Restaurant And Hospitality News – June 12, 2017
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In news this week, Denny’s announced big changes to its ordering services and adds 24-hour delivery, while McDonald’s pledges to expand delivery capabilities to approximately 3,500 restaurant locations by the end of June.
Denny’s Launches 24-Hour Delivery and Digital Ordering Services
Denny’s is making big changes. It has announced that it has launched a new ordering platform in partnership with leading digital ordering provider, Olo, giving guests a “quick and easy way to place a mobile or online order for takeout or delivery of their favorite menu items.” Called Denny’s on Demand, the service offers 24/7 diner favorites via takeout or delivery, and includes a complete revamp of the mobile app.
According to Fortune, Denny's books about $500 million in operating revenue across the company's 1,700 locations globally. The chain is just one of a number of national restaurant chains that are embracing digital ordering to meet customer demands. Digital ordering has tripled over the past five years, now representing 6.6 percent of all restaurant transaction, according to research firm NPD Group. That surpasses phone ordering at 5 percent.
“Denny’s has always been a place where America can come and get their favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes, literally at any time of day or night,” said John Dillon, chief marketing officer for Denny’s. “With ‘Denny’s on Demand,’ we’ve taken that same ‘always open’ philosophy that is synonymous with our brand and expanded it to easy-to-use technology, bringing access to our craveable diner fare straight to our guests’ fingertips. With the menu variety we naturally provide, America no longer has to compromise when it comes to getting the food they want, exactly when and where they want it. Whether it’s a Grand Slam® for dinner, a Fit Slam® for breakfast, all-new Pancakes at 3 a.m., one of our delicious burgers, or all of the above, the options are endless and now truly the world is your diner.”
Dillon added: “The launch of ‘Denny’s on Demand’ is the result of our commitment to leveraging new technology to reach a wider audience and make it even more convenient for today’s virtually-connected guests to enjoy their favorite diner dishes. In the coming months, we will continue to enhance the Denny's experience for our guests, giving them even more ways to get exactly what they want from our menu, whenever – and now wherever – they want it.”
McDonalds Delivery Services Extended To 3,500 Restaurants
McDonald’s has announced that 1 in every 4 U.S. locations – or some 3,500 restaurants -- will have delivery services provided by UberEats by the end of June, according to The Chicago Tribune. Currently, the service is available in approximately 2,000 nationwide, in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Atlanta. The service was tested at several cities in Florida earlier this year, with encouraging results. The company said that almost 60 percent of delivery orders were being placed in the evening hours or after midnight, which are the hours that most McDonald’s restaurants are typically the slowest. Delivery is thus allowing them to extend business to boost sales. Delivery services via UberEats include a $5 surcharge, and the average delivery takes approximately 30 minutes.
“We are bringing a new level of convenience to more of our customers as we continue to transform the McDonald’s experience,” said McDonald’s President and CEO Steve Easterbrook. “Through the ease of the UberEATS app, our customers can enjoy their favorite McDonald’s foods delivered right to them enjoying greater choice, control and personalization than ever before.”
“McDonald’s restaurant footprint, combined with the cutting-edge innovation of the UberEATS platform, positions us well to meet the consumer demand for fast and reliable delivery – making this an ideal partnership,” Easterbrook added.