Food & Beverage
With consumer expectations of near “instant gratification” increasing thanks to companies like Amazon, quick service restaurants (QSR) are thinking of ways to keep up with and satisfy the trend. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has this challenge at the forefront of their operations and are testing options to decrease drive-thru wait times. Currently, drive-thru wait times…
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Food & Beverage
50% of Online Shoppers Abandon Their Cart. What’s Making Them So Flaky?
Host Barbara Castiglia talks the latest restaurant technology with Zuppler’s Founder and CEO, Shiva Srinivasan. Zuppler, an online ordering management company, serves primarily independent restaurants and some chains, focusing on ensuring the company’s brand is maintained throughout the online ordering process. Initially, Zuppler started as a portal, similar to a Grubhub, but as more…
Food & Beverage
“The Employee is My First Customer.” Strategies for Restaurant Success from Legacy Restaurateur
Author, restaurant owner and hospitality industry expert Barry Jessurun discussed his book, life lessons, and tips for restaurant success with Host Barbara Castiglia on The Main Course. As owner of Green Valley Hospitality, Jessurun has ran four restaurants ranging from fast-casual to higher-end menus to university settings for up to 32 years. While he…
Food & Beverage
As Export Values Rise, American Farmers Face a Trade Crisis
Key Points: U.S. agricultural exports are being hampered by transportation issues, leading to a loss in sales potentially as high as 22%. In 2021 from January through July, the dairy industry was forced to spend almost a $1 billion in additional costs to make up for supply chain problems. American farmers who are experiencing losses…
Export-Mainstay
74% of Restaurant-Goers Want Free WiFi. Is it Worth the Cybersecurity Risks?
Commentary: You’ve likely placed an on-line food order in the past six months; many of us do it on a regular basis. We all took notice as restaurants all over the world were thrust into a shift towards a delivery- or pickup-only business model in order to survive during the pandemic, mostly with consumers…
Food & Beverage
Why Are McDonald’s Ice Cream Machines Seemingly Always Down?
Key Points 86 Repairs utilizes technology for data-centric decisioning in restaurant industry. Restaurant industry lacks data to utilize preventative maintenance plans. Data and technology will continue to move restaurant industry forward. Commentary: Daniel Estrada, co-founder and CEO of 86 Repairs, noticed a large gap in the restaurant industry, which ultimately lead to the formation…
Food & Beverage
Navigating New Standards and Workflows in QSR
The pandemic pushed many changes in the retail and restaurant space, particularly among QSRs. Consumers adapted to these changes by demanding quick and convenient options through technological options such as BOPIS. On this episode of the Gauge Capital Podcast, Host Brent White talked with Sam Banon, Senior Vice President at Gauge Capital, and Luis…
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From Journalism to Digital Media Strategy: Alice Iversen’s Journey
At MarketScale, we believe that every professional brings a unique story and perspective that enriches our team. Today, we’re delighted to spotlight Alice Iversen, one of our talented Digital Media Strategists, and explore the experiences that shaped her career and helped drive her passion. Discovering a Passion for Authentic Storytelling Alice’s journey into media wasn’t…
Meet Dasha McBride: From Education to Entrepreneurship
Facing the Unknown with a Smile Dasha kicked off by recalling her first “big girl” job at the Birmingham Education Foundation, describing it as an adventure akin to being “thrown into the deep end.” Despite having no formal background in education, Dasha found herself developing and piloting elementary education programs. Her view on the challenge?…
Clinician Education and Value-Based Purchasing Take Center Stage in 2025 Home Health Final Rule
The 2025 Home Health Final Rule introduces a range of regulatory updates to improve transparency, elevate patient care standards, and stabilize financial practices within the home health sector. With these updates taking effect, home health agencies must adapt quickly, especially as CMS focuses on value-based care and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). According to…
Status, Culture and the Modern Mind: What Really Drives Our Lives? With Author David Marx
In a world of rapidly advancing technology and global interconnectedness, the internet has reshaped how we view culture, art, and our own social identities. The rise of large language models (LLMs) and social media has made information and trends accessible in a way that some argue dulls originality and stifles creativity. This shift has…
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Articles
Value Meals Are Fast Food’s Summer Strategy. What’s the Long Game Amid Persistent Inflation?
This summer, fast food chains are responding with a competitive push towards value meals in an effort to combat the rising cost of living and inflation, which has hit wallets worldwide. And $5 dollar value meals seem to be the magic answer. As families seek ways to stretch their budgets further, the fast food…
The Rise of Regenerative Agriculture and Strategies for Generating Capital with Steward CEO Dan Miller
As the global conversation around sustainable food systems intensifies, regenerative agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach to farming that prioritizes ecosystem health, soil vitality, and nutritional quality. This episode of Retail Refined explores why regenerative agriculture is capturing the attention of consumers, policymakers, and investors alike. With nearly 90 regenerative farms funded and…
Grocery Retailers Need to Adopt Adaptive Supply Chain Strategies to Stabilize Rising Grocery Prices
As recent reports highlight a cooling in overall inflation rates, the grocery sector tells a different story. Over the past three years, grocery prices have surged by 21%, outpacing the general inflation rate of 18% during the same period. This divergence is particularly pronounced in certain food items, where price increases have reached as…
With 800 New Stores in the Offing, How Will Aldi’s Massive Expansion Impact the Grocery Industry?
Grocery chain Aldi recently announced plans to add 800 new stores in the U.S. within five years, focusing on the Northeast, Midwest, western U.S., and Southern California, with a debut in Las Vegas. In the Southeast, Aldi’s massive expansion plans include converting a whopping 400 Winn-Dixies and Harveys locations into Aldi stores, starting with about…
Articles
Domino’s Pizza’s AI and Robotics Investments Forge a Path for Other QSRs to Follow in 2024
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….
With High Profit Margins and Operational Efficiency, McDonald’s Spin-off CosMc’s Boasts a Recipe for Success
McDonald’s spin-off CosMc’s recently debuted its first outlet in Bolingbrook, Illinois, with an ambitious plan to launch 10 additional locations within the next year. Touted as a ‘beverage concept’, the fast food giant’s latest venture tantalizes with a diverse range of snacks, sandwiches, and innovative drinks, including the likes of an Island Pick-Me-Up Punch…
CosMc’s Demonstrates McDonald’s Ability to Further Expand the QSR Industry and Challenge Its Competitors
McDonald’s recently threw its hat into the beverage-leaning QSR ring with the launch of its CosMc’s chain. Can this latest innovative strategy in expanding its menu offerings challenge the more established competitors in the industry and enhance customer experience? Joe Reinstein, Executive Director at the Digital Restaurant Association, provided some timely insight into McDonald’s…
Network Services in Restaurants Improve Customer Experiences When Used in a Balanced Approach
Are restaurants losing the human touch in their race to embrace technology, or can network services in restaurants strike the perfect balance between efficiency and customer satisfaction? Signs indicate a seismic technology shift in the industry is underway, with 75% of independent restaurant operators gearing up to integrate new technology systems within the following…
Articles
What’s McDonald’s Spin-off CosMc’s Key Ingredient for Success? Personalized Customer Service.
McDonald’s latest venture, CosMc’s, is poised to make a significant impact in the fast-food industry with its recent launch in Bolingbrook, Illinois. This new chain, characterized as a ‘beverage concept’, moves away from traditional offerings like Big Macs and fries, and instead, highlights a variety of lemonades, coffees, sandwiches, and desserts. With plans to…
Fast Food Customers Want More Convenience and Unique Fare. McDonald’s Answers with CosMc’s.
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…
Will CosMc’s Take Off? Social Media Response Could Determine the New McDonald’s Subbrand’s Fate
McDonald’s latest experiment in the customizable drink and coffee market could make a cosmic splash in the industry if the social media response to the concept turns out positive. McDonald’s is introducing its CosMc’s spinoff in Bolingbrook, Illinois, a new venture combining a unique, beverage-led menu with classic and innovative offerings. This small-format concept,…
Improved AI Technology is Going to Change How Efficient QSRs Are For Customers and Driving Profits
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…
Latest Podcasts
DTiQ
Growth, Influence, and Team Dynamics in QSR
As the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry evolves, understanding the intricacies of growth, influence, and team dynamics becomes essential. This podcast episode offers a deep dive into these crucial aspects, featuring insights from Mandy Ristic, a seasoned Franchisee and Operating Partner with OM Group. In this episode of iQTalk, host Savannah Jones talks with…
With 800 New Stores in the Offing, How Will Aldi’s Massive Expansion Impact the Grocery Industry?
Grocery chain Aldi recently announced plans to add 800 new stores in the U.S. within five years, focusing on the Northeast, Midwest, western U.S., and Southern California, with a debut in Las Vegas. In the Southeast, Aldi’s massive expansion plans include converting a whopping 400 Winn-Dixies and Harveys locations into Aldi stores, starting with about…
From Concept to Reality: DTIQ Champions the Positive Impact of AI on Retail, C-store, and Restaurant Industries.
What is the impact of AI in serving as the architecture for reshaping industries and bolstering their competitive edge, particularly in the retail, C-store and restaurant sectors? In Episode 2 of IQ Talk, host Daniel Litwin engages in a dynamic conversation with Steve Habermas, Chief Product and Technology Officer for DTiQ. Together, they delve…
Video Surveillance for Enhanced Security: Transforming Industries with iQTalk
How can businesses navigate the delicate balance between leveraging video surveillance for enhanced security and operational efficiency while ensuring the privacy and rights of individuals are respected? The inaugural episode of iQTalk, hosted by Gabrielle Bejarano, tackles these pressing questions with insights from John Donnelly III, the CRO of DTiQ, and Marc Litz, CEO…
Articles
Improved AI Technology is Going to Change How Efficient QSRs Are For Customers and Driving Profits
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…
FBD Frozen’s 77X Frozen Cocktail Series Expands and Prepares Beverage Ready at the Call
The art of cocktail-making has evolved with technology at its side and it’s shaping a new frontier in mixology. Gone are the days of cumbersome processes and the labor-intensive nature of preparing exquisite frozen cocktails. The world is in a modern age where efficiency meets innovation. Businesses now have the opportunity to elevate their…
Personalizing the Dining Experience Through Music
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…
Jewish Culinary Traditions Keep Culture Alive Through Food and Storytelling
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,…
Food & Beverage
Creating Generational Wealth: Untapping the Potential of Franchising
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…
A Look at the American Classic, The Cheesesteak, with Pat’s King of Steaks’ Frank E. Olivieri
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…
With Sophisticated Restaurant Scams Plaguing the Industry, Can Businesses Stop the Deception?
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…
The Essential Elements of Restaurant Design
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…
Latest Videos
FBD CGC
Benefits of the 77X Frozen Cocktail Series
The frozen beverage market is booming globally, but many businesses face challenges in serving frozen cocktails due to traditional equipment’s inefficiencies. The 77X Frozen Cocktail Series from FBD addresses these challenges and provides a seamless business solution. This advanced system eliminates product inconsistency and waste through its closed, sealed design and bag-in-box technology, ensuring…
FBD Products in Quick Service Restaurants
FBD products are making a difference in quick service restaurants. Amidst escalating costs and demands for customization in the food service industry, the popularity of frozen beverages continues to rise across all demographic groups. To meet these challenges, FBD offers innovative, practical solutions. Our advanced bag-in-box machines simplify preparation and reduce labor costs, assisting…
The Core Consumer is a Millennial With Kids, and Their Demand for Frozen Food is Higher Than Ever
The global frozen food market, valued at $265 billion, is witnessing an increase in demand, especially in the U.S. This surge, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has underscored the need for a resilient cold storage supply chain infrastructure to ensure the growth and safety of this sector. However, approximately 13% of all food produced…
Restaurants and QSRs Looking for Energy Savings Require the Perfect Touch
In the competitive world of the restaurant industry, restaurants and QSRs looking for energy savings require managing operating expenses while ensuring optimal comfort and safety for staff and guests. With restaurants spending anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 a month on energy costs, finding ways to reduce costs in this area can be a big…
Community Generated Content - SandenVendo America
Sandenvendo’s Showcase at the Southwest Fuel Expo
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience stores are constantly seeking innovative solutions to meet their customers’ needs. At the Southwest Fuel and Convenience Expo in downtown Fort Worth, Fort Worth Convention Center, industry leaders gather to explore the latest trends and technologies. The stakes are high as convenience store owners strive to maximize revenue while…
The Main Course: The Sweet Success of Gourmet Cookie Shops
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…
Adapting to Drone Delivery: Chefs’ Perspectives
Discover the latest disruptions and innovations in various fields with MarketScale’s new series, On Edge. In the first episode, Chef Andre Natera takes the audience on a journey to explore his thoughts on how drone delivery could shape the future of cooking. He discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of this technology and wonders…
On Edge: A New Soundbite Series
Market Scale is launching a new series called “On Edge.” This weekly soundbite series will provide listeners with an in-depth look into the cutting edge technology transforming emerging markets. From AI to blockchain, this podcast will share the stories of the innovative entrepreneurs and companies pushing the boundaries of technology and the incredible impact they…
Food & Beverage
Domino’s EV Fleet: The Worlds Largest Pizza Company Goes Electric
There’s an electric revolution happening at the world’s largest pizza company. A total of 800 Chevy Bolt EVs will be added to Domino’s EV fleet starting in 2023, making the company the largest electric pizza delivery fleet in the US. Clyde Boyce, Advisory Board Chairman, EV Chargers and Installation LLC, gives his analysis on…
GroceryShop: The Rise in Convenience
In a recent interview at GroceryShop, an intriguing trend emerges in the convenience store industry. With remote work, the rise of electric vehicles, and the growing popularity of online groceries, convenience stores face significant shifts in consumer behavior. This prompts the industry to evaluate store formats and find ways to accommodate these evolving dynamics. The…
Helping Vertical Farmers Enter the Grocery Space
The world of agriculture is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the rise of vertical farms. These innovative farms are not only changing the way we grow crops, but they also rely on efficient cold storage solutions to maintain optimal conditions. In a recent interview from GroceryShop, our expert shed light on this exciting development…
What Does Ecommerce Mean in the Grocery Space
In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, grocery retailers grasp the significance of data ownership in driving profitability. This interview at GroceryShop reveals a notable shift in the industry. Grocers now realize the need for direct access and control over their own data, creating opportunities for companies like KPS Global, providing infrastructure and technology solutions to…