News Briefs

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.”  

A new report has been launched by Expert Market looking at the current state of the accommodation industry - highlighting the tech innovations businesses are using to modernize services and keep challenges, such as staffing, at bay.

The Accommodation Industry Report surveyed more than 400 accommodation businesses on the state of the industry, their biggest upcoming challenges, and how they aim to address them.

Guest communication is a central theme to the industry’s new tech as 12% of accommodation businesses want less reliance on front desk staff for customer support. 

When asked ‘what changes they expect to their establishments in the next five years’, a greater use of mobile phone apps for customer communication was cited as the primary way by 14% of the surveyed businesses. 5% stated that they would like to depend more on AI chatbots for this. 

The report highlights how accommodation businesses are using new technology and software to help streamline some staffing duties during their current staffing crisis, which has the highest industry quit rate since 2022. ‘Hiring and Staffing Levels’ was found to be the investment area that’d been reduced the most by franchise and independent accommodation businesses, 49% and 34% respectively, due to rising business costs. 

When asked what measures had already been taken to alleviate staffing issues, 12% said they’d invested in software solutions. Integration of smart technologies in guest rooms - such as automated lighting, climate control, entertainment systems - was another key way that 14% would like introduced to enhance guest personalisation and experience. 

11% are keen to harness customer data more to tailor services and marketing. By analyzing booking trends, preferences and feedback, accommodation businesses are optimising their offerings to meet evolving guest needs, further enhance operational efficiency, as well as driving profitability through better targeting and personalisation.

Recognising the importance of a strong digital presence for the future, 10% aim to employ dedicated staff to manage their establishment’s digital presence. 

The report also asked the accommodation businesses which technologies they currently used the most, finding that Surveillance and Security Systems were first, followed by Reservation/Booking Software, and Landline Telephones.

Cybersecurity Attacks were highlighted as a significant operational risk by 10%, it’s clear to see why many deem security at the top of their tech list.

Expert Market’s Editor, Chris Maillard, comments:

“As with most other industries in 2025, the accommodation industry is also looking to technology for evolution as well as a solution to the issues currently facing the industry, such as employment gaps and the burdens on staff.

Using technology to improve room facilities and create a better guest experience is hugely welcome. Initiatives such as growing online presence and implementing more data for better targeting and personalisation are essential in today’s competitive market.

While these may help a lot, ultimately it’s people that are still at the heart of the accommodation industry. Effective personnel is a vital part of what creates a great guest experience, so focusing on hiring and retaining great staff should still be paramount.”

Please see the full Accommodation Industry Report findings and business recommendations here: https://www.expertmarket.com/accommodation/industry-trends-key-challenges-and-future-predictions

Lunchbox, the leader in enterprise restaurant catering and off-premise technology, has announced the appointment of James Walker as CEO as the company enters a new era of growth with a clear roadmap to profitability and innovation. With record momentum—including high-profile enterprise brands joining its expanding portfolio, an explosive rise in product adoption, and a sharpened focus on the next generation of restaurant technology—Lunchbox has also announced a funding round led by a strategic investment from Shift4, the leader in integrated payments and commerce technology.

James Walker Appointed as CEO, Nabeel Alamgir Executive Chairman
James Walker and Nabeel Alamgir will work as strategic partners to drive Lunchbox into its next phase of growth. Walker will lead growth and execution, leveraging decades of industry experience, while Alamgir doubles down on AI and automation, ensuring that Lunchbox remains the industry's most advanced, operator-first platform. Together, they're building a Lunchbox that helps operators scale faster, work smarter, and stay ahead leveraging best-in-class technology.

"We're charting a bold new course for restaurant technology," said Nabeel Alamgir, Executive Chairman of Lunchbox. "With James at the helm, Shift4's backing, and our relentless focus on innovation, we're not just building for today—we're designing for tomorrow's restaurant operators."

James Walker Brings Operator Edge, Decades of Experience 
A seasoned industry leader, Walker brings 30+ years of executive experience across QSR, Fast Casual, and Casual Dining, scaling global brands like Subway®, Nathan's Famous®, and Cinnabon®. Before stepping into the CEO role, he has served on Lunchbox's Board of Directors for over x years, playing a key role in securing its investment and partnership with Shift4.

Walker, widely respected in restaurant tech and delivery, combines expertise in enterprise growth, AI strategy, and operations to drive Lunchbox's next phase of growth. He holds an MBA from Duke and has completed executive programs at Harvard, Yale, and MIT, including a focus on AI strategy at MIT.

"Lunchbox is a pioneer in restaurant innovation, and I'm honored to lead the charge alongside Nabeel Alamgir," said James Walker, CEO of Lunchbox. "Restaurants deserve technology that works for them, not against them. My focus is on scaling our solutions to meet the evolving needs of enterprise brands, ensuring they have the tools to compete and succeed in today's digital-first landscape."

Record Growth and a Focus on the Future
Lunchbox has experienced record-breaking growth, with a 340% increase in average deal size since 2022, as it continues moving upmarket with brands like Paris Baguette, Pei Wei, Friendly's, Hawaiian Bros, Biscuitville, and Papa John's. The company's long-standing partners—including Clean Juice and other multi-unit brands—have contributed to 300% growth in product adoption, with the average number of products per client rising from 1 to 4 since 2022.

Strategic Investment Led by Shift4
Fueling this momentum, Lunchbox has secured a new round of funding, led by Shift4, further validating its market leadership and profitability strategy. This funding will accelerate product development, enhance enterprise capabilities, and reinforce Lunchbox's commitment to helping restaurant brands scale seamlessly. With the strategic partnership, Shift4 will prioritize Lunchbox as the enterprise solution for its SkyTab POS system.

"We're excited to partner with Lunchbox as they set the standard for order management and other enterprise restaurant solutions," said Taylor Lauber, President of Shift4. "By integrating their powerful capabilities into SkyTab POS, we're able to enhance our product ecosystem to better serve the needs of enterprise restaurants and deliver a unique differentiator to this customer segment. Our investment reflects our confidence in Lunchbox's vision to continue to transform the restaurant technology landscape."

With a sharpened focus on AI, automation, and the evolving needs of enterprise brands, Lunchbox is redefining what restaurant technology can achieve. Built by operators, for operators, the platform continues to evolve, with its customers having a direct seat at the table in shaping the roadmap.

Presto Phoenix Inc., a provider of AI-driven solutions for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, announced an expanded partnership with Galardi Group, the parent company of Wienerschnitzel, to deploy its cutting-edge Voice AI ordering technology across the quick-service restaurant chain's drive-thru locations.

The Galardi Group now has 35 locations operating with Presto’s Voice AI in the drive-thru. The company has already enrolled over 50 locations, with rapid 2025 expansion plans for Wienerschnitzel's nationwide network of over 350 corporate and franchise drive-thru locations.

“We're thrilled to expand our partnership with the Galardi Group and bring Presto Voice™ to Wienerschnitzel locations across the country,” said Gee Lefevre, CEO of Presto. “Our AI-driven solution has significantly improved upsell and labor optimization while helping the staff focus on providing exceptional service and food quality.”

“We are delighted to be an early adopter of AI with Presto and have conviction in the ROI we see across upsell revenue, labor cost, and the consistency of the customer experience,” said Rusty Bills, Chief Operating Officer of Galardi Group. “It is time to scale our partnership toward a fully AI-enabled system, which we believe will greatly contribute to the success of our franchisees. The QSR space is rapidly moving in the technology space, and we are happy to partner with Presto to help us navigate this current way of doing business.”

Presto Voice is an industry-leading Voice AI product that automates drive-thru order-taking, in the process becoming a virtual employee, helping staff avoid excessive multi-tasking and driving higher order accuracy and superior customer service. A Presto Voice upsell test with Wienerschnitzel’s all-beef hotdog yielded a 5% average increase in total sales when Presto Voice consistently upsold the all-beef hotdog.

“Ours is a story of great American entrepreneurship and growth that started with a single hot dog stand in 1961. As we expand our business over the next decade, we believe our early adoption of AI will help enable this same culture of being forward-thinking and results-oriented,” said JR Galardi, CEO of Galardi Group.

Presto pioneered LLM-driven drive-thru Voice AI, which gets increasingly intelligent every day. With over 15 years of enterprise restaurant experience to scale rollouts nationwide and a customer-centric model that emphasizes corporate and franchisee relationships, Presto has become the best-positioned Voice AI partner for the drive-thru QSR industry.

To learn more about Presto, please visit presto.com.