News Briefs

Wow Bao unveiled a new mobile app with a fresh interface and all-in-one navigation that allows guests to order delivery anywhere, anytime from its over 700 virtual kitchens. Platforming with Lunchbox, an enterprise restaurant technology solution provider, users can now purchase Wow Bao from over 6,000 retailers nationwide all from the palm of their hand, via a fully branded custom UI.

A pioneer in technology, Wow Bao was one of the first in the industry to unveil a mobile ordering app in 2010.  Wow Bao's President and CEO Geoff Alexander shared the brand's automated vending experience during a Restaurant Technology Network Town Hall.

After several advances to its Hot Buns Club rewards program the brand required an app that consolidated ordering, earning, and tracking points and rewards. The app also incorporates Wow Bao’s CPG vertical and through Smart Commerce, enables users to link to their local grocer to purchase the product from their personal device.

Additionally, users can enter Wow Bao’s Dim Sum Palace Roblox experience through the app. Once in the experience, they can uncover clues and claim a free box of Wow Bao and enter to win bao for a year.

“The launch of Wow Bao’s new app couldn’t have come at a better time in our technology evolution, as we have always aimed to provide our fans with the most delicious food and most seamless way to enjoy it, all while earning rewards for their loyalty,” said Geoff Alexander, president and CEO of Wow Bao. “We partnered with Lunchbox because they’re a best-in-class leader in restaurant loyalty, catering, and online ordering. Their team exceeded our expectations and delivered a stellar product in record time.”

Lunchbox partnered with Wow Bao to develop a custom mobile user interface, providing the brand’s loyalists with a unique experience and further access to its products across delivery, grocery, and rewards. On developing the app and working with Wow Bao, Nabeel Alamgir, CEO and co-founder of Lunchbox said, “Geoff has been a trusted partner of Lunchbox, tapping in to advise on roadmap and strategy through our Food Tech Council – we’re honored to hand back the support, platforming one of our industry’s biggest innovators and giving their fan base more ways to order. It’s our mission to innovate alongside the brand and deliver an exceptional experience.”

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.”

Domino's Pizza Inc. introduces its new and improved loyalty program. 

Domino's Rewards offers loyalty members even more opportunities to earn and redeem points across its corporate and franchise store locations. Domino's enhanced rewards program allows customers to:

• Earn points for less
  • Loyalty members will now earn 10 points on every order of $5 or more
• Redeem points for even more menu items – and earn free Domino's after just two orders
  • Members can redeem a variety of points for more menu items:
    • 20 points: A free dipping cup, a 16-piece order of Parmesan Bread Bites or a 20 oz. drink
    • 40 points: An order of Bread Twists or Stuffed Cheesy Bread
    • 60 points: A medium, two-topping pizza; pasta; Oven-Baked Sandwich; or a 3-piece order of Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes
• Earn more rewards
  • Loyalty perks are now even better, as members will have exclusive access to member-only deals, special discounts and opportunities to earn bonus points!

"We are thrilled to give the brand's loyal customers additional ways to earn free Domino's items more often," said Mark Messing, Domino's vice president of digital experience and loyalty. "At a time when most brands are scaling back their loyalty programs and making it more difficult to earn and redeem points, Domino's is doing the opposite. We want to make it easier to reward our customers and give them more options so they can get rewarded faster."

Marketing a LTO 

From now until Oct. 22, 2023, rewards members can take advantage of a limited time offer to redeem 20 points for a free order of Domino's new Pepperoni Stuffed Cheesy Bread, which is normally a 40-point redemption, in celebration of the product's recent launch. 

Subway completed its previously announced sale to affiliates of Roark.

The acquisition comes on the heels of Subway's three exceptional years of sales growth and positive global net restaurant growth for the first time since 2016. The brand has continued to innovate in 2024, with the introduction of Subway Sidekicks, a hot new menu category, and a fresh lineup of signature wraps, served on a new lavash-style flatbread.

"The entire Subway system is excited that our sale to Roark is complete," said John Chidsey, CEO of Subway. "As we look to our future, our growth journey is far from over. With a continued strategic focus on delivering better food and a better guest experience, our next chapter will be the most exciting yet."

Staying the Course

Looking ahead, the company will continue its work to Build a Better Subway for its franchisees, employees and guests with a focus on ongoing culinary and digital innovation, modernization of restaurants, and strategic international expansion. There are no anticipated changes to the company's leadership team, strategic focus or operating plans.

As one of the world's largest quick service restaurant brands, Subway serves freshly made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads and bowls to millions of guests, across more than 100 countries and territories in nearly 37,000 restaurants every day. Subway restaurants are owned and operated by Subway franchisees—a network that includes thousands of dedicated entrepreneurs and small business owners—who are committed to delivering the best guest experience possible in their local communities.

Donatos Pizza announced the upcoming retirement in October of its Chief Executive Officer, Tom Krouse. Kevin King, who has served as President of Donatos Pizza for the past two years, will assume the role of CEO and President upon Krouse's retirement. This well-planned succession ensures a smooth handover and continued success for the brand, built on the strong foundation of family values.

A Family Affair 

Krouse joined Donatos Pizza in 2000 after 18 years at Wendy's. Before becoming President and CEO in 2010, Krouse oversaw Donatos Pizza's franchise expansion and development of the brand's retail division, Jane's Dough Premium Foods. Throughout his career, his decisions transcended strategy; they were deeply rooted in the ideals established by the founder of Donatos Pizza, Jim Grote. Krouse ensured these core values – a commitment to community, fostering a family atmosphere within the company, and delivering exceptional customer service – were all key parts of the Donatos Pizza experience.

"I feel like the luckiest guy alive to have had the opportunity to lead a company with amazing people and an awesome mission," said Tom. "I'm truly honored. I am so happy for Kevin and Donatos because he is the perfect choice to take this company into the future."

Beyond Krouse's unwavering commitment to the brand's values, he will also be remembered for his remarkable leadership in expanding the Donatos Pizza footprint. Under his guidance, Donatos Pizza has achieved the following:

• Company has doubled in size.
• Franchise system has grown from 10 partners to 45 partners.
• Chain named one of five innovative restaurant brands recognized by Nation's Restaurant News with a 2023 CREATORS Award.
• Average unit sales 60% higher than pizza industry average.
• Franchise satisfaction rating 13 points higher than franchise benchmark.

"When Jane and I promoted Tom to President and CEO, we knew we were about to embark on a new chapter of growth and innovation," said Jim Grote, Founder of Donatos Pizza. "Tom's leadership and passion have had a profound impact on our family business. He has been a living example of our philosophy of Agape Capitalism by leading with love, living the Golden Rule, and always striving to do the right thing. He believes in the possible and clearly sets strategy and vision for the future. Tom's creative approach to growth is deep-rooted in his belief of 'saying yes until there is a reason to say no.' He has built a solid foundation for a prosperous future."

"I have had the distinct advantage and privilege of witnessing firsthand Tom's drive, innovative thinking, and unwavering passion for our people-first culture from the personal side as his wife and from the business side as his colleague," said Jane Grote Abell, Donatos Pizza Chief Purpose Officer and Chairwoman of the Board. "Family has been the heart and soul of our business since 1963, and Tom has embodied this throughout his tenure. He has not only been a remarkable leader, but also a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Tom's impact will continue to resonate, shaping the foundation of our company for generations to come."

A Familiar Face Takes the Helm
Succeeding Krouse is Kevin King, a longtime friend of the family who has a rich history with the Donatos Pizza brand, having served as VP of Development from 1990 to 2003. King's early career was spent at Domino's Pizza, serving in operations, then multi-unit supervision, and finally in international operations in Australia. Prior to rejoining Donatos Pizza as President in 2022, King solidified his expertise in the pizza industry at Papa Murphy's. While serving as Senior Vice President of Operations and as Chief Development Officer, he led the strategic and tactical aspects of the successful expansion of the world's largest take-n-bake pizza chain. King then served as Chief Development Officer at Smoothie King International for almost six years, expanding the fast-growing chain throughout the US and internationally.

"Tom's leadership and counsel since rejoining Donatos has been nothing short of exceptional," said Kevin King. "He's been a phenomenal mentor and a true friend. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and build upon his legacy. Together, with our talented and diverse leadership team, I'm excited to continue to elevate Donatos' reputation for delicious food, strong community ties, and an unwavering commitment to our values."

Caption:  Donatos Pizza's Tom Krouse (left) and Kevin King (right). 

The Human Bean coffee franchise has partnered with Creative Realities, Inc., a digital signage solutions provider, to enhance the customer drive-thru journey with compelling and lively outdoor ordering experiences.

Customers at The Human Bean will find engaging visuals of signature drinks, refreshed brand colors, and seasonal promotions on the bright, easy-to-read menu boards. By collaborating with Creative Realities, Inc., the coffee company is transforming its drive-thru experience while improving operational efficiencies.

"At our core, we believe in meaningful exchanges at the window," says Janie Page, Chief Marketing Officer at The Human Bean. "To stay true to that ideal, we've implemented a digital solution that allows us freedom and flexibility, and delivers a fresh, approachable look."

Through integration with The Human Bean's point-of-sale provider, pricing and inventory updates to the menu boards are automated. This ensures accurate and up-to-date information for staff and customers. 

• 85% say integrations with other systems is driving POS purchasing decisions, according to HT's 2024 POS Software Trends Survey 

The menu boards will also be uniquely tailored to promote seasonal celebrations throughout the year, such as limited-time offers and annual Community Giveback Days.

"By offering a blend of dynamic digital and static solutions, tailored to the varied experiences and cost considerations of The Human Bean, we created a drive-thru encounter that's both unique and aesthetic in design," says Rick Mills, CEO at Creative Realities.

The new digital menu boards are rolling out at The Human Bean locations across the country, with over 30% already installed.