Today in Restaurant and Grocery Tech: Ghost Kitchens Face New Scrutiny; Instacart Prepares to Launch Ultrafast Delivery

Today in restaurant and grocery tech news, insiders report that Instacart is gearing up to launch a 15-minute delivery service, while existing ultrafast grocery delivery service Jokr speaks with PYMNTS’ Karen Webster about the strategies driving its U.S. expansion. Plus, Shake Shack gets ready to open its first drive-thru location.

Instacart’s Reported Entry Into Ultrafast Delivery Could Be Devastating to Newer Startups

The crowded ultrafast grocery delivery space could be poised to get cleared out in one fell swoop. Insiders report that Instacart is looking to launch its own 15-minute delivery service, according to The Information, working with a delivery provider that has existing relationships with many of the grocers already on Instacart’s marketplace. The company plans to launch its first trial of the service in February.

Ultrafast Grocery Delivery Service Jokr Leverages NYC Lessons to Drive Boston Expansion

Contrary to initial predictions, demand for ultrafast grocery delivery goes well beyond the last-minute, instant need — many consumers now expect to be able to get all their grocery needs met within 15 minutes or less. Tyler Trerotola, U.S. co-founder of eGrocer Jokr, discusses with Webster how ultrafast delivery services can leverage the dark store model to grow their share of the grocery market.

Supermarkets Rethink Physical and Digital Aisles for Grocery’s Connected Future

Consumers are beginning to expect more from their grocery store’s aisles and webpages than just product browsing and selection. For grocers to be able to win consumers’ loyalty in today’s connected economy, they will need to build deeper relationships and offer more on-demand convenience, ACI Worldwide EVP of On Demand Merchant Solutions Debbie Guerra and IGA President and CEO John Ross said in an interview with PYMNTS.

Deep Dive: Why Aggregators Are Both a Saving Grace and a Sacrifice for QSRs

This Deep Dive examines drivers of food delivery aggregator use for both consumers and restaurants. It also explores how aggregators can provide a double-edged sword of revenue growth and high costs that complicates their relationship with quick-service restaurants (QSRs).

Ghost Kitchen Boom May Be Built on a Shaky Foundation, Reports Show

Reef Technology comes under scrutiny, 7-Eleven launches autonomous delivery, Shake Shack announces a drive-thru location, and Fertitta Entertainment Inc. attempts to shut down its special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger.