Restaurant And Hospitality News – July 18, 2016
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In news this week, MasterCard expands Masterpass across devices and channels; Jamba Juice shakes things up with a new Innovation bar; and Telsa and Ruby Tuesday partner to bring Supercharging stations to restaurants across the US.
MasterCard Announces Expansion of Masterpass Across Devices and Channels
Masterpass digital wallet capabilities now include in-store payments.
MasterCard has become the first network to deliver omnichannel, all-digital payment service with its new Masterpass feature. By removing digital payment barriers, Masterpass allows customers to show across devices and channels with no digital payment barriers. Masterpass in-store payments are scheduled to begin in the U.S. later this month. Initially, the service will be available on devices running Google's Android mobile operating system; only because Apple doesn’t allow others to access the near-field communications chips on its phones.
“With billions of cardholders across the globe, we are working with our issuers and merchants to ensure that we’re delivering digital payments that support consumer expectations for a familiar and secure payment experience both now and in the future,” said Craig Vosburg, president of North America, MasterCard. “The expansion of Masterpass represents an important evolution of our business. We’re packaging the intelligence and insights generated by digital payment solutions to power a wide range of merchant and consumer experiences.”
Masterpass is currently available at hundreds of thousands of merchants online or in-app including Firehouse Subs, Masabi, MLB.com and MLBShop.com, Office Depot and ParkMobile. Consumers will now be able to use Masterpass at the more than five million merchant locations in 77 countries that accept contactless payments including BJ’s Wholesale Club. Masterpass will be adopted by merchants including JetBlue, Subway app, The Cheesecake Factory app, and Saks.com and Lord and Taylor.com, according to MasterCard, and a number of banks including Ally Bank, Bank of America, BMO Harris Bank, Capital One, Citi and others will also support the service, layering services like tokenization, bank identification, and cardholder verification to help keep consumers safe from fraudulent activity.
“MasterCard is one of those unique brands that is instantly recognizable around the world,” explained Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing and communications officer, MasterCard. “To thrive in this new digital world where business moves faster than ever, we want to modernize and elevate the brand in a design that is simple and elegant, yet unquestionably MasterCard.”
Jamba Juice Opens Innovation Bar To Test New Ideas
Jamba Juice Company, a leading healthy, active lifestyle brand, celebrated the grand opening of its Innovation Bar in Old Town Pasadena, CA by giving out free cold pressed juices and smoothies to its first 500 guests on Thursday, July 14th. The new concept store offers innovative food and beverage options that are unique to the space. As the company statement explains, guests can select from juice flights (up to eight samples of Jamba Juice offerings) and a variety of bar snack options while seated at the bar. It also features a sleek, interactive juice bar, a spacious Wi-Fi-enabled seating area, and an open-air patio. The Innovation Bar is one of about 68 units operated by the company, which has been steadily refranchising the 885-unit chain over the past two years.
"The launch of the Jamba Innovation Bar is a major milestone for Jamba Juice, and we are pleased to invite the local community to join us in the celebration during which we will be handing out free cold pressed juices and smoothies," said Mr. Pace. "Not only will the Innovation Bar serve as a learning lab where we can create and test new food and beverage concepts, but it also provides a central hub within Pasadena where guests can comfortably gather and enjoy better-for-you food and beverage offerings."
Ruby Tuesday Restaurant Chain To Add Tesla Superchargers
Restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday and electric car company Tesla have announced a partnership that will see the installation of “a series of” Tesla Supercharger stations to an unspecified number of Ruby Tuesday’s 729 US locations, according to The Verge. The partnership follows the installation of trial superchargers at one Ruby Tuesday parking lot in Miner, Missouri. Tesla is also in talks with other locations in anticipation of placing Superchargers at gas stations and key roadside locations to make driving cross-country easier for Tesla owners.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Tesla Motors to offer our guests a place where they can charge their Tesla vehicle while enjoying a delicious meal,” stated David Skena, chief marketing officer of Ruby Tuesday. “Expanding the Supercharger network to include Ruby Tuesday is good for both Tesla owners and our restaurants alike. We look forward to deepening our relationship with Tesla and opening additional Supercharger Stations in Ruby Tuesday markets around the country in the near future.”