News Briefs
- 4/17/2025
FLYR Hospitality to Power Business Intelligence for Ennismore
FLYR, the technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the travel industry, today announced that Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company, is working with FLYR Hospitality to continue to uplevel its commercial operations. With more than 180 hotels and 500 restaurants and bars across 17 brands, Ennismore is leveraging FLYR’s platform for revenue management, sales, distribution and marketing across its global operations.
By implementing FLYR Hospitality, Ennismore can benefit from AI-powered forecasting, real-time property and corporate-level analytics, and a standardized technology stack that enhances visibility and operational efficiency.
“Making decisions based on the latest intel is critical to our business,” said Dan Gordon, EVP of Revenue Management and BI at Ennismore. “With our great partners at FLYR Hospitality, we’re unlocking the ability to democratize data across our portfolio, by creating tailored dashboards that serve our brand-specific, region-specific and enterprise-wide needs.”
Since going live with FLYR, Ennismore has deployed the platform across 100 properties, enabling its commercial teams—both on-property and at the corporate level—to access real-time insights that improve budgeting, forecasting, and market share analysis.
“Ennismore is one of the most forward-thinking companies in hospitality, and we’re proud to support their journey toward AI-driven revenue management,” said Lukas Hughes, Vice President of Product at FLYR Hospitality. “By providing a single source of truth for commercial teams across properties and brands, we’re helping Ennismore achieve greater efficiency, agility, and profitability.”
FLYR Hospitality seamlessly integrates with key industry partners, including STR, Lighthouse, and Oracle (OPERA Cloud), providing Ennismore with a holistic view of market trends and performance metrics.
- 4/14/2025
DoorDash, Coco Launch U.S. Sidewalk Robot Delivery
DoorDash and Coco Robotics have teamed up on sidewalk robot delivery for DoorDash customers in select areas of Chicago and Los Angeles.
Eligible customers can see the availability of Coco’s fleet of emissions-free sidewalk robots and may have one assigned to their order from nearly 600 participating merchants through the DoorDash app. This builds on an existing pilot program with Wolt—DoorDash’s international arm—where Coco robots have been making deliveries in Helsinki since earlier this year.
During the initial pilot phase, Coco completed over 100,000 deliveries for DoorDash customers. This expanded partnership reinforces DoorDash’s ongoing commitment to advancing last-mile logistics by building the most efficient, sustainable, and scalable multi-modal delivery platform.
“Not every delivery needs a 2-ton car just to deliver two chicken sandwiches,” said Harrison Shih, Senior Director of DoorDash Labs. “We believe the future of delivery will be multi-modal, and we’re thrilled to partner with Coco to expand sidewalk robot deliveries that complement the Dasher network as we continue to enhance the DoorDash experience for customers and merchants.”
Robot delivery is part of DoorDash’s broader global multi-modal delivery platform strategy—integrating Dashers, drones, and autonomous robots to meet increasing demand while lowering costs and emissions.
“Partnering with Coco and DoorDash has allowed us to consistently deliver fresh food to our customers on time,” said Eric Dela Cruz, owner of Main Chick Hot Chicken in Los Angeles. “We worked with Coco to establish a ‘taxi line’ of robots so we can get food out to our customers faster, even during our busiest hours. The improved operational efficiency translates directly into happier guests and stronger repeat business. We’re excited about what this partnership means for our growth.”
Coco has been operating in Los Angeles since 2020 and recently launched in Chicago, Miami and Helsinki, Finland. Coco has a fleet of over 1,000 emissions-free delivery robots.
The partnership with Coco was developed through DoorDash Labs, DoorDash’s robotics and automation arm. DoorDash Labs expanded its investment in autonomous delivery through its partnership with Wing, which introduced drone deliveries to the U.S. after an initial pilot in Australia. By leveraging a multi-modal approach that integrates Dashers, robots, and drones into DoorDash’s logistics network, the goal is to ensure the most effective fulfillment method for every order while driving increased demand for local merchants and creating more earning opportunities for Dashers.
- 4/17/2025
Jack in the Box Lands in Fortnite
Jack in the Box Inc. is leveling up the gaming world as Internet sensation and beloved mascot Jack Box brings his irreverent charm to Fortnite. Players will grind their way through corporate ranks in "Jack's CEO Minigames" that culminates with the ultimate prize: becoming CEO of Jack in the Box.
Gamification is on trend for restaurants. Approximately 40% of respondents believe that online gamers are likely (33%) or very likely (6%) to respond positively to pop-up messages for food orders, according to HT's 2025 Restaurant Technology Study.
This innovative collaboration reimagines classic Fortnite maps into an immersive Jack-themed universe where up to 12 players compete simultaneously – perfect for those late-night gaming sessions that demand serious munchies. Squad up to navigate through environments built with iconic Munchie Meal items, from cult classic curly fries and tiny tacos to fan favorite Coca-Cola drinks, in an adventure as unexpected and out-of-the-box as Jack himself.
Jack’s CEO Minigames
- CEO MINIGAMES: Players compete in 7 random minigames in a battle royale format. After each mini game round, players earn XP that helps them get promoted to the next rank with the ultimate goal of reaching CEO status.
- PLAYER PROGRESSION: Players earn XP based on their performance in the minigames. XP is required to level up to the next job title. (Intern → Manager → Director → VP → CEO MINIGAMES)
- VOTE: After each minigame, players return to the lobby and chat with Jack to vote on the next minigame they want to play! Players will then compete in the minigame that receives the most votes.
Exclusive Wearables and Free Jack in the Box
To celebrate the launch, fans can score a secret, exclusive wearable Jack head for their characters—just by purchasing a Munchie Meal with a Coca-Cola beverage through the Jack App!
And that’s not all—Jack in the Box is giving one lucky player the ultimate prize: free Jack in the Box for a year*! Here’s how to enter:
- Achieve the CEO title in the mini games.
- Take a screenshot of your win.
- Share your screenshot on the JITB X account with the hashtag #FreeJack.
- Download the Jack App and become a Jack Pack member.
Once all entry requirements are verified, one winner will be randomly selected on the last day of launch month!
- 4/16/2025
PAR POS Spring Release is Now Available
PAR Technology Corp. announced the launch of its PAR POS Spring Release, which combines enhanced core performance and new features to elevate operations. Significant investment and focus have been made in innovating key areas such as guest convenience, in-store resilience and platform extensibility in response to growing market expectations.
PAR was among the POS software vendors featured in HT's POS Software in 2025: Key Trends and Features on the Horizon
"At PAR, we're building for the future. We have the scale to consistently evolve our platform while investing in purposeful innovation—so our customers never have to choose between stability and innovation," said Oli Ostertag, General Manager of PAR POS. "This release reflects that balance, delivering faster, more resilient core performance alongside smarter tools for staff, convenient guest experiences, and simplified enterprise administration. And by reimagining our APIs, we're making it easier than ever for operators and integrators to build with us."
Key Features
Enhanced Guest Convenience & Experience
This new release will bring additional enhancements around guest convenience. Guests can now enjoy secure, contactless payment and ordering options such as Pay via SMS and QR code with PAR® Pay, along with the ability to pay for in-store orders via their loyalty accounts, and the flexibility to add items to open orders throughout their stay.These features offer a seamless dining and checkout experience that prioritizes convenience without disrupting service flow. Operators benefit from faster transactions and improved table turnover, helping staff serve more guests with greater efficiency.
Streamlined Staff Operations
As part of its commitment to point-of-service innovation, the PAR POS Spring Update introduces Geofencing Integration for ETA on Kitchen Chits—displaying real-time guest arrival estimates to improve prep timing, reduce waste, and streamline pickup operations. Seamlessly integrated with geolocation platforms, the feature is fully customizable with a rich library of fonts, sizes, and colors for maximum clarity and kitchen flexibility.Restaurants will also enjoy the option of tailored pricing on item modifiers to accommodate specific guest requests. For example, "add mayo" can be priced differently from "heavy mayo," allowing operators to reflect nuanced guest requests and maximize profitability with greater pricing accuracy.
Greater tax support is included in this update, accommodating and reflecting regional quantity-based tax rules, such as those in Ontario, Canada, as well as marketplace facilitator taxes from third-party delivery services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats for more accurate reporting and better visibility into tax obligations.
Platform Extensibility and Flexibility
PAR continues to invest in its platform's core performance and adaptability. Operators can now define and manage custom data—like product codes, category tags, and tracking numbers—tailored to their brand and fully accessible via API for seamless syncing and reliable cross-system tracking. Meanwhile, a new real-time Data Feed significantly accelerates item availability updates—reducing sync times from 5–10 minutes to near-instant—while also boosting performance for reporting and API integrations. Together, these upgrades reinforce PAR's commitment to core platform performance, reliability, and adaptability.The PAR POS Spring Release reflects PAR's ongoing commitment to pushing the innovation envelope for growing and enterprise restaurants in the industry. For more information on PAR Technology and PAR POS, please visit partech.com.
- 4/16/2025
Qu's Smart Kitchen Integrates Energy, Equipment Intelligence
Qu introduces a fully integrated Energy and Equipment Intelligence system leveraging patented technology around IoT sensors and edge computing. Built on Qu’s platform, the new capabilities feature real-time equipment monitoring, energy optimization and predictive maintenance — designed to give operators greater visibility, control and cost savings across back-of-house operations at scale.This launch comes at a critical time for restaurants facing rising operating costs. Repair and maintenance expenses have climbed 31% since 2019 (2025 State of Repairs Report, 86 Repairs), while energy now consumes nearly 6% of average restaurant operating costs, according to The Carbon Trust. Equipment downtime alone costs the industry an estimated $46 billion annually (2022 State of Repairs Report, 86 Repairs).“Restaurants are facing an operational tipping point,” said Amir Hudda, CEO of Qu. “Operators and franchisees are under intense pressure to cut costs without compromising performance. Our ground-breaking Smart Kitchen gives them the advanced tools they need to meet those challenges head-on, unlike anything before — reducing energy use, extending equipment life and building more efficient, consistent operations across every location.”Smarter Tools for Smarter Kitchens
The integrated Smart Kitchen platform takes intelligence to a whole new level, building on Qu’s existing native technology to deliver centralized control and real-time responsiveness. The system turns kitchens into high-performance hubs through a unified IoT infrastructure. Key features include:- Energy Intelligence: Monitors and optimizes energy use across key equipment, reducing utility costs by up to 15%
- Real-Time Equipment Monitoring & Alerting: Tracks performance and visualizes issues using digital twins to enable proactive maintenance and extend asset life
- Predictive Maintenance: Uses AI to detect early warning signs before breakdowns occur—minimizing downtime and repair costs
- Remote Equipment Control: Adjusts settings on the fly from anywhere, giving operators unmatched flexibility and responsiveness
- Temperature & Environmental Control: Continuously monitors refrigeration and HVAC systems to maintain food safety standards and ensure ideal working conditions
- AI-Powered Forecasting: Predicts guest traffic and demand down to the hour using historical patterns and live data — helping reduce waste, improve prep accuracy and optimize staffing
These features integrate seamlessly with Qu’s existing back-of-house solutions, including the Kitchen Display System (KDS), Production Optimization Board and AI-powered order readiness forecasting, forming a comprehensive platform for modern kitchen management.Restaurants using Qu’s technology report up to 3X ROI in the first year through energy savings, extended equipment life and improved product consistency.Foundation for Advanced Equipment OrchestrationQu’s platform is designed for full interoperability, supporting a wide range of kitchen equipment regardless of manufacturer. It captures real-time data from temperature sensors and energy monitors — providing operators with a more connected view of kitchen and building performance across systems. This infrastructure also lays the groundwork for Qu’s upcoming Device Orchestration Platform, which will unlock advanced automation across mixed hardware environments.This future-forward approach simplifies kitchen and facilities management, reduces tech fragmentation and ensures kitchens stay agile as new equipment is introduced without missing a beat.Qu is also debuting a guest-facing Order Ready Board to improve transparency for digital pickup orders and streamline in-store traffic flow.“The kitchen is the core of every restaurant, but until now, it’s been disconnected from the rest of the tech stack,” added Hudda. “This revolutionary solution brings critical systems together to improve performance, reduce costs and deliver better experiences for staff and guests — all while driving sustainability goals forward.”By unifying key kitchen technologies under a single platform, Qu is redefining how enterprise restaurants manage their operations. The result is a flexible, future-ready system that replaces legacy constraints with real-time intelligence — accelerating innovation where it matters most: the heart of the kitchen. - 4/16/2025
Popmenu's Digital Marketing Suite Now Available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace
Popmenu's digital marketing and online ordering solutions are available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace and can be deployed on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), and integrate with Oracle Simphony POS. Oracle Cloud Marketplace is a centralized repository of enterprise applications offered by Oracle and Oracle partners.
The integration of Popmenu's online ordering solutions with Oracle Simphony POS enables:
- Greater efficiency, fewer errors: Online orders for pickup, delivery, and catering that are placed on Popmenu's platform flow directly into the Simphony POS. This helps eliminate manual uploads and reduces risk of human error.
- Synchronized menu updates: Any menu changes made in the Simphony POS appear on Popmenu and OpenTable. Operators can also adjust which menu items show up online with simple toggles.
- Better experience for guests and staff: Online ordering is one stop and easy to use.
- Easy reporting: All dine-in and online order reports live within the Simphony POS.
Through Oracle Cloud Marketplace, Oracle customers can also take advantage of Popmenu's interactive menus, custom-built websites, AI-powered marketing, and AI phone answering to drive new and repeat business.
According to Popmenu's research, 69% of consumers order takeout or delivery or dine at restaurants at least once a week.* Attracting more guests and providing a smooth ordering experience are top-of-mind for restaurant operators who have to compete more aggressively in a tough market.
Oracle Cloud Marketplace is a one-stop shop for Oracle customers seeking trusted business applications and services that offer unique solutions.
OCI is a cloud designed to run any application faster, and more securely, for less. OCI can help address a variety of data privacy, sovereign AI, and low latency requirements as it is the only hyperscaler capable of delivering 150+ AI and cloud services at the edge, in a customer's datacenter, across clouds, or in the public cloud. Oracle's distributed cloud delivers the benefits of the cloud with greater control and flexibility while also providing the consistent performance, SLAs, and global pricing for which OCI has become known.
"Restaurant operators want to remove friction in their ordering process that can hinder productivity and sales. Popmenu's ordering solutions do just that, making sure online ordering is efficient, accurate, and easy for both guests and staff," said Brendan Sweeney, CEO and Co-founder of Popmenu. "We're also excited to help more Oracle customers boost their digital presence and overall order volume through Popmenu's marketing platform. By joining Oracle Cloud Marketplace, we are underscoring our commitment to the Oracle community and making it easy for customers to benefit from our solutions. Tapping into the power of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure will help Popmenu and our customers to deliver on business needs."