Tech Tracker: Store prototypes keep getting more high-tech; Kraft to launch restaurant in the metaverse

Jun 14, 2022

Panera announces a digital pickup-only store, while Taco Bell announces the ‘Defy’ prototype with four drive-thru lanes and QR code ordering

Panera opens digital-only To Go unit in Chicago

Jun 10, 2022

Bakery-cafe brand debuts first of three planned pick-up, delivery locations this year

12 restaurant executives on the move in May

Jun 01, 2022

Last month’s transitions included new CEO announcements for Denny’s, Brinker International

Panera Bread on how to make your technology easy, frictionless and relevant

May 06, 2022

Be everywhere your customers want you to be, and make your technology easy enough for any guest to use, Panera chief digital officer George Hanson said

Panera Bread expands its coffee subscription program to all beverages

Apr 19, 2022

Panera’s coffee subscription costs $2 more; customers can now order any beverage, from soft drinks to iced tea and new caffeinated Lemonade Chargers

Sustainability moves up priority list after COVID’s shut-down lessons

Apr 14, 2022

As pandemic recedes to background, restaurant operators face growing pressure to take sustainability seriously

NRN editors discuss Panera joining the chicken sandwich wars, Washington D.C. suing Grubhub and Waitr helping drivers with their gas

Mar 25, 2022

Plus, hear from Spike Mendelsohn on his new NFT Chfty Pizza in partnership with Tom Colicchio

Menu Tracker: New items from Carl’s Jr. & Hardee’s, Panera and Popeyes

Mar 24, 2022

Plus innovation at Atomic Wings, Bartaco , BD’s Mongolian Grill, Bellagreen, Carl’s Jr., Cinnaholic, Everytable, First Watch, Flat Top Grill, La Madeleine, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, Old Chicago, Panda Express, Pasqually’s Pizza & Wings, Red...

For good franchise operators, now is the time to buy and build new restaurants, says Greg Flynn

Feb 23, 2022

The CEO of Flynn Restaurant Group sees consolidation offering opportunities ahead

Panera Bread announces contactless dine-in for guests

Feb 01, 2022

Guests can order on their devices when they arrive, know when their order is ready and pick it up —all without interacting with another human being