Qu's Smart Kitchen enhances restaurant efficiency by optimizing equipment performance, energy use, and maintenance alerts. As restaurants prioritize technology, 64% aim to consolidate tech stacks and focus on first-party ordering. Qu introduces new front-of-house tech, including guest-facing boards, as companies adapt to stabilized digital growth post-pandemic.
Sweetgreen's growth strategy focuses on automation and its new “Infinite Kitchen” model, which, by 2025, could drastically increase locations and revenues. The brand, which has expanded to 246 locations and is valued at $6 billion, anticipates growth to 1,200 stores with significant profitability. Automation leads to lower operational costs and faster service, promoting expansion into suburban areas while appealing to a broader audience with menu innovations and a revamped loyalty program. Sweetgreen's recent positive sales trends reflect successful adaptations post-pandemic, positioning the brand for a strong future.
https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/automation-unpacks-the-infinite-potential-of-sweetgreen/
Sweetgreen plans to enhance its automated ‘Infinite Kitchen' system in 2025, with around 25 new locations deploying this technology. This shift follows a year of reduced menu innovation, focused instead on operational stability. The Infinite Kitchens, introduced in 2023, have shown promising results, improving speed, reducing labor costs, and increasing digital sales. The company aims to increase locations from 12 to 33, potentially maximizing efficiency in high-demand areas. Despite challenges in early 2025, including weather impacts on California stores, Sweetgreen anticipates revenue growth and a revamped loyalty program alongside new menu items, including “Ripple Fries” and collaborations with chefs.
