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Tech Tracker: Why human-free technology is taking over the restaurant industryTech Tracker: Why human-free technology is taking over the restaurant industry

From drive-thru AI at Checkers to contactless dine-in options at Panera Bread and more, NRN editors discuss the latest in technology trends

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

February 3, 2022

Even as the pandemic slows down toward the end of its second year, consumers are still interested in more digital convenience technologies. Many of these technologies use AI, automation, or simply new app features to eliminate the need for face-to-face contact.

For example, Panera Bread just introduced contactless dine-in for guests, which will let customers order their food via the Panera app either when they arrive in the restaurant or are on their way, and will receive an email, text, and/or push notification when their food is ready at the counter – no interaction with employees behind the counter needed.

In a similar vein, Checkers Drive-In just announced a partnership with Presto to introduce AI at the drive-thru lane, which would improve order accuracy and upsells, leaving the human Checkers employees to worry about other tasks than taking drive-thru orders.

Could the need for digital technologies lead to an entirely virtual reality restaurant? That might be possible with tech solutions platform Lunchbox, now that the startup announced a $50 million series B funding, with investors including executives from DoorDash, Sweetgreen and &pizza.

 

About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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