Key Takeaways
- Blackbird has launched its blockchain-based payment platform, Blackbird Pay, offering lower fees for restaurants.
- Andrew Simmons ended his Pizza Roboto project after facing challenges, while RestoGPT introduces a similar pizza subscription service.
- DoorDash reported substantial growth in digital orders, and Yum! Brands plans to expand Voice AI technology at Taco Bell locations.
Blackbird’s New Payment Solution
Blackbird is making waves in restaurant technology with the launch of Blackbird Pay, a blockchain-based platform designed to enhance the connection between diners and restaurants. Founded by industry veterans Ben Leventhal of Resy and Eater, Blackbird Pay allows users to pay at participating restaurants using stored credit card information or loyalty points. This service comes with a modest 2% processing fee per transaction, notably lower than that of conventional restaurant point-of-sale systems, making it an attractive option for restaurants looking to optimize costs.
End of Pizza Automation Experiment
In a significant shift, Andrew Simmons has announced the discontinuation of his Pizza Roboto venture after investing over $300,000. His recent LinkedIn post outlined the obstacles he encountered while trying to expand the concept and the mixed outcomes of his pizza subscription plan. Ironically, this announcement follows the launch of RestoGPT’s pizza subscription program, which is based on Simmons’ original concept.
DoorDash’s Growth Despite Challenges
Even in the face of broader industry challenges, DoorDash has reported a 19% year-over-year increase in total orders and a 23% boost in revenue for Q2 2024. The company indicates that the digital ordering segment remains robust, contrasting positively with declines seen in other restaurant channels.
Yum! Brands Embraces Voice AI Technology
Yum! Brands is set to expand its Voice AI technology to hundreds of Taco Bell drive-thrus across the U.S. by the end of 2024, with plans for global implementation across other chains like KFC and Pizza Hut. The technology, which is currently operational in over 100 Taco Bell locations, aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve order accuracy, and significantly reduce customer wait times.
Amazon’s Just Walk Out AI Developments
Amazon recently unveiled advancements in its Just Walk Out technology platform, showcasing an updated AI model, despite having removed the feature from its Fresh stores earlier this year. This indicates a commitment to refining the platform and hints at future applications across various retail settings.
Listeners can access the full episode of the Food Tech News Show on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more insights and discussions on these industry innovations.
The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.