Restaurant And Hospitality News – June 5, 2017
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In news this week, Dunkin’ Donuts Masterpasses their Mobile App, while Taco Bell announces plans for major global expansion over the next five years.
Dunkin’ Donuts Integrates Masterpass into the Dunkin’ Mobile App
Dunkin’ Donuts has integrated Mastercard’s Masterpass into its Dunkin’s Mobile App, giving customers the power to purchase and reload virtual Dunkin’ Donuts cards on DunkinDonuts.com and on the app via Mastercard’s Masterpass option, according to a company press release. Masterpass stores payment information, card details, shipping information, and payment preferences simply and securely, allowing users to shop conveniently with the touch of a button.
“At Dunkin’ Donuts, we show appreciation for our loyal guests though technologies that make enjoying Dunkin' coffee, food and other beverages as fast and easy as possible,” said Scott Hudler, Chief Digital Officer at Dunkin’ Donuts. “Leveraging new digital payment options like Masterpass by Mastercard provides guests with another quick and convenient way to run on Dunkin’ through our Mobile App, and helps us continue to stand apart for an unsurpassed in-store experience.”
"Mastercard is excited to partner with Dunkin’ Donuts to integrate Masterpass into the Dunkin’ Mobile® App," said Linda Kirkpatrick, Executive Vice President, US Market Development, Mastercard. "This partnership combines the latest and safest digital technology with Dunkin’ Donuts market leading loyalty program to help their customers 'win the morning'."
Dunkin’ Donuts customers can enroll their Masterpass-funded virtual DD card in the DD Perks Rewards Program to earn rewards points toward free Dunkin’ Donuts beverages with qualified purchases.
The new platform is being launched with an integrated marketing campaign that features a series of humorous new television spots and digital content demonstrating how Masterpass in the Dunkin’ Mobile App can "help win the morning."
Taco Bell Serves Up Growth Plans To The Tune of $15 Billion By 2022
Taco Bell has announced a strategy to grow from $10 billion in annual sales to $15 billion in annual sales across its global business by 2022, growing as a system to approximately 9,000 restaurants around the world in the next five years, leading to 100,000 new jobs in the U.S. alone. Internationally, Taco Bell plans to focus its growth in Brazil, Canada, China, and India, with at least 100 restaurants in each market.
"We have tremendous potential to continue to grow this brand domestically, as well as globally, with our world-class franchise system," said Brian Niccol, Chief Executive Officer at Taco Bell. "We are already off to a great start by continuing with breakthrough menu innovation, digital innovation and diversifying our development portfolio. Our new and remodeled restaurants deliver a Taco Bell 'category-of-one' brand experience for suburban, urban and rural markets."
Niccol asserts that the chain can reach its goal within five years, by staying current, creative, and providing value for its customer base. He stated, “we don’t react to culture. We drive culture.” One key to the chain’s success is offering innovative foods that develop a cult-following, like the Doritos Locos Taco or the Naked Chicken Chalupa. “We have turned this brand to more than selling tacos. It’s a brand that is a lifestyle brand,” Niccol explained. The chain will be testing more new items and twists on core items in the future, as well, including rolled tacos, a double chalupa, and a double cheesy gordita.
Taco Bell also is investigating curbside pickup, voice ordering through applications such as Amazon’s Alexa and speedier at-home delivery. In terms of domestic unit growth, Taco Bell said it plans to “enter highly pedestrian urban areas that do not have room for drive through.” This would include building more Cantina restaurants, a flashy restaurant brand that serves alcohol and targets millennials. The first Cantina restaurant opened in Chicago in 2015.
Taco Bell currently operates more than 6,650 restaurants across 23 countries.