Nation’s Restaurant News On the Go Newsletter #10
Nation's Restaurant News
The #1 source of news and business intelligence for restaurant and foodservice industry professionals
2023: A year for proactively building your tech stack
Hi readers,
Sam Oches here. Technology has dominated our attentions for the past few years, and for good reason: New technologies like digital ordering platforms, loyalty programs and off-premises service tools have been a life-saver in the most difficult period in restaurant history. They’ve also opened doors for innovation that have ushered in a more exciting restaurant future.
But if 2020–2022 were all about reacting to immediate needs with technology, then 2023 is going to be all about proactivity and strategically building a tech stack that can work for a restaurant in the long-term. Already we see brands refining their approach to technology in 2023, trimming the fat and integrating their platforms to provide as simplistic and profitable of a guest experience as possible.
That’s especially true of loyalty programs. Brands both big and small are enhancing their loyalty offerings with more gamification, experiences and reward tiers, all taking advantage of technologies that make engagement effortless for the consumer. And it’s a critical time to be offering a loyalty program; if we do end up in a recession, the need to provide guests with savings and value will be paramount, and loyalty programs are a fun way to do that.
Click through the links below to learn more about how new trends in technology are driving success for restaurants (and, in one case, doing the opposite).
6 new and revamped loyalty and rewards programs that are shaking up the restaurant industry
Loyalty programs 1.0 were the simple punch cards of days-gone by: 10 visits get you a free entrée or drink. The second iteration of loyalty programs became popular in the years leading up to the pandemic as Starbucks popularized the digital loyalty program and made it easier and more customizable than ever before. Now, as customers become more discerning and omnichannel demands grow, loyalty and rewards programs have grown up with them.
Chipotle adds location-based technology to its mobile app
Chipotle this week updated its popular mobile app, which hosts about 30 million Rewards members. The updates are certainly not bells or whistles, but rather the addition of simple new features meant to reduce friction for loyal consumers, who have proven they visit more frequently and spend more money with the brand, executives have noted.
Specifically, users can now enable push notifications that provide updates on their order status, alert them if they’re at the wrong pick-up location and remind them to scan for Rewards points when they arrive at a Chipotle restaurant.
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How Crumbl Cookies created one of the most popular apps in the industry
Crumbl Cookies’ app is in the top 10 for downloads in the Apple store, ahead of giants like Taco Bell, Chipotle and Domino’s.
Chili’s closes test delivery-focused store after 2 months
Chili’s Grill & Bar has closed its delivery-only test unit just a couple of months after opening it, the company said this week. Casual-dining brand intends to focus on core offerings and its ‘Kitchen of Future 3’.
Calling all Restaurant Operators!
Nation’s Restaurant News is conducting its 2023 Restaurant Operator Technology Survey and we want to hear from you! Join hundreds of other Restaurant Operators, big and small, as they share key feedback on their implementation of technology and how they see technology driving the future of food service. Survey results will be shared as downloadable report and webinar this February – make sure your voice is heard and share your current and future technology roadmap.
What is your restaurant's focus for 2023?
We want to know what you're planning for 2023. VOTE IN OUR POLL HERE
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