News Briefs

Flybuy, the AI-powered location engine that streamlines restaurant operations, has unveiled catering order optimization, a powerful new feature designed to simplify and enhance large catering pickups and deliveries. With this enhancement, restaurants utilizing Flybuy can now seamlessly manage catering fulfillment, ensuring a more efficient, organized, and streamlined process.

Flybuy seamlessly integrates with online ordering platforms, enabling restaurants to ingest, fulfill, and hand off catering orders effortlessly - minimizing friction for both staff and customers. These orders are automatically tagged as catering orders within the Flybuy Dashboard and Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), ensuring clear differentiation from regular customer orders. Additionally, commonly included items like utensils and trays can also be visually tagged, helping staff when package orders accurately and efficiently.

With advanced scheduling and real-time alerts, staff can proactively plan and allocate resources to fulfill large catering orders with accuracy. By providing ample lead time and configurable reminders, Flybuy ensures teams stay organized and prepared to deliver seamless, high-quality service.

“Catering has become a major growth driver for restaurants, and Flybuy is committed to helping them streamline the process,” said Marc Wallace, CEO of Flybuy. “With this new feature, restaurants can fulfill large orders with greater efficiency and accuracy—enhancing customer satisfaction and driving revenue growth.”

With Flybuy's catering order optimization, restaurants can stay ahead in a competitive market by providing a superior, hassle-free catering experience.

For more information about Flybuy and its catering order optimization feature, please visit www.flybuy.com

HungerRush, a  provider of integrated restaurant technology solutions, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Backofhouse.io, a venture owned by Gordon Food Service. This partnership empowers restaurants across the U.S. with access to HungerRush's industry-leading point-of-sale (POS) and online ordering platforms.

This collaboration provides restaurants with the ability to streamline operations, enhance online ordering and delivery capabilities, and boost revenue through loyalty programs and automated marketing. By leveraging HungerRush’s technology, restaurants can take orders faster, reduce friction in day-to-day operations, and deliver an exceptional experience to their guests.

Choosing Technology for Restaurant Growth

HungerRush and Back of House share a mutual commitment to helping restaurants succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape. The addition of HungerRush’s robust offerings provide restaurants with scalable solutions across all areas of their business. From off-premise ordering capabilities to in-house operational optimizations to delivering food to their guests, restaurants can build a resilient and successful business. Restaurants also benefit from HungerRush’s customer-first approach to building and delivering their technology solutions.

“Partnering with Backofhouse.io and Gordon Food Service is a pivotal step in expanding the reach of our innovative restaurant management solutions,” said Nick Butrym, CRO at HungerRush. “Our purpose is to help restaurateurs prosper by delivering great experiences for their customers and employees, and this collaboration allows us to extend that impact to a broader network of businesses.”

Finding the Right Technology

Back of House offers a unique and innovative way for restaurant operators to learn about restaurant technology, compare vendors, and access expert consultants for guidance on business technology decisions.

“Thanks to our partnership with HungerRush, we can provide restaurant operators with high-quality options when it comes to finding the right technology solutions,” said Nick Florek, Head of Back of House. “It’s a partnership that will give them peace of mind that their technology decision is the right one for their specific needs.”

Back of House is available to all restaurant operators across the U.S. Additionally, Gordon Food Service customers get unique benefits, including preferred pricing from leading restaurant technology software providers and free access to consulting services.

To learn more about Back of House please visit the website. For more information on HungerRush, click here.

Torchy’s Tacos has chosen PAR Punchh to elevate its guest experience and create deeper connections with its fans. Together, they’ve launched Torchy’s Tacos Rewards, a dynamic loyalty program that combines personalization, surprise-and-delight campaigns, and seamless functionality to transform how guests interact with the brand.

Since its launch in October 2024, Torchy’s Tacos Rewards has already captured the attention of more than 1 million members, offering them tailored rewards, exclusive surprises, and new ways to engage with their favorite taco brand. By combining creativity with innovative technology, the program delivers a loyalty experience as bold and unique as the Torchy’s brand itself. Guests are treated to perks like Welcome Queso & Chips and Birthday Queso & Chips—fan favorites that add an extra layer of celebration to every milestone. Dynamic frequency challenges, such as earning bonus points for visits, trying specific food items, or reaching spending milestones, keep the experience fresh and engaging, ensuring there’s always something exciting to look forward to.

• Related: 82% of customers want to receive discounts as a benefit of their loyalty program membership, according to HT's 2024 Customer Engagement Technology Study

“When we set out to create Torchy’s Tacos Rewards, we knew we needed more than just a loyalty program—we needed a platform that matched the bold spirit of our brand,” said Thai Tran, CTO of Torchy’s Tacos, “With Punchh’s expertise and technology, we’ve built something that truly reflects the unique Torchy’s Tacos experience. Our guests are loving it, and we’re just getting started.”

Savneet Singh, CEO of PAR added, “Torchy’s Tacos isn’t just raising the bar for guest experiences—it’s smashing it. With Punchh’s platform and strategic collaboration, we’ve built a loyalty program that doesn’t just reward guests, it creates an experience they’ll keep coming back for. Torchy’s Tacos Rewards blends innovation and the brand’s unmistakable personality to make every interaction memorable. This is where tech meets tacos.”

Torchy’s required a loyalty solution that could meet their ambitious goals and provide the flexibility to deliver exceptional guest experiences. With PAR Punchh, they gained cutting-edge technology and strategic guidance to design a loyalty program that stands out in a crowded marketplace. Punchh’s team worked closely with Torchy’s to develop a custom-tailored structure that aligned with their business goals and guest preferences. Moving away from the limitations of manual processes, Torchy’s Tacos Rewards now leverages real-time automation to execute on-demand campaigns. From automated customer journeys that keep engagement fresh to A/B testing creative offers and challenges tailored to different guest segments, the program delivers a level of personalization that feels hand-crafted for each member.

Since its launch, Torchy’s Tacos Rewards has driven increased guest satisfaction and engagement, with members spending more and visiting more frequently than ever. The program’s innovative features include the ability to scan receipts for missed check-ins—ensuring members never miss out on rewards—and a flexible points-based system that lets guests redeem points for the rewards they value most.

The launch of Torchy’s Tacos Rewards demonstrates how strategy-driven technology and creative design can work hand in hand to transform guest engagement. With the flexibility of PAR Punchh’s automated platform, Torchy’s now delivers real-time, on-demand campaigns that surprise and delight guests while staying true to the brand’s bold and iconic identity. Members enjoy more than just tacos—they’re rewarded with tailored perks, exclusive access, and memorable experiences that keep them coming back for more. 

AIIR, a provider of AI-powered heating and cooling solutions, released its second HVAC industry study, uncovering major challenges and opportunities related to HVAC implementation and energy efficiency. The study surveyed a diverse group of building developers, owners, operators, and general contractors, providing insights into the complex dynamics influencing HVAC decisions and the potential benefits of adopting smart building technologies.

Despite the growing push for sustainable building practices, more than 37% of industry leaders reported that HVAC systems are currently excluded from their efficiency or carbon reduction plans, highlighting a critical gap in strategies aimed at lowering energy costs and environmental impact.

Key findings include:

• 37% of building professionals do not include HVAC systems in their current plans for improving efficiency or reducing carbon impact
• Top challenges in HVAC implementation: Installation, cost, and maintenance were identified as the most significant hurdles in HVAC adoption
• Interest in smart technology: 61% of respondents expressed interest in AI-driven solutions to boost energy efficiency in their projects
• Impact on property value: Over 82% of participants agreed that investing in energy-efficient upgrades could increase property value

The research comes as commercial and residential property owners face rising utility costs and growing demand for sustainable building practices. In light of these challenges, many industry professionals recognize the value of smart technology and AI as pivotal tools for enhancing operational efficiency, cutting costs, and improving occupant comfort.

“This latest study underscores both the challenges and the opportunities within the HVAC industry,” said Trevor Schick, President of AIIR. “With advanced technologies such as the AIIR Intelligent HVAC, we’re helping clients optimize comfort and efficiency in their buildings. By empowering property owners and developers with AI-powered systems, we aim to support a shift toward smarter, more sustainable infrastructure.”

"While some progress has been made in leveraging AI to optimize whole building operations, the HVAC industry hasn’t turned much attention at all on how to use advanced technology, like AI and Machine learning to increase energy efficiency and still provide guest comfort within each space," adds Anshuman Bhargava, GM & Head of AIIR Business. "The standard solution, PTAC, has one stage and that, in itself, means that you’re banging on, and you are getting that full in-rush of amps that come into a room.  Let’s embed AI and Machine learning along with sensors in the room itself to optimize operations for both comfort and efficiency.  That will be the transformational game changer the industry has been waiting for.” 

Vita Mojo, a tech partner for hospitality operators, has extended its strategic partnership with The Salad Project, the latest sensation of the quick-service scene. Vita Mojo will aid The Salad Project’s expansion plans, which include scaling to 20 locations by 2027. Most recently, its technology was used in the opening of The Salad Project’s 8th site on Bond Street. 

As part of its strategy, The Salad Project has a keen focus on digital transformation, introducing a Click and Collect digital ordering experience, branded app, and loyalty scheme. These initiatives extend the brand’s ethos of fresh, healthy meals by offering ultra-convenient ways for customers to engage with it both online and in person, with Vita Mojo streamlining the experience. 

Central to The Salad Project's digital offering is its customer app, which has already become a game-changer in the sector. The app is entirely supported by Vita Mojo, allowing customers to easily pre-order and customize meals, adjust ingredients or select dietary options. With a consistently high rating on the App Store and recognition in The Times, the app has quickly garnered a loyal following. 

The Salad Project’s Click and Collect Experience also helps the business effectively manage queues, which have risen alongside its popularity.

Furthermore, The Salad Project’s switch to Vita Mojo has meant that across the business, whether a customer is ordering on the app or in store, they will have the same experience regarding loyalty. 

Vita Mojo’s Analytics platform also allows the business to take a holistic approach to data, giving clear insights on how the business is performing on a specific date or store and allowing the team to spot trends and better cater to its customers. 

Co-founder of The Salad Project, Florian De Chezelles said; “As The Salad Project continues to expand, getting the details right is essential to our growth strategy. Our work with Vita Mojo plays a key role in achieving this, helping us maintain the high standards our customers expect, whether they're in the queue or placing their click-and-collect order, while supporting the scale and vision of The Salad Project."

Looking ahead, The Salad Project is focused on scaling its digital initiatives and expanding its footprint across London. The company plans to open a total of 20 locations by 2027.