DoorDash Will Let Users Buy Now, Pay Later for Fast Food, a Possible Worrying Sign for the Economy

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DoorDash will soon offer a “Buy Now, Pay Later” option for fast food through a partnership with Klarna, allowing users to make interest-free payments. This trend raises concerns about increasing consumer debt, as BNPL services have become popular among cash-strapped individuals, contributing to a record high in online spending. Overall U.S. debt has risen, with serious delinquencies at a 14-year high, signaling potential economic worries.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/21/business/doordash-klarna-buy-now-pay-later-partnership/index.html

Why Smart Lockers Are the Answer to Restaurant Delivery Woes

Smart lockers streamline restaurant delivery by reducing wait times for drivers, enhancing order pickup efficiency, and minimizing errors. As delivery demand grows, these automated systems mitigate common challenges like order readiness and mix-ups, thereby improving customer satisfaction and maintaining restaurant revenues.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/why-smart-lockers-are-the-answer-to-restaurant-delivery-woes/

Why Growing Restaurant Brands Are Relying on AI in Their Kitchens

Growing restaurant brands are increasingly using AI, like PreciTaste's Prep Assistant, to enhance kitchen efficiency, accuracy, and reduce food waste. Nearly 70% of food service operators are familiar with AI applications, significantly streamlining operations in quick-service and fast-casual segments. The Prep Assistant optimizes ingredient prep, saving time and minimizing waste, which improves overall restaurant management. Brands like Sprout & Co and Dillas Quesadillas report enhanced productivity and better customer experiences as a direct result of AI integration.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/sponsored_content/why-growing-restaurant-brands-are-relying-on-ai-in-their-kitchens/

These Fast Food Chains Hiked Their Prices the Most Last Year

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Fast food prices have surged significantly, with major chains like McDonald's, Popeyes, and Taco Bell increasing menu prices by up to 132% in the last decade. Many consumers now view fast food as a luxury meal. Factors contributing to this inflation include rising wages, increased food prices, and tariffs affecting supply chains. As economists predict continued price hikes, consumers may opt for home-cooked meals to save money.

https://www.cnet.com/home/these-fast-food-chains-hiked-their-prices-the-most-last-year/

Fast-er Food: a Productivity Surge at U.S. Restaurants : Planet Money : NPR

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U.S. restaurants, after decades of stagnant productivity (1992-2019), experienced a significant surge during COVID-19, with productivity rising 15% above pre-pandemic levels. Factors include increased demand for takeout and delivery, and innovations in operations. Despite potential challenges for workers, higher productivity often leads to wage growth, benefiting both employees and consumers through lower prices. The shift towards technologies like smartphone ordering simplifies customer interactions, although some customers find self-service annoying. Overall, economists view this productivity boost positively for the economy's future.

https://www.npr.org/sections/planet-money/2025/03/18/g-s1-53844/faster-food-productivity-surge-us-restaurants

The Most Innovative Companies in Restaurants and Dining

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Fast Company’s 2025 list highlights innovative restaurants and food services, including Cava, Wonder, Wingstop, Dig, and others, adapting to post-pandemic dining trends. Cava enhances in-person experiences; Wingstop modernizes tech for personalized orders; and Salad and Go offers affordable drive-through salads. Wonder redefines food delivery by acquiring Grubhub, while Dig creates cold meals for airlines. Resident excels in private dining events and Smoodi promotes robot-made smoothies. Blackbird Labs utilizes blockchain for restaurant loyalty, and Bite enhances touchscreen ordering experiences. Lastly, Oyster Master Guild educates on oysters, boosting industry expertise.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91269900/restaurants-dining-food-services-most-innovative-companies-2025-cava-wonder-wingstop-resident-salad-and-go-dig-smoodi-blackbird-labs-bit-oyster-master-guild

Here’s How AI Is Changing Restaurants and Making Dining a Whole Lot Smarter

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AI revolutionizes the restaurant industry with robots and smart tech, improving service amid labor shortages and costs. Innovations include AI chatbots, self-service kiosks, and data tracking for customer preferences, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Automation risks displacing some jobs, but many workers are willing to reskill. Future trends predict increased tech spending, including AI voice assistants and drone deliveries, while balancing automation with human interaction remains crucial.

https://www.timeout.com/usa/news/ai-is-changing-restaurants-and-making-dining-a-whole-lot-smarter-031825

McDonald’s New Structure: a Hospitality Technology Innovation Blueprint |

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McDonald's is restructuring to enhance agility and decision-making, led by CEO Chris Kempczinski, aiming to overcome stagnant sales and increased competition. A new Chief Restaurant Experience Officer role will streamline operations across various departments, ensuring innovation aligns with consumer demand. The company is shifting to an operator-first mindset, focusing on seamless technology integration in restaurants. This transformation emphasizes category ownership for better market responsiveness. The goal is to accelerate product development and improve customer experiences amid economic pressures and changing dining habits. Overall, it's a call for the broader restaurant industry to align innovation with real-world operations.

https://restauranttechnologynews.com/2025/03/mcdonalds-new-structure-a-hospitality-technology-innovation-blueprint/

How McDonald’s Is Integrating AI Across Restaurants Globally

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McDonald's is integrating AI across its 43,000 restaurants globally with the help of Google, aiming to enhance order accuracy, staff efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The technology will support operations by managing kitchen equipment and improving customer interactions at drive-throughs and kiosks. AI will also help with predictive maintenance of appliances and could introduce a virtual manager to handle administrative tasks. This strategy aims to alleviate staff stress and refine customer experiences.

https://technologymagazine.com/articles/how-mcdonalds-is-using-ai-to-boost-efficiency-and-workflows

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