software/technology

Starbucks to Open 400 Net-New U.S. Stores as Part of Overall Transformation Plan

by Katie Lee February 3, 2026

Seattle — At its recent 2026 Investor Day, Starbucks Coffee Company highlighted progress in its “Back to Starbucks” transformation plan, showcasing new coffeehouse and menu innovation, and detailing a financial framework for delivering long term, sustainable growth. By fiscal 2028, the company expects to open 2,000 net new stores across its portfolio, including approximately 400 net new U.S. company-operated stores. “Starbucks is back,” says Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer. “We’re putting the customer at the center of everything we do and setting our partners up for success. We …

February 3, 2026

News Product Spotlight restaurants software/technology vendors

Five Guys Extends Partnership with SoundHound AI

by Katie Lee February 2, 2026

Santa Clara, Calif. — SoundHound AI, Inc., a global leader in voice and conversational AI, has expanded its relationship with Five Guys, one of the nation’s most iconic burger brands. The renewal highlights the strength of the collaboration, as SoundHound’s AI-powered ordering agents have already supported Five Guys in processing well over 1 million customer AI interactions to date. The fast-casual favorite and industry innovator already offers an AI-powered ordering experience across hundreds of locations and will be giving franchisees the option of offering them more through this agreement. Five …

February 2, 2026

construction and design facilities management franchise development kitchen equipment News remodels restaurants software/technology

Gong Cha 2.0: Bubble-Tea Leader Rolls Out New, Innovative, Efficient Store Model

by Katie Lee January 29, 2026

Boston — Gong cha, a leading worldwide bubble tea brand, has unveiled its global Gong cha 2.0 initiative: a comprehensive digital, operational and design refresh to optimize profitability, efficiency and scalability for franchisees — as well as improve the guest experience. This global rollout combines two key technologies — Super Wu beverage automation and self-order kiosks — with a modernized store design to streamline operations, reduce labor demands and improve throughput without compromising quality or hospitality. “Gong cha 2.0 is engineered for today’s operators,” says Geoff Henry, president of Gong …

January 29, 2026

facilities management franchise development kitchen equipment News restaurants software/technology vendors

PAR Technology to Strengthen Operations Across 3,200 Papa Johns Restaurants in the U.S.

by Katie Lee January 23, 2026

New Hartford, N.Y. — Papa Johns has selected PAR POS™ and PAR OPS™ from PAR Technology Corporation to anchor its next-generation U.S. in-restaurant technology stack. The strategic partnership is a major milestone in Papa Johns’ multi-year effort to build a faster, more intelligent and connected restaurant and digital ordering experience for guests, operators and franchisees. “At Papa Johns, one of our strategic priorities is investing in and optimizing our technology to deliver a better experience,” says Kevin Vasconi, chief digital and technology officer, Papa Johns. “A key element of that …

January 23, 2026

News Product Spotlight restaurants software/technology vendors

Olo Partners with Zipline to Bring Autonomous Drone Delivery to Restaurants

by Katie Lee January 15, 2026

New York City — Olo Inc., a leading restaurant technology provider, has formed a strategic partnership with Zipline, the world’s most experienced and advanced autonomous delivery service, to integrate drone delivery capabilities into the Olo platform. Expected to launch in early 2026, the integration will enable restaurant brands using Olo Rails to offer Zipline’s autonomous drone delivery as a fulfillment option, streamlining operations while expanding their reach to serve more guests faster, more conveniently and more efficiently. Olo Rails consolidates orders from third-party marketplaces directly into restaurants’ point-of-sale systems and …

January 15, 2026

Industry Voices software/technology vendors

Make the Switch

by Katie Lee January 14, 2026

— By Sarah Clifton — Why smart operators are switching from spreadsheets to vendor management systems. If you’re managing staffing vendors across multiple retail or restaurant locations, you know it can be challenging. The beginning of the week can start with a flood of emails from various agencies. Next, you’re dealing with conflicting invoices. By mid-week, you’re reconciling timesheets that don’t match. And by the end of the week, you’re trying to figure out why labor costs are over budget — again. Does this sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many …

January 14, 2026

kitchen equipment News restaurants software/technology vendors

Jack in the Box Completes Rollout of Qu to Over 2,100 Restaurants

by Katie Lee January 8, 2026

Arlington, Va. — Jack in the Box Inc. has completed a systemwide deployment of Qu’s unified commerce platform across its over 2,100 restaurants, marking one of the fastest full-scale POS transformations in the quick-service industry. The modernization comes at a critical inflection point for QSRs, as brands face cost pressures and legacy technology systems that can’t keep up with today’s demands. Jack in the Box is using this moment to reshape its future. Through its “Jack on Track” plan and shift to an asset-light model, the company is simplifying its …

January 8, 2026

construction and design franchise development kitchen equipment News remodels restaurants software/technology

Mellow Mushroom Finishes 2025 With Expanded Kitchen Tech and New Growth Plans

by Katie Lee January 6, 2026

Atlanta — Mellow Mushroom, the psychedelic pizza franchise known for its imaginative pizzas, hand-tossed stone-baked dough and unique atmosphere, spent 2025 focused on restaurant operations. Work centered on kitchen execution, back-office efficiency and guest engagement infrastructure. Those initiatives carry into 2026, during which the company expects to be bullish on renewals and new restaurant growth. Over the last year, about one-third of restaurants moved onto a digital kitchen platform. Implementation took place location by location to align with each restaurant’s layout and workflow. The platform is already showing improvements in …

January 6, 2026

energy management HVAC/R Industry Voices kitchen equipment Product Spotlight restaurants software/technology vendors

Remote Work

by Katie Lee December 17, 2025

— By Tony Albers — How Café Zupas remotely manages energy usage in 82 stores. With 82 stores across eight states, Café Zupas restaurant chain delivers “house-made happiness” with its healthy menu designed to “nourish the good life,” which is its tagline. Headquartered in Sandy, Utah, Café Zupas sought to control energy usage at all 82 of its nationwide stores. By standardizing the installation of commercial thermostats with remote management, the company achieved reduced energy costs while maintaining indoor comfort for its customers and staff. Challenge: Remotely Manage Energy Usage …

December 17, 2025

facilities management News retailers software/technology supply chain vendors

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Partners with Nedap for Inventory Visibility

by Katie Lee December 16, 2025

Groenlo, The Netherlands — Nedap, a global leader in item-level inventory visibility, has teamed up with Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a leading global omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories based in New Albany, Ohio. The retailer will see Nedap’s iD Cloud platform implemented across numerous Abercrombie & Fitch stores in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and the Asia-Pacific region (APAC). Following a successful 15-store pilot, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) began deploying Nedap’s iD Cloud Store solution in June 2025, with full implementation scheduled …

December 16, 2025

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