Today in restaurant and grocery tech news, Czech online-only grocery delivery platform Rohlik Group plans to invest $469.3 million in warehouse automation, while DoorDash is reported to be investing significant funds in Berlin-based grocery delivery startup Flink. Plus, Olive Garden parent Darden Restaurants is in no rush to go digital.
Czech Grocer Rohlik Bets $469M on Automation
The Czech online-only grocery delivery platform Rohlik Group plans to invest $469.3 million (or 400 million euros) in warehouse automation by the close of 2025 to improve capacity and efficiency. According to Reuters, the company will invest 45 million euros initially, with future investments spaced out over the following three years, in a bid to become Europe’s leading online grocery delivery service.
Walmart+ Marks 1st Anniversary With Slow Subscriber Growth, Unfazed Executives
Walmart+, seen by most as Walmart’s answer to Amazon Prime, is celebrating its first birthday this month, but the subscription service doesn’t have a lot of growth to show as it struggles to differentiate itself from other offerings. As of this month, just under 49 million, or about 19%, of U.S. consumers have access to Walmart+, versus nearly 171 million, or 66%, of consumers who have access to Amazon Prime.
Darden Leaves Off-Premise Demand Untapped in Favor of Dining Room Customers
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Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, among others, announced on Thursday (Sept. 23) that for the quarter ending Aug. 29, 27% of Olive Garden sales and 15% of Longhorn Steakhouse sales were off-premise, with digital accounting for 60% of these sales.
Report: DoorDash Heading up Fundraise for Grocery Delivery Firm Flink
Berlin-based grocery delivery startup Flink will raise several hundred million dollars in a funding round that’s being led by food delivery giant DoorDash, putting the company’s valuation at $2.1 billion, people familiar with the situation told Bloomberg on Thursday (Sept. 23). DoorDash is joined by other existing Flink investors in the fundraising round, which should close out in the coming weeks, according to Bloomberg’s report.
Grocery Roundup: Ahold Delhaize Opens Connecticut Facility; Walmart Woos Wellness Shoppers
This week in grocery, Ahold Delhaize opened its 1 million-square-foot distribution center in Manchester, Connecticut. Meanwhile, Giant reduced delivery fees, Walmart launched health and sustainability shopping tools, and Schnucks went all-in on local produce.
Grocery Delivery Service Jiffy Nets $28M in Funding
Jiffy, the London-based grocery store app that promises grocery delivery in 15 minutes, has generated $28 million in a recent funding round, according to a Thursday (Sept. 23) report from Evening Standard. The funds are earmarked for broadening the reach of the grocery delivery service, according to the article.
Casey’s Aims to Convert Fans to Superfans with Personalized Messaging
With loyalty apps now the norm for foodservice chains, brands need to work harder to stand out against the competition. Art Sebastian, VP of digital experiences at Casey’s General Stores, speaks with PYMNTS about how the C-store uses flexible rewards and personalized messaging to convert its semi-frequent customers into enthusiasts.
