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Technology

AI in the drive-thru is only a matter of time

 By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 27, 2024

Tech Check: McDonald’s recent setback aside, the technology is on track to become a standard feature of fast food. The benefits are just too good to ignore.

Financing

A 48-unit Subway franchisee declares bankruptcy

 By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 24, 2024

River Subs LLC, a large operator out of San Antonio, is seeking Chapter 11 debt protection after losing a nearly $3 million judgment in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Marketing

McDonald's kicks off its value push

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 20, 2024

The fast-food giant will start selling its $5 Meal Deal next week as it works to regain lost traffic. But it is also reminding customers of its existing deals.

Technology

McDonald's is ending its drive-thru AI test

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 14, 2024

The Chicago-based fast-food giant is ending its partnership with IBM on automated order-taking without an expansion. But McDonald’s still believes AI drive-thrus are in its future.

Financing

Starbucks' value offer is a bad idea

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 13, 2024

The Bottom Line: It’s not entirely clear that price is the reason Starbucks is losing traffic. If it isn’t, the company’s new value offer could backfire.

Financing

3 fast-casual CEOs on the high cost of fast food

By Lisa Jennings on Jun. 10, 2024

There's been a lot of talk lately about high QSR pricing, and the leaders of Portillo's, Sweetgreen and Cava are pretty happy with that. It makes the fast-casual space look good.

Financing

Starbucks hopes a more open mobile app can help reverse sales problems

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 06, 2024

The coffee shop chain in July plans to open its app to everybody, not just Starbucks Rewards members. But it is already promoting its value there as it works to rebuild sales from occasional customers.

Financing

If you think the operating environment is bad here, try China

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 05, 2024

Several restaurant chains, notably Starbucks, are navigating weak spending and increasing competition in the fast-growing market. But they remain bullish on its future.

Technology

Taco John's is putting AI voicebots in the drive-thru

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 03, 2024

The Mexican fast-food chain plans to bring Presto Voice technology to more restaurants after it improved speed and ticket size at a test location.

Financing

This isn't your father's fast-food business

By Jonathan Maze on May 31, 2024

Rather than try to cater to everybody, quick-service restaurant chains are increasingly specializing based on menu and service style. The result is a crop of innovative chains serving drive-thru salads or just chicken fingers.

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