Melbourne, Fla. — USSI Global has added an experienced AV and digital signage professional to its leadership team as the company prepares for business growth in a thriving industry sector. Christina Murgo joins USSI Global’s Digital Signage and Technology Group as director of sales and business development, effective immediately. She reports to Amanda Flynn, chief revenue officer. USSI Global’s holistic approach to project management covers an entire spectrum of services that brings the world’s largest digital signage projects to life. The company’s thoughtful structure positions it as among the few …
software/technology
Atlanta — Papa John’s International, Inc. has appointed Kevin Vasconi to chief digital and technology officer. He brings proven enterprise technology leadership to the company, having most recently served as chief information officer for The Wendy’s Company. While at Wendy’s, Vasconi led the team to triple its e-commerce business in 3 years through a consumer-centric approach, leveraging technology to build loyalty with Wendy’s customers. In his new role, Vasconi will be responsible for guiding the development and execution of Papa Johns long term strategy across the entire digital and technology …
Dallas — Ziosk, the pioneer of pay-at-the-table and a leading restaurant ordering and payment platform, has teamed up with Chili’s Grill & Bar. Through this partnership, Chili’s has rolled out Ziosk tablets to more than 1,100 locations to simplify the payment process, right at the table. Ziosk’s innovative pay-at-the-table solution eliminates the wait time associated with paying the bill, providing a frictionless, secure process that drives loyalty and charity program participation and optimizes service. With a 90% adoption rate, pay-at-the-table is a reliable way to empower guests and offer more …
— By Robert Harling — Innovative loss prevention technologies and strategies. The safety and security of shoppers and employees are at the top of the list of priorities for retail executives. Open and inviting stores where customers can shop without concern and employees are assured of their safety is not a new goal for retailers. As incidents of retail theft and in-store violence rise, retailers must adapt with effective strategies and advanced technologies to ensure a safe shopping environment. The National Retail Federation reported a 19.3% increase in retail shrink, …
— By Gregg Majewski — Propel your restaurant forward with digital transformation. Technology in the restaurant space is rapidly evolving as we enter a digital era. Every day, restaurants are taking new steps toward improving the guest experience. Virtual kitchens, mobile ordering and contactless payments have become commonalities, and while it may seem like a tall order, leaning into digital transformation is imperative for the evolution of a modern-day restaurant. Digital transformation does not always involve leveraging technological advancements. For example, it can also mean compiling dining analytics and using …
Prep Now for HVAC Manufacturer Backlogs, Service Delays in 2025
An approaching shift in refrigerants for heat pumps and air-conditioning systems will have far-reaching implications for restaurant and retail operators, potentially delaying the availability of new equipment, replacement parts and access to the service providers needed to install or repair them. “In the months before a rule change like this, everybody starts to scramble to get ready,” says John Brightwell, regional project manager at facilities repair service provider MaintenX. “We’ve budgeted for this and have adjusted our equipment, tools and training to install and service the new systems; but if …
Bentonville, Ark. — Nuqleous, a leader in B2B SaaS solutions specializing in big data, retail analytics and space planning optimization, has been included on the prestigious 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. For the fourth consecutive year, Nuqleous’s dedication to driving retail excellence and operational efficiency has earned it the rank of No. 3,822 overall, and within the top 500 in the software category. “Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for 4 years running reflects the hard work and dedication of our team and is a …
— By Mani Kulasooriya — How e-commerce can help restaurants fight rising costs and challenges. Restaurant operators are often running an uphill marathon. From hiring and schedules to inventory management and food ordering, back-end operations can present neverending challenges. To make matters worse, according to the National Restaurant Association’s “2024 State of the Restaurant Industry” report, 97% of operators now cite rising food and labor costs as pressing issues. Fortunately, foodservice has entered a new leg of the race. E-commerce is emerging as a secret weapon to streamline operations and …
Richardson, Texas — ENTOUCH, a leader in energy management and smart building technology, has expanded its demand response program in partnership with 24 Hour Fitness, the 40-year leader in health and fitness. This milestone highlights the effectiveness of ENTOUCH’s cutting-edge solutions in reducing energy usage, driving profitability and supporting sustainability initiatives for multisite operators. In 2023, 24 Hour Fitness implemented ENTOUCH’s demand response program across an initial 100 locations in California and Texas. The initiative proved highly successful, saving 35 MW of energy and significantly contributing to the reduction of …
— By Savneet Singh — How cutting-edge tech helped Hooters of America upgrade its dining experience. Americans love experiences, with the majority (61%) of Gen Z and Millenials choosing to invest in them, according to Experian, over retirement savings. And with all the money they’re spending, they anticipate outstanding outcomes — especially when it comes to dining. Competition in this sector is fierce, with seemingly endless options for the 9 in 10 customers who enjoy going out to eat, per a February 2024 report by the National Restaurant Association. The …