Restaurants & Dining

Discover the dynamic shift toward digital wallets in the US and the UK in the latest podcast episode of "Behind the Numbers: The Banking & Payments Show." Delve into the compelling discourse on how younger generations' move to digital is rendering traditional wallets obsolete. Join host Rob Rubin, our US-based analyst Tyler Van Dyke, and UK-based analyst Carina Perkins as they unravel trends in digital transactions for dining, shopping, and ID verification. In the "For Argument's Sake" section, we dissect the fierce competition for market dominance among industry giants like Apple and Google, established players like PayPal, rising star Paze, and potential disruptors. Tune in for a forward-looking conversation and hit subscribe for the latest insights. Key insights: - Youth-led shift: Analysis reveals a robust trend among younger consumers pivoting to digital wallets for everyday activities, indicating a cultural and technological shift. - Market dominance debate: We uncover the strategic moves by tech titans and emergent challengers vying to capture the largest share of digital wallet users. - Cross-Atlantic perspectives: Insights from US and UK analysts present a diverse view on the adoption of digital wallets, offering a broader understanding of the global digital economy.

McDonald’s positions itself as a place to score a cheap meal: That’s familiar terrain for the fast-food giant, which should help convey that message to consumers.

Dynamic pricing is taking hold in restaurants: Adoption is rising as operators look to offset delivery costs and match prices to demand.

Coach follows in Ralph Lauren’s footsteps with hospitality launch: The brand joins a growing number of luxury players relying on restaurants to boost business.

Cava and Sweetgreen deliver healthy Q4 growth: Consumers’ appetites for fast, healthful food is driving the two QSR chains to expand.

Wendy’s defends its dynamic pricing plan against criticism: The QSR says it won’t raise prices when demand is higher. But the damage may already be done.

Starbucks softens its anti-union stance: That could help rebuild the company’s tarnished reputation.

Restaurants need to adjust to the shifting landscape: While the industry struggles to attract and retain workers, customers want a deal. We look at how some are innovating to address both challenges.

Domino’s delivery partnership with Uber Eats is paying off: The platform is helping the pizza chain reach new customers, while Domino’s loyalty program revamp boosts order frequency.

Luckin overtakes Starbucks as China’s top coffee chain: The company’s aggressive expansion and ultra-low prices are helping it take market share.

DoorDash takes its show on the road: The company plans to spend big on international expansion while deepening its push into non-restaurant categories.

Starbucks looks to broaden its appeal: Accessibility and inclusion considerations will guide the design of new company-owned stores.

Shake Shack’s revenues grew 20% in Q4: The company expects consumers to maintain a healthy appetite for its premium fast-food offerings, which stand in contrast to some lower-priced chains.

Fast food has gotten too expensive for low-income consumers: High prices are causing some to think twice before venturing to McDonald’s, Taco Bell, or Starbucks.

Uber rides strong mobility, delivery demand to Q4 earnings beat: The company’s flywheel is accelerating as user frequency, transaction size continue to grow.

McDonald’s is seeing a slower start to 2024: Those results stem from challenges related to the Middle East conflict, along with lower-income consumers pulling back on eating out.

Starbucks, Sweetgreen tweak membership programs to boost customer appeal: They’re not alone—54% of retailers plan to enhance their loyalty offerings this year.

Starbucks posts weaker growth as headwinds weigh on sales: The company is facing pressure from cost-conscious consumers in China, as well as stagnating foot traffic in the US.

Nearly 53,800 restaurants opened their doors last year: That was up 10% year-over-year. That growth shows no sign of abating as several chains plot aggressive expansion plans.

Starbucks bets on breakfast while more QSRs get into beverages: The coffee chain is hoping its new menu will encourage customers to buy more and visit more often, as well as hold off the competition.