Restaurant and Hospitality News August 25, 2014
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In news this week, a new survey shows that travelers find virtual payment options attractive, while Beacon technology is the future of restaurant commerce and communication. Investors are also clamoring to invest in food delivery services, while Olive Garden is delivering a free Red Box rental with each “Buy One, Take One” meal.
Travelers Find Virtual Payment Appealing
A survey by the GBTA Foundation confirms business travelers’ interest in virtual payment, and according to 4 Hoteliers article, when presented with features, non-users’ interest spiked. Among those benefits are easier payment reconciliation, improved security, improved compliance with travel policy, and centralized payment of hotel and air travel.
Beacon Technology Enabling Restaurant Commerce and Communication
This article from QSR explains some of the ways that Beacon technology is enabling restaurant commerce and communication in today’s rapidly-changing hospitality landscape. From marketing to ordering and delivering to post-service response, beacon technology provides a wealth of opportunities for restaurants. And with two-hundred million iPhone users waiting to reap the benefits of geo-triggered communication from restaurants, it’s time to create a strategy for using geo-triggered capabilities in apps to enhance customer experiences.
Why Investors are Eating Up Food delivery Services
Investors are clamoring for food delivery services catering to a plugged-in and thinly stretched market, according to this article from QRS. When run well, food delivery companies are profitable, sustainable businesses with wide appeal. Food delivery is the rising star in convenience commerce — after all, everybody's got to eat. And with delivery companies acting as the bridge, it comes as no surprise that, for investors, this industry is enticing.
Olive Garden Teams with Redbox on Dinner and a Movie
Olive Garden has announced a new program that offers a one-night movie rental with “Buy One, Take One” promotion, according to this press release. Redbox promo codes are for a free one-night movie rental and will be delivered via text message. In its press material, Olive Garden said the “Redbox partnership reinforces Olive Garden's ongoing brand renaissance,” which includes updated décor and new menu offerings. Details are found here.
Restaurant and Hospitality Talking Points:
The International Franchise Association has launched a radio ad campaign battling back against a portion of Seattle's new wage law, alleging proponents of the law have an agenda to undermine the franchise model. Seattle’s new minimum wage law treats as large, out-of-state businesses. Under the law, franchisees with fewer than 500 employees, including those with even just one employee, must adopt the higher $15 minimum wage on the same expedited three-year timetable as big businesses, such as The Boeing Company, with more than 500 employees, beginning in April 2015.