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The QSR (quick service restaurant) industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by AI and robotics automation advancements. Among those leading the charge, Domino’s Pizza is launching its own strategy for evolving its operations and customer service ecosystem to take advantage of robotics, AI-powered software, and more proactive tools that elevate the Domino’s experience. […]

Earlier this month, McDonald’s unveiled its first CosMc’s location in Bolingbrook, Illinois, marking the launch of a new spinoff brand inspired by the McDonaldland mascot CosMc. Additionally, the restaurant chain is set to open 10 locations by the end of 2024, including nine in Texas. CosMc’s is a beverage-focused chain that will feature a […]

Quick service restaurants (QSRs) and AI are becoming indispensable for improving efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue. AI streamlines order processing, enhances inventory management, personalizes customer experiences, optimizes workforce deployment, and adapts quickly to market trends. Collectively this all helps transform the QSR sector with increased efficiency, reduced costs, and superior customer experiences. Additionally, when […]

In an age where convenience is king, the drive-thru model has become an integral part of the food and beverage industry. With the rise of on-the-go lifestyles and the need for quick service, drive-thrus have evolved from mere transactional points to hubs of customer interaction. Recent data suggests that over 60% to 70% of […]

When people go to a restaurant, personalizing the dining experience is a critical factor in making an impact that keeps customers returning. What better way to capitalize on that experience than through music? In recent years, the restaurant industry has seen a significant shift towards personalizing the dining experience for guests. As the industry […]

In recent years, there’s been a vibrant resurgence in celebrating and preserving cultural heritage. As the world becomes more interconnected, there’s a wonderful opportunity to share and relish the diverse traditions that make each culture unique. One such tradition is the rich tapestry of Jewish culinary traditions, which, much like the Rosh Hashanah celebrations, […]

Creating generational wealth is a goal for many, yet it seems increasingly unobtainable in recent years. One path still open to make those goals a reality is in the world of franchising. Contrary to expectations, the pandemic did not deter individuals from seeing the potential of owning and operating a restaurant franchise. The desire […]

The Main Course host, Barbara Castiglia, sat down with Frank E. Olivieri, the owner of the iconic Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia. Olivieri serves up the rich history of the cheesesteak, emphasizing the importance of fresh ingredients and the unique taste of their signature cheese. He also shares personal anecdotes from his early […]

Barbara Castiglia   The restaurant industry, already grappling with the challenges of the pandemic, now faces another menace: sophisticated restaurant scams. As eateries worldwide strive to recover, many of them fall prey to scammers. QR codes, which gained popularity in restaurants during the pandemic, are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The National Restaurant Association puts restaurant losses […]

On The Main Course, hosted by Barbara Castiglia, Ray Chung, the Director of Design at The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry, delves into the intricate art of restaurant design. From the importance of lighting and acoustics to the essence of storytelling in creating an ambiance, Chung emphasizes the need for a holistic approach. Drawing […]

As dining preferences shift towards healthier options, the restaurant industry is evolving to keep pace, particularly in franchise operations. Quality can sometimes fall by the wayside in a food culture dominated by convenience and speed. However, restaurant franchises realize that the key to customer loyalty and long-term success lies in maintaining quality while expanding […]

Digital Restaurants aren’t literally digital. Technology hasn’t evolved to the point where digital food is a thing. And if it were a thing, are people ready to eat it? Probably not. But whether it’s a QSR with online ordering apps, a popular sit-down restaurant chain using online ordering and delivery, or even the favorite […]

Amid a climate of recovery and relentless transformation, the restaurant industry braces for new challenges and opportunities. Fresh off a year marked by tremendous disruption, the sector is projected to record a staggering $997 billion in sales this year. Yet, this growth comes at a time of significant menu price inflation and continued […]

The world was forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the customer experience industry, especially in the restaurant sector, has faced unprecedented challenges and transformation. The role of technology has been amplified, not only as a survival tool during a time of social distancing and lockdowns, but also as a driving force for long-term, […]

As trends shift and evolve in the food industry, a notable new phenomenon has taken center stage: beverage only concepts. Over the past few years, we have witnessed an explosion in the number of businesses that focus solely on drinks, offering everything from coffee to milkshakes and now, iced tea. This intriguing move away […]

There is no industry that is immune to surprises and shocks. However, the restaurant industry has been facing its own unique blend of challenges recently, forcing owners to question the adequacy of their restaurant insurance coverage. For many, insurance is perceived as a necessary yet complicated evil, something begrudgingly purchased and then promptly forgotten, […]

Restaurant expansion in 2023? While that may sound hard to believe, the restaurant industry has seen a 4.9% increase in sales in 2023. While increased prices due to inflation may be driving some of those increases, indicators show now is the best time since the pandemic’s beginning to consider a restaurant expansion. But what […]

In today’s world of fast-paced culinary innovations, there’s a classic treat that remains timeless and universally loved: the cookie. Recent trends have shown a surge in gourmet cookie shops, with a particular emphasis on unique flavors and high-quality ingredients. Studies by the National Bakers Association help show how popular gourmet cookie shops continue to […]

Not every restaurant makes an effort to fully integrate its customer into the experience of eating and enjoying their food. But for those looking for a unique dining experience, plenty of such establishments present unique restaurant narratives. What sort of restaurants emphasize storytelling in their dining, and how do they handle staffing? On this episode […]

Franchising is a common part of the restaurant business, as it allows more people to access the establishment worldwide. Some restaurants stay in specific markets while others grow to become part of a landscape featuring other ubiquitous household names. But franchising is not always easy; it takes careful planning and work. What do some restaurants […]