News Briefs

Xina AI is proud to announce the launch of its phone-in voice ordering system designed specifically for restaurants. This technology is set to transform the dining experience, providing both customers and restaurant operators with a seamless, efficient, and highly personalized service. This new offering complements Xina AI’s existing suite of solutions, including the popular voice kiosk application and the AI-powered wine sommelier.

The new system leverages advanced natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to offer an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Diners can now place their orders by simply speaking, making the process faster and more convenient. The system is multilingual and designed to understand a wide range of accents and dialects, ensuring accurate order placement every time.

For restaurant operators, the Xina AI phone-in voice ordering system promises to streamline operations and reduce wait times. By automating the ordering process, staff can focus more on customer service and less on manual order entry, enhancing the overall dining experience and increasing table turnover rates.

Key Features of Xina AI’s Phone-In Voice Ordering System:

- Multi-Language Support: The system supports multiple languages, catering to a diverse customer base and making it accessible to a global audience.

- Accurate Order Processing: With state-of-the-art speech recognition technology, the system ensures high accuracy in order placement, minimizing errors and food waste.

- Integration with Existing Systems: The phone-in voice ordering system can be seamlessly integrated with existing restaurant management software, ensuring a smooth transition and compatibility.

- Personalized Dining Experience: The AI can remember customer preferences and past orders, offering a highly personalized dining experience.

Carl Sconnely, CEO of Xina AI, commented on the launch, stating, "Our new phone-in voice ordering system represents a significant leap forward in how technology can enhance everyday experiences. At Xina AI, we are committed to creating solutions that not only improve efficiency but also provide a more enjoyable and personalized experience for users. This system, along with our existing voice kiosk application and AI wine sommelier, is a testament to our dedication to innovation and our understanding of the evolving needs of the restaurant industry."

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.

MachineQ, a Comcast Company, launched an IoT-based power monitoring solution designed to assist enterprises in monitoring  and managing their energy consumption, leading to operational efficiencies, proactive maintenance, managed costs, and sustainability efforts. The solution also helps enterprises understand asset utilization, providing actionable data to optimize asset use.

The power monitoring solution is particularly relevant for high-energy consumers, such as food service companies, laboratories, and hotels, which consume more energy than typical commercial buildings due to their energy-intensive equipment and asset-intensive operations. For example, according to a recent Energy Star report, fast food restaurants and convenience stores consume nearly 900 BTU of energy per square foot of space. This is about 2.5x more energy than in any other commercial building.

“We’ve seen increased demand from current and prospective customers seeking ways to understand power consumption and obtain executable data to help them reduce energy utilization,” said Bryan Witkowski, Head of Product & Strategy, MachineQ. “This solution offers customers flexible options to help not only monitor but also help manage their energy usage. Plus, with many companies focused on sustainability initiatives, this solution can help play a vital role towards measuring and achieving those efforts.”

• 44% of restaurants have added energy-efficient appliances and equipment, according to HT's 2024 Restaurant Technology Study

Sustainable Decisions

One industry where sustainability efforts are top of mind is life sciences, where pharmaceutical companies have asset-heavy, power-intensive lab operations. A power monitoring solution can provide lab managers with valuable insights by tracking the energy consumption of equipment, such as centrifuges, and correlating that data to its frequent or infrequent use. Linking consumption and utilization data can help identify opportunities to reduce energy (e.g., turn it off when not in use), aid sustainability efforts, and help determine whether to reallocate the asset to another location, decommission it, or make better purchasing decisions.

Additionally, the solution can help aid in predictive maintenance for critical equipment, such as an ultra-low temperature freezer. By detecting anomalies in power consumption, which often indicate equipment issues, lab managers can proactively service or replace units before they fail. For instance, if a freezer starts using more energy to maintain its set point temperature, this could signal the need for maintenance or indicate that the unit is nearing the end of its life. 

MachineQ’s solution offers various ways to monitor power consumption accurately using IoT sensor devices that can extract data at the receptacle, equipment, or breaker level. The MQpower CT is a wireless, self-powered current transformer that can be clamped to electrical conductors at the breaker or asset level to measure real-time current consumption in a simple, non-invasive way.

The MQpower SP is a smart plug load device that enables businesses to plug in equipment and assets to extrapolate energy data, including daily energy usage, instantaneous current, voltage, active power, and power factor. It supports a variety of plug types, including US (type B), UK (type G), EU (type F), and FR (type E). The MQpower SP and MQpower CT both support regional LoRaWAN® frequencies globally.

The power monitoring solution complements smart metering capabilities by providing a holistic view of energy consumption and actionable insights to monitor, control, and manage consumption more intelligently. Plus, like all MachineQ solutions, these use cases run on the same scalable network infrastructure, helping customers to lower the total cost of ownership of their IoT investment over time.

A luxury brand built on service, image, and reputation, Nobu Hotels is continuing its tradition of innovation by upgrading its AI-powered wired, wireless, and SD-WAN infrastructure built on Zero Trust principles using an end-to-end HPE Aruba Networking solution from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The updated network is supplying advanced secure connectivity at select Nobu properties around the world.

The deployment enhances mobile, IoT device, and AI-driven application connectivity in support of luxury services and amenities such as an AI Concierge. Accessed via an in-room digital voice assistant or the Nobu mobile app, the always-available AI Concierge responds to requests and makes proactive recommendations based on real-time data and guest preferences. The networking implementation also provides AI-powered intelligence that generates operational efficiencies and strengthens data security, enabling Nobu Hotels to meet every expectation of its discerning guests.

“Our connectivity vision emphasizes a secure, seamless, hyper-personalized guest experience that leverages advanced technologies, including various types of artificial intelligence infused throughout before, during, and post-stay interactions,” Rodney Linville, global head of IT for Nobu Hospitality. “This includes smart rooms, personalized services, advanced CRM and property management capabilities, housekeeping and maintenance automation, digital staff communications, and exceptional data security built on Zero Trust.”

Native IoT connectivity, reduced power consumption, and Zero Trust

As strong security is a priority for Nobu’s clientele, the hotelier relies on the Zero Trust principles engineered into its new network to safeguard its connectivity-driven and IoT-enabled environment.

For guest accommodations and safety, IoT technologies include door automation, security cameras, digital voice assistants, Apple TVs, lighting, window blinds, in-room dining orders, and the HVAC sensors necessary for providing guests with the ability to fine-tune their climate control settings.

Operationally, Nobu Hotel’s IoT systems include point-of-sale (POS) devices, tablets for mobilizing workers, and panic buttons for physical safety. For housekeeping automation, IoT supports solutions like HotSOS, Hub OS, and Knowcross. For facilities management, Nobu Hotels utilizes a variety of IoT-enabled preventative and required maintenance automation solutions.

“Innovative upscale hospitality companies depend upon secure, streamlined, and simplified connectivity for providing the capability to meet the rapidly evolving expectations of their discriminating guests,” said Larry Lunetta, vice president, AI, Security and Networking Product Marketing at HPE Aruba Networking. “Whether it’s establishing a Zero Trust security posture, seamlessly connecting IoT systems, or reducing power consumption with energy efficient networking hardware, having a high-performance intelligent wired, wireless, and SD-WAN networking enables Nobu Hotels to focus on providing iconic hospitality experiences rooted in culinary greatness worldwide.”

Intuitive visualizations with one-click workflow automation worldwide

To answer Nobu Hotel’s advanced connectivity demands, while minimizing operating overhead, the company added AI-powered HPE Aruba Networking Central, for managing campus, branch, remote, data center, and IoT networks from one dashboard, along with fully deploying HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass, which provides robust role-based access policies for implementing Zero Trust security for enterprises. In addition, HPE Aruba Networking User Experience Insight (UXI) proactively uncovers network degradations before they impact experiences.

According to Linville, the combination of these technologies, along with the advanced capabilities within Nobu Hotel’s HPE Aruba Networking wired switches, is critical for enabling the hotelier’s IT staff to effectively manage its global footprint.

“Our strategic deployment of HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass and the Dynamic Segmentation capability within our wired switches ensures we can realize our Zero Trust vision without adding IT or operational overhead,” he said. “In addition, having the visibility to monitor and troubleshoot every property, as well as the one-click ability to apply a network update worldwide, makes HPE Aruba Networking Central a tremendous benefit.”

Looking ahead, Nobu Hotels expects to leverage its new networking infrastructure to continue innovating in a competitive marketplace still recovering from the effects of the recent pandemic.

“HPE Aruba Networking is attentive to our industry-specific needs and supports us in our mission to furnish iconic hospitality experiences,” he said. “Our relationship with HPE Aruba Networking ensures that we can continue delivering on our brand promise with the agility to rapidly adapt to future technological and market developments.”

Paytronix has partnered with Marble Slab Creamery Canada to launch an enhanced guest experience, beginning with a new mobile app, website and Marble Slab Rewards loyalty program. The technology enhancements make it easier for guests to order and enjoy Marble Slab Creamery's premium ice cream, made fresh in store using 100% Canadian dairy.

“By leveraging Paytronix's innovative guest engagement solutions, we're enhancing the way we connect with our customers, offering them a more personalized and rewarding experience,” said Cam Inglis, President, Marble Slab Creamery Canada. “This collaboration allows us to better understand our guests' preferences, ensuring that every visit to Marble Slab is not just delicious but also uniquely tailored to the guests."

Mobile and online ordering continues to grow, and Marble Slab Canada is ensuring a seamless customer experience for guests engaging with the brand at any touchpoint. The new website and mobile app make it easy to choose from over 50 flavours of ice cream and unlimited Mixins for the legendary frozen slab. Marble Slab Rewards, the new loyalty program, makes it easier to earn and redeem rewards, and learn about new promotions or special offers.

Marble Slab began its technology overhaul by moving all Canadian operations to the latest point-of-sale system from Toast. Tight integration between Toast and Paytronix established a foundation for Marble Slab to then partner with Paytronix—putting the guest experience first in redesigning the website, loyalty program, mobile app and the rest of the tech stack.

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

The new solution engages and rewards guests to build ongoing relationships. But it also learns from those interactions and the data generated, so Mable Slab Creamery can market to them, triggering loyalty offers and special promotions that excite guests and drive more repeat business.

“This is about much more than upgrading technology for Marble Slab, it’s a tech-enabled platform to differentiate the brand and establish a one-on-one relationship with guests,” said Andrea Mulligan, Chief Customer Officer at Paytronix. “Marble Slab has created an amazing personal experience even when guests begin their engagement with the brand through the app or website, leveraging each interaction to personalize loyalty campaigns and reward offers at scale. Marble Slab is advancing the industry with a tech infrastructure that engages customers and provides a competitive advantage to its store operators and franchisees.”

Marble Slab Creamery has been an innovator in the ice cream space, dreaming up the frozen slab technique 40 years ago in Houston, Texas. Global expansion brought the homemade, small-batch ice cream to Canada in 2003, with over 100 locations, plus franchise expansion underway to add 40 more stores.

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc., parent company of Checkers & Rally's drive-thru restaurants,  announced that Chris Tebben has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 4. 

Tebben succeeds Frances Allen, who announced in April that she was stepping down as President and CEO of the company in order to focus on board work.

Tebben joins Checkers & Rally's with a robust career spent in the restaurants and consumer packaged goods sectors, serving in leadership roles with such powerhouse brands as Mars, Starbucks, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, and Pizza Hut, among others. His considerable experience includes leading strategic planning, operations, restaurant development, multi-unit franchise, retail marketing, and category management in both turnaround and growth environments across Fortune 100 and private equity-owned organizations.

Executives on the Move

Tebben is the latest restaurant executive on the move.  Red Lobster, Chick-fil-A, Bloomin' Brands, Panera Bread, Papa Johns,  Starbucks and Chipotle Mexican Grill are a few of the brands with executive changes in the past few weeks.  Read more.

"After a thorough search process, we are very pleased to welcome Chris to the Checkers & Rally's organization. His comprehensive experience in nearly every aspect of restaurant leadership, coupled with his proven track record of delivering sales, traffic, and unit growth, make him a perfect fit to take these brands to the next level," said David Barr, Checkers & Rally's Independent Board Member. "On behalf of the entire Checkers & Rally's family, I would like to thank Frances Allen for her leadership and dedicated service, and we wish her the best on all her future plans."

Prior to joining Checkers, Mr. Tebben served as President of Mars Retail Group, leading the M&M's retail arm of high-profile flagship stores across the globe since 2022. Before this, he served in a variety of leadership roles at Starbucks over his eight-year tenure there, most recently leading the expansion of Starbucks Reserve, opening U.S.-based and international locations including the largest Starbucks in the world: Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago.

Mr. Tebben also served as Starbucks Vice President of Retail Strategy, Vice President of Licensed Stores where he led all marketing, digital transformation and product management initiatives in the U.S. and Latin America, as well as Vice President of Starbucks' multi-billion-dollar Frappuccino and Tea businesses. Earlier in his career, Mr. Tebben held executive positions with P.F. Chang's as CMO of Pei Wei Asian Diner, and at Yum! Brands as the CMO of Pizza Hut in the UK and Ireland, among other roles.