technology

Local Kitchens raises $40M to open more high-tech food halls

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 25, 2024

The 12-unit multi-brand restaurant chain plans to expand into Southern California with its enlightened take on the ghost kitchen model.

Technology

American Express is acquiring Tock from Squarespace for $400M

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 21, 2024

The deal solidifies Amex as a major player in restaurant reservations and will unlock more perks for cardholders.

Technology

Customer feedback startup Ovation raises $2M

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 21, 2024

The company will use the funding to develop new features for its tech, which is based around two-question diner surveys.

Technology

SoundHound AI acquires restaurant-ordering marketplace Allset

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 20, 2024

The deal moves the company closer to its goal of bringing voice-enabled restaurant ordering to smart cars and TVs.

Premium

Financing

Reassessing McDonald's tech deals from 2019

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 17, 2024

The Bottom Line: The fast-food giant’s decision to end its drive-thru AI test with IBM is the latest pullback away from a pair of technology acquisitions it made five years ago.

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.

Marketing

Thermometers say its time to give air conditioning its due

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 13, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: Never mind AI. Here's the technology that'll really matter, starting this week and continuing through the summer. This week's episode looks at the machinery's beginnings and a few moments when it brought change to the business.

Technology