Throughout 2023, the automation of food preparation, production and service has been increasingly enabling the creation of more kinds of vending machine experiences, with pies being the latest food to get the robotic treatment. In New Zealand, WM Robotics’ PieBot vending machine is serving hot...
With diners more accustomed than ever to grab-and-go options, next-generation vending machines are catching on. Shriya Gupta, CEO of Toronto-based vending machine artificial intelligence (AI) provider Daily Blends, which announced this week the close of a $2 million fundraise, discussed the opportunity that the rise...
Adopting an innovation mindset has been the vending business’ saving grace in tough economic times. In fact, with a global recession and an ongoing war and cost-of-living crisis across Europe, all following a crippling pandemic, innovating has been critical to staying ahead, says Paul Hearne,...
As restaurants look to navigate their ongoing labor challenges, many are leveraging the rise of tech-powered ordering channels to create new dining experiences. Chicago-based Asian-style restaurant brand Wow Bao, for one, which is available via hundreds of virtual locations in addition to a handful of...
In an effort to bring customers an easier and more streamlined online car buying experience, Carvana, an online-only used car dealer, has teamed up with Bank of America, according to a release from the companies. “We always want to give our customers an exceptional experience,...
In the latest Unattended Retail Tracker, Lee Mokri, co-founder of the smart vending startup, explains how unattended technology can help keep employees productive and well-fed while boosting both revenue and morale alike. Plus, the latest on McDonald’s and Shake Shack turning to in-store kiosks to...
Smart vending machines and self-service kiosks are becoming a sure sign of restaurant innovation – and, if recent developments are any indication, the space is undergoing a veritable unattended retail revolution. Industry leaders in the fast food space continue to expand their use of unattended...
Selling desserts in grocery stores is a $25 billion business — and it’s one that Nick Yates, chairman of Reis & Irvy’s, describes as broken. Retailers spend thousands to rent and fill freezer space, only to be left hoping and praying those frozen treats actually...
No one likes to be kept waiting — especially hungry consumers. And should a restaurant fail to meet their expectations, patrons are likely to head to a faster competitor to get their fill. Now, it seems quick service restaurants (QSRs) are considering convenient innovations like...
