Olo, Thanx Delivering ‘hyper-personalized Guest Engagement’

Olo and Thanx partner to enhance guest engagement for restaurants. The integration combines loyalty data with guest engagement tools, enabling personalized outreach, recovery of missed loyalty enrollments, and deeper insights into guest behavior. Sonny's BBQ is an early adopter, benefiting from seamless digital ordering and marketing capabilities. The integration offers a comprehensive view of guests, targeted marketing, personalized experiences, and smarter marketing decisions while speeding up implementation.

https://www.qsrweb.com/news/olo-thanx-delivering-hyper-personalized-guest-engagement/

The Women Driving Flavor, Function, and the Future of Fast Food

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Women leaders in fast food innovate and shape the industry, overcoming barriers and redefining culinary boundaries. Chef Venecia Willis of Velvet Taco emphasizes creativity and global flavors, while KFC's Diane Miller focuses on modernizing classics to attract youth. Kaitlyn Venable of Shipley Do-Nuts drives product innovation, introducing new menu items while maintaining brand heritage. These women highlight the evolving role of females in the culinary world and their impact on the future of fast food.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/the-women-driving-flavor-function-and-the-future-of-fast-food/

A Tale of Three Fuel Retailers

Three fuel retailers highlighted the importance of operational reliability and automation in loyalty programs. The author’s favorite, Cumberland Farms, faltered after app updates disrupted service, leading to frustration. RaceTrac's loyalty program failed due to pump issues, while Marathon impressed with seamless enrollment and rewards during a purchase. Key takeaway: convenience and reliability are crucial for customer retention in loyalty programs, outweighing feature richness.

https://thewisemarketer.com/a-tale-of-three-fuel-retailers/

QSR Brands Adopt AI to Cut Refund Losses

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QSR brands are utilizing AI to enhance profitability and reduce losses from false delivery claims, shifting focus from expansion to financial sustainability. AI can automate processes and verify food packing for deliveries, helping to mitigate refund losses. Despite global uncertainties, the food sector remains resilient, presenting expansion opportunities for some brands.

https://qsrmedia.asia/videos/qsr-brands-adopt-ai-cut-refund-losses

Burger King, Denny’s, Popeyes and Other Restaurants Brands Are on a Remodeling Spree

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Major restaurant chains like Burger King, Denny's, and Popeyes are undergoing significant remodels to attract customers amid declining dining out trends. Burger King has launched its “Sizzle” aesthetic with tech upgrades, while various chains are enhancing interiors and adding digital features to improve efficiency and customer experience. Despite challenges like rising costs and a tough market environment, these updates aim to re-engage diners and boost sales. The remodels, including self-ordering kiosks and modern designs, reflect the need for revitalization in an industry facing increased competition and consumer scrutiny.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/fast-food-restaurant-chains-remodeling-design-rcna197805

Presto Launches Phone Ordering Business Unit, Expanding Its Enterprise-Grade Suite of Voice AI for QSRs

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Presto Phoenix, Inc. launched a phone ordering business unit to enhance its Voice AI offerings for quick-service restaurants (QSRs) at the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix. CEO Gee Lefevre emphasized the excitement of introducing simpler phone ordering, responding to customer demand for comprehensive Voice AI solutions. The company aims to be the preferred AI partner for restaurant automation, focusing on drive-thru and now phone ordering technology. Presto seeks to deliver a full suite of AI solutions to drive revenue, reduce labor costs, and improve customer experiences.

https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250414646430/presto-launches-phone-ordering-business-unit-expanding-its-enterprise-grade-suite-of-voice-ai-for-qsrs

Value Is the New Battleground for Loyalty

TLDR: A third of diners changed favorite restaurants in the past year, seeking “better food” (46%) and “better value” (40%). Loyalty is declining as brands try new offers and tech. Diners desire overall experiences, not just low prices. Key insights: 45% visit less due to rising costs; 61% want more kiosks; 60% accept voice AI orders. Operators must focus on value through quality, convenience, and personalization to retain customers as loyalty shifts and spending habits evolve.

https://modernrestaurantmanagement.com/value-is-the-new-battleground-for-loyalty/

Quick-Service Restaurants Embrace Digital Transformation, AI Revolution

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QSRs like Taco Bell are investing in AI to enhance speed and accuracy, reduce labor costs, and transform customer engagement. Digital transformation via mobile ordering, AI-driven drive-thrus, and predictive inventory is reshaping operations. Innovations include mobile apps for ordering, AI voice assistants for drive-thru interactions, and predictive analytics for demand forecasting. While technology aids efficiency and personalization, challenges such as high costs and workforce resistance persist. In a competitive landscape, successful QSRs blend technology with human touch, focusing on strategic real estate that supports digital capabilities.

https://rebusinessonline.com/quick-service-restaurants-embrace-digital-transformation-ai-revolution/

Hunger Shifts Attention Towards Less Healthy Food Options, Study Finds

Study finds hunger directs attention to tasty but unhealthy foods, leading to poor dietary choices. Participants, in hungry vs. satiated states, showed increased focus on taste and ignored nutritional info. This behavior, driven by evolutionary adaptations, contributes to rising obesity rates. Effective interventions must enhance visibility of health information to counteract hunger's impact on food decisions.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-hunger-shifts-attention-healthy-food.html

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