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☆ How restaurants such as Panera and Chipotle are dipping into A.I. to streamline food prep and ordering
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-17 | by ( Kate Rogers | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

From drive-thru to back-of-house operations to predictive ordering for consumers, restaurant brands are starting to pilot artificial intelligence to streamline food service. McDonald's , for its part, sold McD Tech Labs to IBM in 2021, entering a strategic partnership to help bring AI technology to drive-thru lanes. McD Tech Labs, which was formerly known as Apprente before McDonald's acquired it, used AI to understand drive-thru orders. Del Taco is also using voice-activated AI for orders at its drive-thru, as is Wingstop for orders placed by phone. For Panera, it's a question of, "How do we redeploy our people to higher value, higher quality guest experiences," said Chief Digital Officer George Hanson.

Persons: there's, TD Cowen, Andrew Charles, Cowen, Charles ., Carl's Jr, CKE, Dragontail, McDonald's, George Hanson, Hanson Organizations: National Restaurant Association, Presto, Brands, Tech Labs, IBM, Miso Robotics, CNBC Locations: U.S, Del

☆ Chipotle's founder wants to open tiny restaurants staffed by robots and three humans
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-25 | by ( Alex Bitter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Robots and automation are becoming a bigger part of restaurants from Wendy's to Chili's. According to documents obtained by the Post, the startup, called Kernel, uses a model featuring three human workers directing robots along an assembly line. Spokesperson Sarah Rosenberg confirmed to the Post that Ells is at the startup's helm and elements of its plan. Ells grew Chipotle and helped popularize fast casual dining before stepping down as CEO in 2017 after various foodborne illness outbreaks at its restaurants. Ells is far from the first to propose using robots and other technologies in restaurants to automate various procedures and rely on fewer workers.

☆ U.S. Midwest grid operator flags urgent need for market reforms
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The reforms are needed "to maintain reliability and send the right pricing signals to the market," said Clair Moeller, president and CEO at Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). For the zone which covers most of Louisiana and southeast Texas, the clearing prices for fall and winter were $59/MW-day and $19/MW-day, respectively. Market participants who postpone the retirement of resources and import additional capacity this year may not be able to repeat those measures in the future, said Moeller. "We continue to see uncertainty and volatility in the auction results year-over-year, and managing the system in real-time is becoming more challenging," Moeller added. Reporting by Deep Vakil in Bengaluru; Editing by Aurora EllisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ How to make your own salad dressing
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Casey Barber | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Here are my favorite methods and tips for homemade salad dressing from my years of experimentation. Try any of these recipes to get you going:• Creamy Italian dressing with mayonnaise (regular or vegan)• Avocado green goddess dressing• Lime tahini dressing• Miso ginger dressing• Spicy cashew butter dressing, just like Trader Joe’sAs for ranch dressing, I’ll admit: Even though I have a recipe for homemade ranch in my cookbook “Classic Snacks Made From Scratch,” sometimes I can’t resist the craving for the bottled version. However, if you do want to make homemade ranch dressing, it’s not too difficult. Homemade dressing tips and tricksMake your dressing with a blender or food processor to emulsify the oil evenly with the acid. Tetiana Strilchuk/iStockphoto/Getty ImagesTo get a creamier, thicker texture for any homemade dressing, make it in a blender or food processor.

☆ Things to do in Nagoya, Japan
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( John Walton | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

In the years since, the city has proven the opposite is true, according to Nagoya residents Lena Yamaguchi and Elisabeth Lloris. Ruben Earth/Getty ImagesIf you’ve traveled by Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka, you’ve passed through Nagoya, and might even remember the skyscraper district around its central railway station. Just 45 minutes from Nagoya Station on the private (non-JR) Meitetsu railway, the area between Inuyama station and its castle has been sympathetically restored in recent years. Back in Nagoya, a few kilometers east of Nagoya Castle you’ll find the Tokugawa Art Museum, one of Japan’s finest private museums, which holds several National Treasures of Japan thanks to its connection with the Tokugawa clan dynasty. If cars are your thing, then the Toyota Automobile Museum, about 45 minutes east of Nagoya Station, features some 140 historical vehicles.

☆ Wind and solar power generators wait in yearslong lines to put clean electricity on the grid, then face huge interconnection fees they can't afford
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( Catherine Clifford | In Catclifford | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +18 min

The local utility in charge of overseeing the interconnection process told Pine Gate it would be more than $30 million. Pine Gate had to terminate the project because it couldn't afford the new fees, its vice president of regulatory affairs, Brett White, told CNBC. "Those projects ended up withdrawing from the queue or terminating, because they don't pencil anymore," White told CNBC. "There is Texas, and then there's the rest of the country with respects to interconnection," White of Pine Gate told CNBC. And that means getting those engineers out of some of the rote manual data entry and into the actual analysis," White told CNBC.

☆ A small business owner with all of her money in SVB says the company was 'jerked around' by the 'failures of the American banking system'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Britney Nguyen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Silicon Valley Bank's collapse had startup founders and venture capitalists in a panic last weekend. Vanessa Pham said the bank's collapse threatened small businesses, in addition to rich VC firms. The news threw Pham into a spiral: All of Omsom's money was in SVB, a bank widely used by startups and venture capitalists. On Friday morning, Pham tried to wire the company's money out of SVB, but it was unsuccessful. In a follow-up Instagram post, the Pham sisters wrote that the weekend caused them to reflect on how "the failures of the American banking system jerked all of us around, both small business + consumers alike."

☆ Why a U.S. national electric grid would be great for the climate — and is nearly impossible
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Catherine Clifford | In Catclifford | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +15 min

But the energy grid in the U.S. has developed over decades as a patchwork of thousands of individual utilities serving their own local regions. The Department of Energy is in the process of conducting a National Transmission Planning Study,to look into all of this. "Many mid-U.S. states have excellent wind resources, and the southwest U.S. has excellent solar resources, but the population is insufficient to use them," McCalley told CNBC. Finally, improved energy sharing would also lead to a more reliable energy grid for consumers. At the kickoff for its next round of transmission planning, MISO had a three hour planning meeting with 377 people in the meeting.

☆ Why it's so hard to build new electrical transmission lines in the U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( Catherine Clifford | In Catclifford | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +14 min

Building new transmission lines in the U.S. takes so long — if they are built at all — that electrical transmission has become a roadblock for deploying clean energy. Energy companies that build new transmission lines need to get a return on their investment, explains James McCalley, an electrical engineering professor at Iowa State University. "Someone that benefits more frequent transmission line will pay more than someone who benefits less from a transmission line." transmission lines, energy grid, clean energyGreat River Energy and Minnesota Power are in the early stages of building a 150-mile, 345 kilovolt transmission line from northern to central Minnesota. Engaging with all members of the respective community is a necessary part of any successful transmission line build out, Patel and Johnson both say.

☆ This 52-year-old early retiree left the U.S. for Portugal—a look at his typical weekend: 'I spend less than $40'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-11 | by ( Alex Trias | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

On weekends when I'm out and about, I spend less than $40 a day:Start the day with coffee and breakfastPrice per person: $6.31 Lisbon is paradise for breakfast lovers. Take a train to the seashore and rent bikesPrice per person: $11.34 A one-hour train ride from Lisbon's historic Cais do Sodré station to the fishing village of Cascais costs $4.92 (round trip). We like to stop by on weekends, and it is conveniently located on the train ride back from Cascais. Our daughter loves bargain hunting at the Feira da Ladra, a popular flea market located within the Alfama district of Lisbon. Photo: Alex TriasI also enjoy the weekend flea market in Principé Real, where you'll find plenty of delicious artisanal honey, cheese and cured sausages.

☆ Racism made us believe MSG was dangerous. Now, chefs are bringing the once-controversial seasoning back into the spotlight.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-28 | by ( Brianna Holt | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Everything from chips to condiments, and frozen meals and fast foods, are also likely to contain MSG. Similarly, MSG myths impacted the Chinese food industry, so much so that "No MSG restaurants" lists exist all over the internet and many Chinese takeout restaurants still advertise against MSG use today. While dishes at Woon do not have added MSG, Fong says some of the ingredients and sauces used already contain MSG. "It's a complex answer because almost all Italian restaurants contain MSG in their food. At Bonnie's, everything from bloody marys to desserts contain MSG – something Eng takes pride in.

☆ I used to work as a chef in Philadelphia. Here are the 12 restaurants I always recommend to first-time visitors.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-28 | by ( Grace Kennedy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

I'm a Philadelphia native who used to work as a chef and baker in restaurants around the city. Philadelphia is known for its cheesesteaks, but it also has great Mexican, Italian, and Thai food. There are too many restaurants in Philadelphia worth trying to list them all here. However, these 12 restaurants are my tried-and-true favorites that every first-time visitor should try during a trip to Philadelphia. In my opinion, it serves some of the best Thai food in the country.

☆ Chipotle wants to hire 15,000 restaurant workers as it plans double in size to 7,000 restaurants in the coming years
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The chain is known for worker perks such as bonus programs for crew members and debt-free degrees. The new campaign features six employees who have risen the ranks from restaurant crew member to management. Chipotle said campaigns showing the "transparent career progression" of current workers, as well as highlighting company perks, are part of its latest campaign. The new range shifted from $11 to $18 an hour for US crew members and managers. Chipotle is widely known for its perks, such as bonus programs for crew members, debt-free degrees, and tuition reimbursement.

☆ How robots are helping address the fast-food labor shortage
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-20 | by ( Shawn Baldwin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Struggling to find workers and eager to relieve staff from boring, repetitive tasks, fast-food restaurant chains are adding robots to their kitchens. Using artificial intelligence, computer vision technology and a mechanical arm, Miso Robotics' Flippy 2 has been deployed to Chipotle, White Castle and Wing Zone. White Castle said it plans to add 100 Flippy robots to work the fry station at its restaurants nationwide. Automation could save U.S. fast-food restaurants more than $12 billion in annual wages, the group said. CNBC got a behind-the-scenes look at restaurant robot maker Miso Robotics to find out.

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailMeet the robots replacing fast-food workersU.S. fast food eateries are struggling to find workers. To fill that void restaurants are turning to robots. With its mechanical arm and using computer vision technology Miso Robotics' Flippy 2 can cook everything from french fries and onion rings to cheese sticks. White Castle said it plans to add 100 Flippy's to its kitchens' nationwide. Automation could save U.S. fast food restaurants over $12 billion in annual wages, according to restaurant consultancy Aaron Allen & Associates.

☆ 45-year-old brain expert shares how he eats like a 'SuperAger' every day to stay 'young and energized'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Marc Milstein | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

SuperAgers are a great example of how both genetics and lifestyle choices play a role in how the brain ages. In my book, "The Age-Proof Brain," I explore how they keep their brains young, boost immunity and memory, and fight neurological disorders like dementia. The workday beginsI tackle my most difficult and creative tasks early in the day, when my brain is most alert. Before bedtime, I'll catch up on baseball news and talk to my wife about our day. At 9:30 p.m., it's time to shut off all devices and listen to some music before turning out the lights.

☆ A Harvard brain expert eats these 10 grocery foods to stay 'sharp and focused'—at any age
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Dr. Uma Naidoo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

People who do are more tempted to buy unhealthy comfort snacks and packaged goods, rather than whole, nutritious and satisfying options. For plant-based sources of protein, organic tofu, tempeh, beans and lentils can be enhanced with spices for flavor. Nuts and seedsNuts and seeds have healthy omega fats and oils that will help sharpen your brain. Plant-based foods like chia seeds, Brussels sprouts, walnuts and flaxseeds are also rich in omega-3s. Remember that certain conditions, like ADHD, can be aggravated by dairy, so be aware of how it affects you.

☆ The year of the restaurant robot: Why chains are investing in automation and what it means for workers
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

This year brought a flurry of automation announcements in the restaurant industry as operators scrambled to find solutions to a shrinking workforce and climbing wages. Three-quarters of restaurant operators are facing staffing shortages that keep them from operating at full capacity, according to the National Restaurant Association. Many restaurant operators hiked wages to attract workers, but that pressured profits at a time when food costs were also climbing. "Automation is one word, and a lot of people go right to robotics and a robot flipping burgers or making fries. The labor questionAutomation often faces pushback from workers and labor advocates, who see it as a way for employers to eliminate jobs.

☆ A nutritionist shares the best snacks to bring on a plane to boost your immune system
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

But there are steps people can take to reduce their chances of getting sick, say health specialists at Spain's SHA Wellness Clinic. Source: SHA Wellness ClinicEating a nutrient-dense diet is the top recommendation from Melanie Waxman, an integrative nutrition specialist and eating coach at SHA Wellness Clinic. Nori is alkaline and provides a good source of vitamin C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, protein and minerals." Nori is alkaline and provides a good source of vitamin C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, protein and minerals." Supplements, for someStudies indicate that certain supplements — such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, garlic, echinacea and green tea — may strengthen the body's immune response, Mera said.

☆ 13 Best Women’s Ankle Boots, According to Style Pros
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +7 min

By Rachel MoselyWhen it comes to comfort and style cred, it’s hard to outmatch the ankle boot. To that end, we’ve asked fashion stylists to share their favorites—the ankle boots they snap up for their clients and themselves. Retro-chic kitten heelThis modern spin on a kitten heel boot comes in five different hues of nappa leather and suede to suit any style personality. Go-to work bootYou don’t have to sacrifice form to have a functional day boot. Loafer-inspired hybridWhen it comes to splurge territory, Young favors this Gucci ankle boot, which offers a feminine twist on a menswear-inspired look—one of her favorite trends.

When it comes to persistent bad breath, the types of probiotic bacteria found in fermented foods like yogurt, sourdough bread and miso soup may help ease the offending odor, a new study suggests. A major cause of persistent bad breath is gaseous blends of sulfur and other elements, known as volatile sulfuric compounds, that are produced by mouth bacteria, the researchers note. To take a closer look at whether probiotic bacteria might help manage bad breath, the researchers scoured the medical literature for studies on the topic. Bad breath severity in the trials was assessed by measurements of the compounds detected in the mouth, along with a score that indicated how strong the bad breath odors were at various distances from the mouth. Nutritionist Perri Halperin said people with persistent bad breath should see a dentist for potential underlying health issues.

☆ United States at risk of tight electric supplies this winter -NERC
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Those reliability concerns stem from higher peak demand projections, generator retirements, generator vulnerability to extreme weather and fuel supply and natural gas infrastructure limitations, the North American Electric Reliability Corp (NERC) said on a webcast of its 2022-2023 Winter Reliability Assessment. NERC said that the lack of interconnections with other regions limited Texas' ability to import power from other regions if problems arise. "Energy emergencies are likely in extreme conditions," NERC said about MISO, noting wind generator performance would be a key factory this winter. In New England, NERC warned that the amount of oil stored at power generators was just about 40% of capacity. "We encourage generators to fill up those tanks," Mark Olson, manager for reliability assessments at NERC, said on the webcast.

☆ Chipotle's Chippy robot is starting to make tortilla chips at a California location —here are all the other robots taking over fast food
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( Mary Meisenzahl | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

"We are thrilled that Panera shares in our vision to revamp the coffee monitoring process, and can't wait for CookRight Coffee to be installed at their restaurants to help customers and team members alike," Miso CEO Mike Bell said in a statement. Miso Robotics

☆ Chipotle Mexican Grill will test robotic tortilla chip maker 'Chippy' in California restaurant
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Chipotle Mexican Grill is moving one step closer to having a robot make its tortilla chips. The burrito chain said Tuesday that it will test "Chippy," an autonomous kitchen assistant made by Miso Robotics, next month in a restaurant in Fountain Valley, California. Chipotle has already tested Chippy's ability to make and season its tortilla chips with salt and lime at its headquarters' innovation hub in Irvine, California. Today, workers at Chipotle restaurants fry and season the chips, which can be time consuming. Restaurants and retailers have been testing robotics and automation to speed up operations and reduce menial tasks for workers.

☆ I redeemed 47,000 Amex points for a phenomenal first-class flight to Asia worth $14,000, and it was one of the best in-air experiences of my life
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-16 | by ( Chris Dong | Read More | Read Less | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +20 min

Here's how I booked it using credit card points — and a rundown of the flight itself. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. More Information Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Bottom lineOne of the best things about transferable credit card points, such as Amex Membership Rewards, is the incredible flexibility that they offer.

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