Today In Food: Dine Brands Invests In Digital, Shake Shack Mix Shifts Back To Physical

Today in restaurant and grocery news, Dine Brands discusses its digital upgrades, and DoorDash debuts its new “DoubleDash” feature. Plus, a look at instant coffee’s growing popularity with young consumers.

Dine Brands: 75 Pct Of Firm’s Tech Will Be Upgraded By EOY

In the second quarter of 2021, Dine Brands, parent of casual dining restaurants Applebee’s and IHOP, saw sales rise dramatically year over year, with both brands more than doubling their same-restaurant sales. Here, we highlight the six digital upgrades that the company has made to attract today’s digitally connected consumers, along with one more that’s on its way.

AMZN vs WMT Weekly: A Puzzling Grocery Move And Updated COVID Guidance

When it comes to the battle of the retail titans, grocery is often a focal point. Walmart has a 10-to-1 advantage over Amazon in the category, though Amazon has made some inroads in recent years as it sits on the cusp of becoming the largest retailer in the U.S. But this week, Amazon made a somewhat puzzling move, telling shoppers it will be adding a $9.95 service charge for Prime members ordering from Whole Foods Market in five U.S. cities, where previously these deliveries were free for orders over $35.

Restaurant Roundup: DoubleDashed, Double Vaxxed, and Double Shacked

This week in restaurant news, DoorDash launches c-store add-ons for restaurant meals, Yelp adds vaccine transparency features, and Shake Shack’s mix shifts back to in-store sales.

Inside Instant Coffee’s Rapid Gen Z Growth

While instant coffee may be an unpopular pick for gen Xers and boomers, young, convenience-seeking consumers are discovering the beverage for the first time, drawn to its ease and simplicity. David Kovalevski, founder and CEO of quickly growing premium instant coffee brand Waka Coffee, spoke with PYMNTS about the beverage’s rise to prominence with Gen Z shoppers.