Today in Food Commerce: Panera Expands Beverage Subscription; Restaurants Manage Inflation

Today in food commerce, PYMNTS data reveal how consumers’ restaurant expectations are changing, and Panera goes all in on subscription commerce. Plus, David Bloom, Chief Development and Operating Officer of Capriotti’s and Wing Zone, speaks with PYMNTS about how the brands are handling inflationary challenges.

NEW DATA: From Outdoor Seating to Touchless Payments, Dining Habits Are Changing

Digital Divide: The Key Factors That Drive Restaurant Choice, a PYMNTS and Paytronix collaboration, surveyed 2,664 consumers in the United States to learn more about how they make the decisions that govern which restaurant to order from or visit.

Smart Kitchen Platform Fresco Announces $20M Fundraise as Consumers Seek Connected Convenience

Smart kitchen technology platform Fresco announced Thursday (April 21) that it has raised $20 million in a Series B funding round led by three international appliance brands. The company offers a system to bring smart technology to existing appliances from major brands, powering step-by-step guidance for consumers with smart recipes.

Restaurant Roundup: Panera Expands Its Beverage Subscription; Outback Launches Catering

Panera grows its subscription offerings beyond coffee and tea; Quiznos gears up to launch in the metaverse; and Outback Steakhouse rolls out its catering business nationwide.

For Restaurants, Consumers’ Inflation Concerns Prompt Renewed Focus on Pickup Channels

David Bloom, Chief Development and Operating Officer of fast-casual sandwich chain Capriotti’s and its subsidiary Wing Zone, speaks in an interview with PYMNTS about how inflation is impacting business and how the brands intend to manage these challenges going forward.