The robot is not ready to take your order: Over 70% of customer interactions at AI-powered drive-thrus require staff to step in, according to tech provider Presto.
McDonald’s ambitious expansion plan includes a play for Starbucks customers: The fast-food chain plans to open nearly 9,000 stores by 2027—including 10 locations of new small-format concept CosMc’s.
Consumers’ tastes have changed: While McDonald’s has benefited from consumers’ growing thriftiness, it recognizes that improving quality is key to its long-term success.
The tight labor market has driven up store associates’ pay: That’s a solid investment given that well-paid staff typically have longer tenures, which helps them deliver a better customer experience.
Starbucks, DoorDash, Mondelēz beat expectations as consumers spring for affordable indulgences: Shoppers continue to spend big on food delivery, snacks, and pumpkin spice lattes.
Taco Bell’s US same-store sales rose 8% in Q3: That made it the bright spot in parent company Yum Brands’ results thanks to aggressive promotions that appealed to cost-conscious consumers.
Retailers can learn a lot from quick-service restaurants in delivering a satisfying customer experience. Chipotle leverages first-party data for more personalized and predictive offers, while Sweetgreen experiments with new formats and technologies to provide a more omnichannel experience. Plus, Starbucks has proven that brand loyalty can go a long way even when making changes.
Higher prices aren’t scaring away McDonald’s customers: The fast-food chain surged past analysts’ expectations thanks to rising check sizes, and growing digital and delivery sales.
Chipotle has raised price five times since June 2021: It plans another hike next year in California when the state’s minimum wage for fast-food workers jumps to $20 in April.
On today's podcast episode, we discuss how Netflix's ad business is coming along; the streaming giant's first live sports broadcast; and its new retail, dining, and live experience destinations. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Daniel Konstantinovic.
To build loyalty, brands first need to establish a foundation of trust by delivering on the basics. From there, brands can use subscription programs to ramp up purchase frequency and social media to engage with brand advocates. But to keep customers coming back, brands need to be constantly optimizing. Here’s some advice from executives at DoorDash and Taco Bell on how to build brand loyalty and what it takes to retain a loyal customer base.
It’s getting easier to score deals at grocery stores and restaurants: While prices are far higher than they were before the pandemic, promotions are back in vogue.
Pret plans to quintuple its US footprint by 2029: The sandwich chain wants to grow its presence in the suburbs and transportation hubs as the return to office stalls.
Restaurant aggregators successfully woo convenience-oriented consumers: DoorDash, Uber Eats, and others are targeting gamers, Gen Zs, and other audiences with higher order frequencies to boost sales.
Chipotle, Pizza Hut turn to late-night dining to attract Gen Z customers: Both QSRs are experimenting with later hours to help satisfy diners’ midnight cravings.
Sweetgreen has big expectations for its salad-making robots: The restaurant chain sees automation as the key to shorter lines, consistent offerings, and higher profits.
Netflix sees an opportunity to build its brand offline: The company plans to open destinations called Netflix House that mix retail, dining, and live experiences.
Domino’s sales slid in Q3: The company’s core customer base is feeling pinched and becoming more selective about splurging on a restaurant meal.
Chipotle raises prices for the fourth time in past few years: The chain says the increases will be “modest” and will help it “offset inflation.”
Spanish ads outperforming English: Brands experience growth, underlining the effectiveness of targeting Hispanic viewers.