Check: Grocery is one of the few industries that may be even less techy than foodservice. Instacart wants to help it catch up, and could get a boost from its IPO.

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4 questions we'll be asking at this year's FSTEC conference

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 12, 2023

Tech Check: Restaurants’ war on inflation has intensified over the past year. Can tech provide answers?

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CloudKitchens won't succeed until its restaurants do

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 07, 2023

Tech Check: As the ghost kitchen company expanded, it treated operators as expendable. It's now reportedly cutting staff and closing locations. The two problems are related.

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DoorDash wants to take restaurants' phone orders. Next stop, the drive-thru?

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 29, 2023

Tech Check: The development of an AI voice bot puts the delivery giant within shouting distance of fast-food’s biggest channel.

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The fight over MrBeast Burger is as good as over

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 08, 2023

Tech Check: MrBeast wants the brand dead, while his business partner hopes to keep it alive by attacking him. None of this is going to help sell burgers.

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How ChowNow is (slowly) making delivery more affordable

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 26, 2023

Tech Check: The app promises zero commission fees and lower prices, pitching itself as an alternative to the mainstream aggregators. But it may be a while before it rivals giants like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

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