Restaurant innovation

Restaurant innovation
Chuck E. Cheese Enters Walmart Aisles as Restaurants Broaden Scope
September 28, 2023

Chuck E. Cheese is the latest restaurant brand to make a play for consumers’ grocery spending as, across the industry, eateries look to capture more of consumers’ day-to-day food budgets. The family restaurant and entertainment chain, which has more than 550 locations, announced Thursday (Sept....

Restaurant innovation
Marco’s Pizza CIO Says Robotic Delivery Will Take Over Cities
September 28, 2023

As restaurants look for ways to improve the economics of on-demand delivery, Marco’s Pizza is gearing up to test automated solutions, though it may be some time before the economics of the technology make it viable on a wider scale. The pizza chain, which has...

Restaurant innovation
PF Chang’s Launches Salad Kits as Restaurants Take Over Grocery Stores
September 22, 2023

This week in restaurant news, P.F. Chang’s expands its grocery presence, Perkins enters the retail coffee space, and restaurant growth is expected to outpace grocery this holiday season by a considerable margin. Asian-style casual dining chain P.F. Chang’s, which has more than 300 locations across...

Restaurant innovation
Darden Says Boosting Brands Pays Off Better Than Promotions
September 22, 2023

Darden Restaurants, the parent company of popular dining chains including Olive Garden, The Capital Grille and LongHorn Steakhouse, has adopted a strategic shift in its marketing approach. Instead of relying heavily on short-term promotions, the company is focusing on building brand equity — the value...

Restaurant innovation
Skechers Joins Brands Launching Restaurants to Build Consumer Connections
September 20, 2023

At a Skechers location in Gardena, Calif., shoppers can buy not only shoes, but also a burger and fries — the latest instance of a non-food company opening up a restaurant to build brand loyalty. The footwear brand’s “Food Spot” quietly opened back in May,...

Restaurant innovation
37% of Consumers Say Cost a Factor in Buying Ready-to-Eat Meals Over Takeout
September 07, 2023

With the advent of remote work, limited time and the increasing demand for convenience, ready-to-eat meals have experienced a surge in popularity among consumers.  Cost, too, was a key driving force behind the rise in ready-to-eat meal demand. While restaurant takeout meals provide convenience and...

Restaurant innovation
Disney Leverages Restaurants to Draw Consumers Back to Parks
September 06, 2023

In an effort to combat the challenges that economic pressures have posed for Disney’s U.S. resorts, the media giant is looking to its restaurant offerings to entice consumers back for the holiday season.   The company announced Wednesday (Sep. 6) the offer of a “Disney Dining Promo Card,”...

Restaurant innovation
Restaurants Harness Ghost Kitchen Learnings to Boost Omnichannel Performance
August 30, 2023

Restaurant chain Dog Haus has become the latest brand to tap expertise from the ghost kitchen world to give the brand the competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving restaurant industry. On Monday (Aug. 28), virtual restaurant company Kitchen United announced via LinkedIn that its CEO...

Restaurant innovation
Smucker’s Aims to Gain Share From Coffee Shop QSRs With at-Home Alternatives
August 29, 2023

As consumers look for more affordable alternatives to their day-to-day small luxuries, The J.M. Smucker Company is stepping up its at-home coffee offerings, providing lower-priced alternatives to coffee shops. In prepared remarks accompanying the food and beverage manufacturer’s first-quarter earnings release Tuesday (Aug. 29), Mark Smucker, the company’s...