News Briefs

As it celebrates 15 years, Kura Sushi USA Inc is currently implementing across all locations a QR-scan plate system that provides real-time consumption analytics, ensuring operational efficiency with precise demand forecasting.

The self-described "trailblazing leader in technology-driven dining experiences and authentic Japanese cuisine," celebrates its 15th anniversary in the U.S. this month. Since opening in Irvine, Calif.., in 2009, Kura Sushi has grown into the country’s largest revolving sushi bar chain, with nearly 70 locations across 19 states and Washington, D.C.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our ability to seamlessly integrate advanced technology while staying true to our roots in Japanese culinary tradition,” said Jimmy Uba, President and CEO of Kura Sushi USA. “As we continue expanding, we remain dedicated to bringing our proprietary technology and eater-tainment experience to more diners across the country.”

Pioneering Technology

For the past 15 years, Kura Sushi’s growth and success have been driven by its pioneering technological innovations and partnerships. Central to this is the dual-layer conveyor system, featuring the revolving sushi bar that circulates freshly prepared dishes and the Express Belt, which delivers made-to-order items directly to diners. The revolving belt leverages the brand’s Mr. Fresh food safety dome, a plate-lid system that preserves sushi freshness by limiting airborne exposure coupled with tracking technology. Further accentuating the entertaining element is the Bikkura Pon prize system, a gamified feature that integrates with the table by counting plates for seamless billing accuracy and rewarding guests for every 15 plates, merging entertainment with dining. In continuous effort to create fun, immersive dining experiences, Kura Sushi has collaborated with IPs from notable licensors such as Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., Crunchyroll, Nintendo of America, Peanuts , Sanrio , SEGA of America, Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. These innovations and partnerships have created a seamless and efficient dining experience rooted in quality and authenticity, serving as a cornerstone of the brand’s distinct atmosphere.

Building upon this legacy, Kura Sushi has continued to roll out more advances in recent years, further establishing the brand as one of the most robot-enhanced restaurant chains in the U.S.

• 2022: Introduced the largest fleet of drink delivery robots deployed by RobotLAB.
• 2023: Launched an improved waitlist system with robust integrated AI technology to increase accurate wait times powered by Wisely.
• 2023: Debuted the new Kura Sushi Rewards app with an upgraded interface powered by Punchh.
• 2024: Partnered with DoorDash to offer delivery, further expanding accessibility and consumer reach.
• 2024: Further building upon Mr. Fresh technology capabilities, Kura Sushi is currently implementing across all locations a QR-scan plate system that provides real-time consumption analytics, ensuring operational efficiency with precise demand forecasting.

Looking ahead, Kura Sushi will continue expanding into new U.S. markets, exploring innovations and introducing limited-time menu offerings. These additions reflect the company’s commitment to keeping its experience dynamic, while maintaining the authenticity of its Japanese flavors.

In celebration of this milestone, Kura Sushi is launching the “Fly to Japan” sweepstakes, running from Oct. 23 to Oct. 30. Guests who dine in and spend $65 or more will be provided with commemorative 15th anniversary chopsticks while supplies last, which will serve as an entry for the grand prize trip to Japan for two.

Shift4 has acquired a majority stake in Vectron Systems AG, a European suppliers of point-of-sale (POS) systems to the restaurant and hospitality verticals. 

Based in Germany, Vectron has 65,000 POS locations across Europe, representing. Shift4 is expected to acquire additional ownership of Vectron through a public tender offer that is expected to conclude within the next month, with a de-listing and formal integration process to occur shortly thereafter.

The acquisition is expected to provide Shift4 with an expansive customer footprint across Europe as well as a distribution network of ~300 POS resellers. As a result of the acquisition, Shift4 believes it will be able to add its integrated payment services to current Vectron customers and products, while also empowering the sales force with a compelling all-in-one POS and payments solution unrivaled in Europe.

“Shift4 was at the forefront of the convergence between software and payments in the restaurant and hospitality verticals in the US. We see an incredible amount of demand for a similar all-in-one solution across Europe,” states Shift4 CEO Jared Isaacman. “With our integrated payments and SkyTab offering, we believe we have the best solution at the right price point. Vectron will provide valuable local expertise, infrastructure, and the distribution necessary to meet the demand. This acquisition is right out of the Shift4 playbook – enabling us to unlock synergies, expand our distribution, and monetize payments for a large existing install base.”

Completes Revel Systems Acquistion

In addition to the acquisition of Vectron, Shift4 has also completed its previously announced acquisition of Revel Systems. Revel has over 18,000 merchant locations across the United States and internationally which Shift4 estimates represents a $17B+ payment opportunity. Revel also has a direct sales and dealer distribution network which Shift4 believes can be leveraged to accelerate SkyTab distribution both domestically and abroad. 

Shift4 has signed a definitive arrangement agreement to acquire Givex Corp., a global provider of gift cards, loyalty programs and point-of-sale solutions. 

The Arrangement Agreement is subject to customary closing conditions and the transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year. 

With across more than 100 countries, Givex serves a wide range of businesses in various industries, including 7-Eleven, Wendy’s, Best Western, Texas Roadhouse. 

The company offers robust gift card and e-gift solutions as well as customizable loyalty programs, and a point-of-sale (POS) system for various business types, among other value-added services.

 “Givex has a considerable footprint around the world which will dramatically increase Shift4’s overall customer base,” states Shift4 President Taylor Lauber. “At the same time, their gift card and loyalty solutions are second to none and will add significant value for our current customers, creating stickier relationships andh 130,000+ active locations enhancing our overall value proposition. Similar to other deals we have recently completed, this acquisition aligns perfectly with how we like to deploy capital – adding blue-chip merchants at a low customer acquisition cost while delivering additional benefits to our customer base.” 

“The Givex team looks forward to joining the Shift4 family and bring our enterprise gift card capabilities and loyalty programs to hundreds of thousands of new customers,” says Don Gray, CEO of Givex. “By combining Shift4’s end-to-end payment solution with our value-added engagement services, we can deliver an unparalleled package to both of our customer bases.”  

Mark Shambura has joined Panera Bread as Chief Marketing Officer. Shambura will lead all aspects of marketing at Panera, including Brand Building, Digital & Loyalty, Product Strategy & Consumer Insights. An accomplished marketing leader with broad expertise in the restaurant industry, Mr. Shambura has previously held marketing leadership roles during pivotal growth periods for top brands including Chipotle, MOD Pizza, and most recently Papa Johns.

"Mark brings an impressive background building brands and leading marketing teams for fast-casual restaurants, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Panera Bread,” said José Alberto Dueñas, Chief Executive Officer. “As Panera continues to evolve our brand, guided by listening to our guests, Mark’s depth of experience and ability will help drive our growth as a brand that serves great food you feel good about eating.”

Shambura previously served as CMO at Papa Johns, where he led a revitalization of the brand by enhancing its iconic “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza” platform, and developing a more modern, innovative omnichannel approach to transform how Papa Johns appealed to both new and loyal consumers. As Executive Director at Chipotle, Mr. Shambura guided the marketing function through periods of both sustained growth and transition, providing leadership over brand strategy, advertising, digital, social, events/sponsorships, promotions, and field marketing, including playing a key role in spearheading its “Real Ingredients” brand strategy.

“I’m proud to join the Panera Bread team and excited to build on the momentum of the brand's transformation as it continues to evolve in service of our guests,” Mr. Shambura said. “Panera propelled and cemented its position at the top of the fast casual restaurant segment through its promise of high-quality ingredients and freshly prepared food, and I’m thrilled to join a highly talented team to help shape its next chapter.”

Prior to his tenure in the restaurant industry, Mr. Shambura gained extensive marketing agency experience, working with a broad array of top global consumer brands for over a decade. Shambura will report directly to José Alberto Dueñas, Chief Executive Officer, and officially assumed the role of Chief Marketing Officer on July 29, 2024.

Hallmark's new Gift Card Greetings combines a physical greeting card with a digital gift card that offers an easy solution for personalized gifting.

"When it comes to gifting, especially during the busy holiday season, customers want convenience and customizability, and that's exactly what Gift Card Greetings offer," said Lauren Benson, senior director of creative product development at Hallmark. "Nothing compares to the feeling of opening a greeting card with a heartfelt message, and when combined with a surprise digital gift card that caters to the recipient's favorite store, restaurant or retailer, it's truly a gift that's perfectly suited for anyone."  

Powered by The Gift Card Shop, Gift Card Greetings offer an innovative way for customers to add a digital gift card to a physical card. With more than 100 favorite brands including Starbucks, Darden Restaurants and DoorDash, to choose from, Gift Card Greetings provide a more meaningful way to send and receive digital gift cards this holiday season – and for any celebratory occasion.

"Pairing gift cards with greeting cards is a popular way to celebrate special occasions, and now consumers can make this experience even more personable," said Jaime Yeager, vice president of global business development at InComm Payments. "This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to enhancing customer experiences by merging the best of both worlds: Hallmark's trusted brand for meaningful greetings and InComm Payments' leadership in the gift card industry. The result is Gift Card Greetings, a seamless way to deliver digital gifts with a physical touch."

Gift Card Greetings come in a wide range of designs for multiple occasions and seasonal celebrations,  as well as holiday styles for Christmas. With Gift Card Greetings, it's simple, secure and fun to surprise someone with a digital gift card to their favorite brand inside a Hallmark greeting card.

To send a Gift Card Greeting, customers choose a design, scan the unique code inside the card to visit The Gift Card Shop, select a digital gift card from more than 100 favorite brands, add a dollar amount, and handwrite a personalized message. When the recipient opens the card, they simply scan the code and enter a four-digit PIN to redeem their digital gift card. More details on how Gift Card Greetings work can be found here.

Gift Card Greetings are powered by The Gift Card Shop, an e-commerce website managed by InComm Payments. They are available for $4.99 at Hallmark.com, Hallmark Gold Crown Stores and select retailers nationwide. For more information about Gift Card Greetings or to locate a Hallmark Gold Crown Store visit Hallmark.com.

A recent HungerRush survey shows that 80% of diners are more likely to visit a restaurant with positive reviews about food quality and taste. As restaurant owners work to attract new customers, reviews have become more crucial than ever.

The survey also found that 77% of diners prefer restaurants with good service reviews. Customers are increasingly paying attention to the overall experience and sharing their feedback online, whether for dine-in, delivery, or pickup. 

Restaurant owners that listen to reviews and surveys have an opportunity to improve their operations and meet customer expectations. Ignoring feedback can lead to negative reviews, which may drive customers away—63% of diners said they would avoid a restaurant with poor food quality reviews, and 62% would steer clear of establishments that aren't clean. Additionally, 51% of diners shared a restaurant review in the past year.

Previously, restaurants could only hope satisfied customers would share their experiences online and unhappy customers would refrain. Today, there are many tools available for restaurants to better capture customer feedback. These tools help restaurants capture valuable customer insights and mitigate customer issues. Encouraging diners to give feedback directly to the restaurant as well as encouraging diners to leave online reviews allows them to choose and often gives the restaurants an opportunity to solve customer problems before they are publicly broadcast. In any situation, responding directly and quickly is the best way to rebuild a customer relationship.

Bad Ratings 

The top reasons customers leave negative reviews are poor service (57%), low food quality (28%), incorrect orders (26%), and high prices (20%). On the other hand, positive reviews typically mention great service (50%), delicious food (33%), discounts (31%), and consistent quality (22%). When restaurants respond to negative reviews, they gain valuable insights to improve their business and rebuild customer relationships, potentially turning negative situations into lasting improvements and loyal customers.

Shannon Chirone, SVP of Marketing at HungerRush, says, “Restaurant owners want to know what makes customers happy and what frustrates them. Quick responses to feedback—whether it’s about service, food quality, or new technology like self-service ordering—are key to long-term success.”

For more details on HungerRush’s survey findings on restaurant review trends, click here.