Today in Food Commerce: Shake Shack Trials Crypto Rewards; Olo Adds Trip-Tracking Capabilities

Today in food commerce, Shake Shack tries rewarding loyalty with cryptocurrency, and Olo adds geofencing features. Plus, robotics company Tortoise announces the launch of its automated mobile vending machines.

Shake Shack Tests Crypto Rewards to Gauge Customer Interest

As restaurants continue to look for rewards that they can offer that will make customers truly want to keep coming back, some are turning to cryptocurrencies. Shake Shack, for one, is offering bitcoin rewards for consumers who pay using Block’s Cash App digital wallet, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday (March 3).

Olo, Radar Team on Restaurants’ Digital Order Fulfillment

Restaurant-focused on-demand commerce platform Olo on Friday (March 4) integrated with geofencing company Radar to enable trip-tracking capabilities that will improve digital order fulfillment and the off-premise experience for the companies’ restaurant brands and their customers.

Last-Mile Delivery Firm Tortoise Turns to Mobile Vending Machines

Tortoise, a company that has historically focused on providing robotic solutions for last-mile delivery for grocery and general retail, is turning its focus to providing automated mobile shops that function somewhat like roving vending machines. On Friday (March 4), the company officially announced the launch of its Mobile Smart Stores.

Restaurant Roundup: Sweetgreen Sees Subscription Success; Dine Brands Trials Virtual Restaurants at IHOP

While restaurant subscription programs have in the past been far from a guaranteed success, Los Angeles-based Sweetgreen, a health-focused fast-casual chain, has seen positive results from its Sweetpass pilot, offering daily credits for meal purchases for a set monthly rate.