News Briefs

PopID and Steak n Shake announced today that all Steak n Shake locations in the United States now accept PopID Check In (to review favorite orders and loyalty points) and PopPay for checkout. With more than 300 locations, Steak n Shake is the first national restaurant brand in the United States to adopt biometric check-in and checkout nationwide. PopID’s biometric check-in feature makes kiosk ordering faster, easier, and more personalized.

The implementation of PopID in every Steak n Shake location was accomplished rapidly and at low cost through a partnership between PopID and ACRELEC, a leading supplier of kiosk-ordering hardware and drive-through products. Cameras were shipped to every restaurant for attachment to the existing ACRELEC kiosks. “As explained in our recent publication, ACRELEC believes that our integrated biometric solution provides various benefits to restaurant operators related to throughput, ticket size, and loyalty engagement,” says Bruno Lo-Re, President of ACRELEC America.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with PopID and to be on the edge of biometric technology for the benefit of our customers. Our guests now have the option to use biometrics for a faster and more seamless experience,” says Sardar Biglari, Chairman of Biglari Holdings, the parent company of Steak n Shake.

Now that biometrics are enabled for all ordering and payment inside Steak n Shake restaurants, PopID and Steak n Shake will begin implementing biometric check-in and checkout at the restaurant’s drive-through units. “Similar to the kiosks, biometric check in can increase loyalty participation and revenue at the drive thru while also reducing payment processing costs,” says John Miller, CEO of PopID and Chairman of Cali Group. “Additionally, biometric payment at the order confirmation screen enables staff members to work on tasks other than taking payments by card and phone at the order pick-up window.”

Consumers love restaurants—64% said they would dine at or order from restaurants every day if they could manage it—but a prolonged struggle with inflation is tempering their spend and gratuities for staff. 

On average, consumers today spend 30% of their individual or family food budgets on restaurants each month, down from 40% in May 2022. Nearly 2 in 5 (38%) say they are spending the same or more on restaurant meals compared to last year, but are tipping less. This is according to Popmenu's nationwide study of 1,000 U.S. consumers in April 2024.

Eating and drinking places generated $93.7 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in March 2024, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Following a decline in December and January, industry revenue grew in February and March—but is still trailing a $94.2 billion high in November.

"Although restaurant industry sales remain healthy, competition for guests has intensified over the last several months," said Brendan Sweeney, CEO and Co-founder of Popmenu. "Consumers are doing their homework: 80% research restaurant menus online as they assess dishes, cost, convenience, and other drivers of dining decisions. Restaurants who are winning and growing are 1) offering more budget-friendly menu options or discounts and 2) actively engaging consumers across digital channels to entice them to order online or in person."

What consumers want:

• More leftovers: Half (52%) of consumers say they prioritize restaurants that offer bigger portions, so they have leftovers for another meal.
• Bigger, better deals: 66% of consumers choose restaurants that provide more affordable menu items or special offers.
• Fewer fees: 67% of consumers prefer to order directly from a restaurant's website vs. a third party, primarily to avoid fees and take advantage of cheaper menus.
• More rewards: 45% frequent restaurants that offer a loyalty program.

Survey Methodology
Popmenu conducted an anonymous, nationwide study of 1,000 U.S. consumers, ages 18 and older, from April 16 to April 17, 2024.

See Popmenu at National Restaurant Show Booth 6057. 

Instacart and Uber Technologies, Inc. announced a strategic partnership to bring Uber Eats restaurant delivery to Instacart customers. In the coming weeks, Instacart customers nationwide will be able to use the Instacart app to order from hundreds of thousands of restaurants, powered by Uber Eats.

The experience will be featured through a new "Restaurants" tab in the Instacart app, providing a user-friendly interface that allows consumers to choose from a selection of nearby restaurants, browse menus, place orders, and track deliveries in real-time. Customers will be able to order groceries for the week from Instacart's more than 1,500 national, regional, and local retail banners across more than 85,000 stores – all fulfilled by Instacart and its shopper community – as well as dinner for the night from hundreds of thousands of restaurants, which will be fulfilled by Uber Eats and the couriers on its platform. Instacart+ members will also get even more value from their membership at no additional cost, with $0 delivery on grocery and restaurant orders over $35.

"Our goal is to make it effortless for people to go anywhere and get anything," said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. "We're excited that this new strategic partnership with Instacart will bring the magic of Uber Eats to even more consumers, drive more business for restaurants, and create more earnings opportunities for couriers."

"Through this partnership, Instacart customers now have access to both the best online grocery selection in the U.S. and restaurant delivery, making it even easier for them to conveniently tackle all their food needs from a single app," said Fidji Simo, CEO and Chair of Instacart. "Whether it's ingredients for a beloved family recipe, a prepared meal from a nearby grocer or takeout from a favorite restaurant – customers can now get the food they want, from the retailers and restaurants they love, all within the Instacart app."

For Uber, powering restaurant delivery in the Instacart app is another way to help drive more orders to Uber Eats restaurant partners. This new channel also enables Uber to extend its leading restaurant selection to millions of customers across the U.S., including families in suburban markets that use Instacart.

This partnership also extends the efforts of both companies to create technologies and solutions that support brick-and-mortar businesses. Through this launch, Uber and Instacart are helping restaurants and retailers grow by increasing opportunities for them to reach new customers online and drive more sales through an even more engaging Instacart experience.

As the restaurant industry rapidly evolves, SageNet is spotlighting the top three digital innovations that are redefining the in-store dining experience, most recently at this year’s National Restaurant Association tradeshow. From enhancing customer interactions to improving operational efficiencies, these technologies promise to elevate every aspect of the fast-casual restaurant service model.

1. RFID Order Tracking: Streamlining Operations

RFID order tracking systems represent a leap in operational efficiency. By attaching RFID tags to orders, restaurants can track the movement of every item from the kitchen to the counter in real time. This system reduces customer wait times and increases transparency, which enhances the overall customer experience.

"Our RFID technology ensures that customers and staff alike can track an order’s progress. This transparency is key to building trust and efficiency," says IV Dickson, Chief Innovation Officer at SageNet.

2. Dynamic Digital Menuboards: Enhancing Visual Engagement

Central to the modernization of the restaurant environment are dynamic digital menuboards, both indoors and for outdoor drive-thrus. SageNet’s demo for these boards feature high-definition, 55" displays that provide real-time updates and visually engaging content. By seamlessly integrating with existing POS systems, they improve order accuracy and speed, directly impacting customer satisfaction.

"Dynamic menuboards transform the way restaurants communicate with customers. They are not just tools for displaying menus but are pivotal in promoting daily specials and influencing buying decisions," explains Dickson.

3. Integration to Revolutionize Order Confirmation

SageNet’s integrated order confirmation system is designed to revolutionize the drive-thru experience. This system provides instant, customized order confirmations, reducing human error and offering opportunities for upselling. Integrated within the broader SageVIEW digital signage system, it aligns day-parting, inventory, and environmental factors with the menu displayed, thereby maximizing profitability and enhancing the customer's brand experience.

These three technologies are setting new standards in the restaurant industry, combining to create a smoother, more engaging customer experience. Attendees of the NRA witnessed these innovations firsthand, and you can experience the future of dining at sagenet.com/nra.

Last week, Choice Hotels International concluded its 68^th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, one of the largest to date. Over the course of three days, Choice provided owners and operators with a roadmap on how together they will capitalize on their competitive position to capture the growing demand for travel. Choice announced the relaunch of Park Inn by Radisson and its strategic repositioning into the premium value space. 

As part of the strategy with Choice's acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas in 2022, Park Inn by Radisson is being strategically repositioned into the premium value conversion space. Park Inn by Radisson will deliver on an unmet need tailored to the growing demographic of younger, value-conscious travelers.  

pictured: The reimagined guest room at the Park Inn by Radisson includes fast Wi-Fi and plenty of places to charge devices. 

"The relaunch of Park Inn by Radisson into the premium value conversion space underscores our commitment to delivering an unparalleled guest experience, inspired by the simplicity and vibrant energy of parks," said Cathy Hartman, vice president, brand strategy, Choice Hotels. "The brand has been built around a promise to brighten up every stay with a refreshing blend of color, connectivity, and convenience."

Park Inn by Radisson will cater to a new generation of experience-centered travelers in a way that's affordable for guests and simple for owners to deliver. Park Inn by Radisson will offer guests the 'brighter basics' including fast Wi-Fi and plenty of places to charge devices.

Celebrating in Las Vegas 

At the convention,  the company also reintroduced the SOAR program and reaffirmed its over 20-year commitment to create hotel ownership opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

"This year's convention was about celebrating the new level of success that Choice and its franchisees have achieved together," said Choice Hotels President and CEO Patrick Pacious. "I've never been more optimistic about our shared future. With our brands well positioned to capture even more of the growing travel demand, we have a tremendous opportunity in front of us."

During the event, Choice awarded and celebrated the top-performing hotels through Choice's Premier Awards and the Best of Choice Awards, the company's most coveted accolades.

Premier Award Winners

• Kunal Dave of Laxmi Hotels Group (Premier Developer Award): Dave has been a Choice owner for over a decade and currently owns more than 25 Choice hotels spanning Economy, Midscale, Upper Midscale, and Extended Stay. He excels at repositioning and rebranding properties to drive up revenue and profitability.
• Bob Patel of Omaha Hotels, Inc. (Premier Legacy Award): Patel began his relationship with Choice over 15 years ago by purchasing an Econo Lodge in Janesville, Wisconsin. Today, he has 15 Choice hotels under the Comfort, Country, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, and MainStay Suites brands. A longtime member of the Wisconsin Hotel Association, he is passionate about mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs.

Best of Choice Winners

Like the Premier winners, the Best of Choice award recipients were selected for their demonstrated commitment to superior guest service and operational excellence. The best international properties and the best hotel per brand in the U.S. were selected.

• Cambria Hotel Traverse City – Traverse City, Michigan
• Clarion Hotel Oslo – Oslo, Norway
• Clarion Inn Conference Center – Gonzales, Louisiana
• Clarion Pointe Sulphur Springs –  Sulphur Springs, Texas
• Comfort Hotel Nagoya Meiekiminami – Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
• Comfort Inn & Suites Lakewood By JBLM – Lakewood, Washington
• Comfort Inn Blackshear Highway 84 – Blackshear, Georgia
• Comfort Suites near Penn State – State College, Pennsylvania
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Belleville, Ontario –  Belleville, Ontario, Canada
• Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, State College (Penn State Area), PA – State College, PA
• Econo Lodge – Lenoir City, Tennessee
• MainStay Suites Carlisle-Harrisburg – Carlisle, Pennsylvania
• Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica –  San Jose, Costa Rica
• Quality Hotel Blumenau – Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil
• Quality Inn Ingleside-Corpus Christi – Ingleside, Texas
• Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport – Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Radisson Individuals, the Hotel Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique – Cartagena, Colombia
• Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel – Montevideo, Uruguay
• Sleep Inn Winfield-Teays Valley – Hurricane, West Virginia
• Suburban Studios Washington, Pennsylvania – Washington, Pennsylvania
• The Halifax Tower Hotel & Conference Centre, Ascend Hotel Collection – Halifax, Nova Scotia
• The Ingot Hotel Perth, Ascend Hotel Collection – Belmont, Western Australia
• The Inn at I'On – Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
• The Radisson Blu Aruba – Palm Beach, Aruba
• The Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown – Toronto, Canada
• The Rodeway Inn – Ainsworth, Nebraska
• Woodspring Suites San Antonio Stone Oak – San Antonio, Texas