Today in Food Commerce: Restaurants Take on Metaverse; Walmart Retains Grocery Advantage

Today in food commerce, restaurants open virtual locations in the metaverse, while frictionless checkout comes to sporting arenas. Plus, PYMNTS data show Walmart maintaining its lead over Amazon in food sales.

Eateries Open Metaverse Stores in Race to Be the ‘Restaurant of the Future’

As brands continue to explore the potential of metaverse commerce, more restaurants are making moves to create digital spaces. Los Angeles plant-based burger brand Honeybee Burger has announced a collaboration with food metaverse OneRare to create a virtual restaurant.

Sporting Venues Use Frictionless Payment Technology to Enhance Event Experience

In the early stages of the pandemic, digital technologies offered an alternative to in-person events, but with the return of live entertainment, many businesses are now figuring out how to use tech to support the on-site experience. When it comes to venues, many are using digital payment technologies to speed up the concessions purchasing process, reducing the amount of time consumers spend away from their seats.

Food Remains Walmart’s Sole Edge Over Amazon

Last year, Amazon captured almost five times the share of U.S. household spending on electronics, appliances, sporting goods, hobbies, music and books than Walmart. But Walmart still has an edge in food.