Hooters ups mobile game with stronger data focus (Ad Week)
The casual-dining chain has kicked off a mobile loyalty program today in Atlanta that it plans to take national in the coming months.
—Marcella Veneziale
Domino’s to release iPad app with 3-D pizza builder (TechCrunch)
Domino’s Pizza is set to introduce an ordering app for the iPad Monday, just one week after rolling out Google Wallet functionality to its Android mobile app. The platform for the iPad reportedly includes a 3-D pizza builder that gives users an even more lifelike picture of what their pizzas would look like. Chief information officer Kevin Vasconi called it “the coolest technology we have launched since Domino’s Tracker,” which is included in the iPad app, along the requisite store locator and digital coupons.
—Mark Brandau
Lime shortage drives up prices at U.S. bars, restaurants (The Wall Street Journal)
With a global shortage of limes putting pressure on prices, a lime apocalypse is threatening to dampen the margarita-fueled run-up to Cinco de Mayo. California restaurant operators are offering incentives to encourage guests to bring limes in from backyard trees. With a 40-lb. crate of limes currently $100 wholesale, operators may be forced to think creatively about lemons.
—Lisa Jennings
Warren Buffet ordered Dairy Queen, coke at Four Seasons (New York Post)
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett caused a scene at the Four Seasons restaurant when he shunned the posh menu and insisted on dining on Dairy Queen and Coke. The 83-year-old “Oracle of Omaha” and chairman and chief executive of investment firm Berkshire Hathaway, said to be worth $65.1 billion, dined at the power-crowd hot spot Wednesday night, and ordered dessert from Dairy Queen, a Berkshire holding. “That wasn’t going to happen,” said a source. The only Dairy Queen in Manhattan is under construction on West 14th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and won’t open until May. Buffett settled for chocolate chip cookies.
—Ron Ruggless
PepsiCo to bottle popular Taco Bell drink (Associated Press/Bloomberg Businessweek)
Mountain Dew Baja Blast will be available in bottles and cans for the first time next month.
—Marcella Veneziale