Anna Wolfe
Anna Wolfe is Hospitality Technology’s senior editor. She has more than 15 years of experience as a B2B journalist writing about restaurants, retail and specialty food.
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
May 2021
May 17
CASE STUDY: &pizza Shares Loyalty and Program Design
How &pizza transformed their business through data.
May 17
How COVID -19 Created the Perfect Storm for Self-Pour Beverage Walls
With restaurant unemployment rates at an all-time low, self-pour beverage walls have been an effective solution.
May 17
There's an Easier Way to Manage Delivery Drivers
Arity’s insights help you choose the best delivery drivers while saving time and money managing them.
Take advantage of solutions that help you and your restaurant.
Predict driver risk on the road at screening
Lower onboarding costs
May 17
Auntie Anne's, Jamba Open Co-Brand Location with Drive-Thru
More than a quarter of Jamba's locations have a drive-thru and the brand is aggressively looking to add drive-thrus to 50 percent of new locations.
May 17
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Offer a Zero Human Interaction Experience
The QSR is open 24/7 and features mobile app and kiosk ordering. Plus there's food locker technology for contactless pickup.
May 13
Restaurant Platform Startup Raises $20M, Expands to Chicago
All Day Kitchens has partnered with San Francisco restaurants since 2019 including new local brands, popular fast-casual brands and more.
May 13
Chipotle Hosts Virtual Job Fair
Chipotle is looking to hire 20,000 employees across the U.S. with starting wage ranges from $11-$18 per hour to support current demand and future growth.
May 12
Online Food Hall Concept With Multiple Virtual Brands Receives Industry Hero Award
The saying, 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going," definitely applies to the team behind Concept Entertainment Group.
When Concept Entertainment Group halted dine-in service at its Thirsty Lion locations due to the pan
May 12
BurgerFi HIres Retail Vet to Serve as Chief Technology Officer
Karl Goodhew previously worked with Macy's, Home Depot and JCPenney.
May 12
MGM Resorts Returns to Full Gaming Floor Occupancy in Las Vegas
The Nevada Gaming Control Board has approved a return to 100% occupancy and no social distancing on the gaming floors located inside the company's Las Vegas Strip properties.
May 11
McDonald’s ‘Billions Served’ Takes on New Meaning
In the U.S. during Q1 '21, digital sales approach $1.5 billion and active app users top 20 million.
May 10
Restaurant Launches Mail-Order Meal Kit Service
Adding a direct-to-consumer shipping capability for its special occasion meal kits is "the next step in creating a seamless environment." says BRG's owners.
May 10
Kettlemans Bagel Updates Mobile Ordering
Geofencing will not only allow the QSR to more efficiently sequence orders in the drive-thru, but also help kitchen staff prioritize orders.
May 10
Buffalo Wings & Rings Rolls Out Virtual Brand, Ghost Kitchen Concept
What started as an undercover experiment at a festival has turned into a virtual brand and ghost kitchen concept for Cincinnati-based sports restaurant franchise Buffalo Wings & Rings.
May 10
LG Pro Centric Catena Debuts Web App
LG now offers remote display management for businesses and direct audio streaming to guests’ mobile devices.
May 10
Are Low Wages Driving Away Restaurant Staff?
About 76% of restaurant workers surveyed by One Fair Wage say they would leave due to low wages.
May 07
Dog Haus Expands Virtual Kitchen Portfolio
Dog Haus has opened three virtual kitchens in California.
May 07
Square Adds On-Demand Alcohol Delivery Functionality
Sellers can now unlock a new commission-free revenue stream through alcohol delivery.
May 07
STUDY: 55% of Consumers are Ready to Return to Dine-In
Younger people are feeling more cautious than other age groups about resuming regular activities.
May 07
QSR Automations Names New CEO After Death of Founder
Angela Leet has been appointed as QSR Automations' next Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately following the sudden death of founder and CEO, Lee Leet.
Lee Leet, Founder of QSR Automations, was a leader in Restaurant Optimizatio
May 06
Dickey's Barbecue Pit Receives HT's Industry Hero Award
Dickey’s upgraded multiple online platforms, including its proprietary reporting system and intranet portal, and teamed up with Chowly to integrate third-party delivery orders.
May 05
Yogurtland's Digital Transformation
Yogurtland adds online ordering and updates its mobile app and loyalty program.
May 05
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to Offer Digital B2B Gift Cards
New program powered by Blackhawk Network makes it quick and easy to purchase gift cards in bulk.
May 04
Pizza Hut Franchisees Pay Drivers Through the POS
Pizza Hut Franchisees to pay their drivers using XTM's Today Mastercard for earned wage access.
May 04
Henry Gonzalez Joins BurgerFi as Chief Marketing Officer
BurgerFi International Inc. has hired Henry Gonzalez as Chief Marketing Officer.
May 03
STUDY: 4 Steps to a Successful Digital Gift Card Program
Digital gift card adoption is projected to grow 23% by 2025. This study from Incisiv pinpoints four areas of transformation that must be improved for restaurants to realize the full potential of their gift card programs.
May 03
Chipotle Debuts Trivia 2.0
To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Chipotle is bringing back Chipotle IQ, its signature trivia game that tests fans’ knowledge of all things Chipotle.
May 03
Subway Hires Global Chief Digital and Information Officer
Donagh Herlihy, a former Bloomin' Brands executive, has joined Subway as its new Global Chief Digital and Information Officer.
May 03
CASE STUDY: Fast Casual Brand Leans On Data, Reporting
Costa Vida needed a restaurant management system that gave them easy reporting and faster inventory, while having the capability to handle raw food SKUs that are used in multiple recipes.
May 03
Domino's to Continue Carside Delivery
As restaurants nationwide struggle to find staff, Domino’s has announced it will market its "critical weapon" to drive-thru-oriented consumers.
April 2021
Apr 30
Food Hall Partners with Adyen
As it plans to add four locations around the globe, the Prague-based food hall and ghost kitchen partners with Adyen to create personalized, customer-oriented payments in its restaurants.
Apr 30
Starbucks Gives a Glimpse of Artificial Intelligence’s Increasing Role
In an earnings call with analysts Starbucks execs explained how the coffee retailer is using AI and predictive analytics. Plus, the coffee retailer's investments in drive-thru and off-prem.
Apr 29
Loyalty Program Pays Off for Starbucks
Starbucks Rewards tops 22.9 million active members amid “a full sales recovery in the U.S.” More than half of Starbucks’ U.S. sales come from Starbucks Rewards Members.
Apr 29
BurgerFi Sees Delivery & Digital Sales Increase More Than 80% Year-Over-Year
BurgerFi sees Q4 sales increase 12% and plans to open 30 locations this year.
Apr 28
Bouyed By Strong Off-Prem Playbook, Noodles & Co. Looks for Franchisees
Noodles pre-pandemic focus on enhancing digital capabilities for off-premise pays off. In 2020, Noodles posted a 128% increase in digital sales, or 62% of total sales.
Apr 27
DoorDash Reveals New Pricing Model
Restaurants can select from three new Partnership Plans starting at 15% and build their own online stores completely commission-free, now with no monthly fees.
Apr 27
OneDine Receives Hospitality Technology’s Industry Hero Award
OneDine helped restaurants reimagine their parking spaces to generate revenue.
Apr 27
STUDY: Online Ordering, Off-Premises Dining is Here to Stay
Paytronix and PYMNTS survey found that of vaccinated patrons, 92% say they will continue to use mobile order-ahead, curbside pickup and delivery.
Apr 26
Red Lobster's Spring Gift Card
Red Lobster's spring e-gift card was designed by a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, and is currently available on RedLobster.com.
Apr 26
Resorts World Las Vegas Plans Grand Opening
The long-awaited resort will open its doors on June 24 and will feature "the city’s most progressive technology.”
Apr 26
Glen McIntosh Named Chief Supply Chain Officer at Little Caesars Pizza
In this newly created role, McIntosh will report directly to the CEO and lead end-to-end supply chain strategies for the family-owned pizza chain.
Apr 23
Chipotle Breaks Its Digital Records
In March Chipotle posted a record number of digital transactions, over 800,000 app downloads and the most new digital customers since May 2020.
Apr 23
Chick-fil-a Tests Robotic Delivery
According to reports, Chick-fil-a is testing robotic delivery in California.
Fox Business and PennLive are among the media outlets reporting that the QSR is testing semi-autonomous delivery using Kiwibots at a California location.
Apr 22
Revel Systems Receives Hospitality Technology’s Industry Hero Award
Revel debuted a new standalone online ordering solution that could be added to a restaurant’s ops -- regardless of POS solution, and also created the Revel Relief Program for clients experiencing excessive hardship due to COVID-19.
Apr 22
SAJJ Mediterranean Teams up with Local Kitchens to Open in Digital Food Hall
Customers order digitally from SAJJ Kitchen website, app or in-store kiosk and can choose pickup or delivery.
Apr 22
Saladworks, Frutta Bowls Team Up with Ghost Kitchen
14 Saladworks locations to open inside ghost kitchen franchise.
Apr 21
STUDY: New Business Openings Accelerate in Q1
Restaurant and food business openings were up by 5% from Q1 2020. Yelp Economic Average reveals that new business openings in Q1 hit the highest level since the pandemic began.
Apr 21
Captain D’s Debuts Double Drive-Thru
The Tupelo Captain D’s is open for dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, and call ahead ordering with contactless curbside pick-up. Online ordering and third-party delivery are in the works.
Apr 20
STUDY: QR Codes Lure Diners into a False Sense of Security
Expect hackers to get even more creative with QR codes now that economies are reopening shops, bars and restaurants, says Ivanti.
Apr 20
CASE STUDY: How Subway is Creating Simpler, More Customer-Centric Payments
Adyen is supporting Subway and its Franchise Owners in creating a simpler and more customer-centric payments experience in-restaurant, online and through the Subway App.
Apr 20
STUDY: U.S. Restaurant Chains' Customer Transactions Begin to Recover
Customer transactions at U.S. restaurant chains in March were up +32% compared to a year ago.
Apr 20
Muscle Maker Grill Expands Use of Ghost Kitchens, Adds Virtual Brands
The brand is also piloting a mail-order meal prep service.
Apr 20
Punchh Receives Hospitality Technology’s Industry Hero Award
Punchh’s customer loyalty and engagement solutions enabled restaurant brands to foster and maintain vital connections with their guests during the pandemic.
Apr 19
Taco Bell to Recycle Hot Sauce Packets
The initiative with TerraCycle will give new life to the currently single-use hot sauce packets as Taco Bell works to fulfill global packaging commitments.
Apr 19
Nathan's Famous Signs to Open 100 Ghost Kitchen Locations
Some of the locations in the US and Canada will be located inside of Walmart stores and feature in-store seating.
Apr 19
Uber Eats Integrates with Instagram
When restaurants connect their store’s Instagram account to their Uber Eats account, consumers will see the restaurant's feed directly in the Uber Eats app, allowing them to scroll through for food photos, specials and more.
Apr 19
Tele2 and foodora Accelerate Testing of Delivery Robot
Doora is making food deliveries to a test group of customers in Stockholm.
Apr 19
The Absolute Brands Adds 2 Virtual Brands
Led by Dog Haus’ culinary team and Culinary Director Adam Gertler, Jailbird and Big Belly Burgers join The Absolute Brands’ virtual concept lineup – Bad Mutha Clucka, Bad-Ass Breakfast Burritos and Plant B.
Apr 16
Hard Rock International Welcomes Kim Boerema as President of Cafe Operations
He will provide leadership and strategic oversight to company-owned and franchise cafes, drive Hard Rock's retail merchandise business and grow the Hard Rock Cafe portfolio.
Apr 16
Happy Joe’s Pizza Launches Mobile Loyalty App
Punchh was selected to power customer engagement and loyalty for the brands through a data-driven mobile app that will serve guests in nearly 60 locations.
Apr 16
Another Broken Egg Cafe Accelerates Franchise Development and Nationwide Presence
Another Broken Egg Cafe’s pivot towards off-premise combined with an innovative food and beverage program helped the brand navigate pandemic complexities, while positioning it for sustained success.
Apr 16
Taco Bell Opens Digital-Only Cantina in NYC's Times Square
The restaurant features 10 kiosks and a wall of Order Ahead Pickup Cubbies.
Apr 16
CoreLife Eatery Updates Loyalty App
The app is enabled with delivery and curbside pickup options.
Apr 15
Rapid Fired Pizza, Hot Head Burritos Complete Rollout of Qu
The growing multi-brand restaurant group cites operational efficiencies, increased stability, and rapid response times as key benefits of the successful partnership.
Apr 15
Restaurant Tech Startup Raises $24 Million
Designed by restaurateurs, sunday allows customers to pay their bill on their own time via a QR code that is placed on each table and attributed to separate groups.
Apr 15
QDOBA Launches Customer Experience Management Program
The Mexican fast casual chain is working with SMG to drive program adoption, increase guest satisfaction and advance its customer experience strategy.
Apr 15
Culver’s Chooses Brink POS
Culver's selected Brink POS for its 790+ stores because of its integration partner ecosystem.
Apr 14
Hospitality Technology Announces Its 2021 Top Women in Restaurant Technology Award Winners and Industry Heroes Awards
Employees of P.F. Chang’s, Qdoba Mexican Eats, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit are among those honored for outstanding achievement in restaurant technology over the course of 2020 — a challenging year like no other.
Apr 14
MURTEC 2021 is Streaming On Demand!
Tech executives from CKE Restaurants, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Five Guys and more share their tech pivots and what's next for their brands and the industry.
Apr 13
Teriyaki Madness Opens 100th Location
After investing in infrastructure and processes, the fast-casual brand is ramping up the number of new locations.
Apr 13
Taffer's Tavern to Open 10 Locations in Florida
Taffer's Tavern uses technology to reduce cook times by 50 – 90% compared to traditional kitchens.
Apr 13
Roots Pizza Powers Sales with Mobile App
The Chicago pizzeria implemented the NCR Engage app platform to extend its restaurant experience with an integrated app for mobile orders.
Apr 13
Wendy's Franchisee Streamlines Operations, Safeguards Food Inventory
Vestco Group deploys Squadle Checklists Remote Temperature Monitoring across all nine locations.
Apr 12
Domino's Delivers with On-Road Robot
Pizza chain teams up with Nuro to launch autonomous pizza delivery with on-road robot in Houston.
Apr 08
Zaxby’s Hires Mike Nettles as Interim Chief Digital and Technology Officer
Nettles joins Zaxby’s from Papa John’s, where he served as chief operating and growth officer.
Apr 08
PAR Technology Buys Punchh
The $500 million buyout makes PAR a unified commerce cloud platform for enterprise restaurants.
Apr 08
Chipotle to Offer Free Degrees in Hospitality to Employees
After 120 days of employment, employees are eligible to pursue degrees in Hospitality, Agriculture and Culinary from leading nonprofit, accredited universities.
Apr 08
MURTEC 2021: Hooters Shares Off-Prem Efficiencies
Marc Butler, SVP, Strategic Planning/ Off Premise, HOA Brands, talks off-premises and virtual brands in this highly anticipated MURTEC Firechat.
Apr 08
Slice's Rewards Program Supports Local Pizzerias
Slice Rewards rewards consumers for supporting local pizzerias nationwide.
Apr 07
How Bipolar Ionization Tech Will Help Hospitality Win the War Against COVID-19
Indoor ultraviolet and bipolar ionization technologies help the hospitality industry mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and improve air quality for the long term
Apr 06
PDQ Restaurants Improves Drive-Thru Experience
PDQ focused on optimizing drive-thru service and throughput to support the influx of guests utilizing drive-thru over traditional dine-in options due to COVID-19 restrictions
Apr 06
Jon Taffer’s Kitchen of the Future Concept
Get the inside scoop on Taffer’s Tavern tech-driven concept at MURTEC.
Apr 06
Flying Blind: The Black Box of Kitchen Prep
There are hidden errors and inefficiencies within the food preparation process in nearly every kitchen, and they often prevent restaurants from maximizing their margins and the quality of the product they produce.
Apr 06
One Day, 5,000 Job Openings: Taco Bell Plans Hiring Spree for April 21
The goal is to hire 5,000 team members across the system for the April Hiring Parties day as Taco Bell looks ahead to more restaurant reopenings, remodels and new builds throughout 2021.
Apr 06
Jersey Mike’s Subs Raises $15 Million for Local Charities
More than 1,900 restaurants donated 100% of sales during the company’s 11th Annual Month of Giving in March. The 200 charity recipients included hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.
Apr 06
Jason’s Deli Partners with Waitr for Delivery
Waitr will pick up and deliver orders from more than 80 Jason’s Deli locations.
Apr 05
Flexible Daily Routines Help to Boost Visits to Restaurants During Late Afternoon, Evening-to-Dawn Snack Periods
Late afternoon and after-dinner snack visits — the p.m. snack daypart — have increased, reports The NPD Group.
Apr 05
Saladworks Signs Deal with Ghost Kitchen Brands to Open 90 Locations
Partnership will double brand’s footprint with 60 kitchens in the US and 30 in Canada by the end of 2021. Many of these new kitchens will live inside Walmart stores.
Apr 05
Dee Dixon Named CIO at Celebrity’s Soul Food
Dixon serves as CIO and CFO and will be guiding the brand as it expands across North America with franchise opportunities.