DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Panera Bread to start using handprints to greet you by name and suggest menu items
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Aidan Pollard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Panera Bread will allow customers to link their handprints to loyalty accounts, the company announced. Panera will use handprints to greet customers by name and suggest menu items based on preferences. It allows Panera employees to greet customers by name and suggest menu items based on their preferences, a company press release said Wednesday. Go customers have the option of linking their palm print to their Amazon accounts, or using a credit card or app. The use of Amazon One technology will be optional at Panera Bread, the company stressed, and private data obtained through the new technology will be protected by security controls.

☆ Panera Bread tests Amazon's palm-scanning technology in St. Louis
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A sign is posted on the exterior of a Panera Bread restaurant on November 09, 2021 in Novato, California. Panera Bread is piloting Amazon's palm-scanning technology in St. Louis to offer customers a faster way to connect to their loyalty program and pay. The bakery-cafe chain, which has long been considered a leader in restaurant technology, is the latest restaurant to use what the tech giant has dubbed Amazon One. Panera has more than 2,000 locations and its loyalty program has more than 52 million members, representing a big expansion opportunity for Amazon One. To use them, customers need to link their loyalty program accounts to Amazon One, which they can do at home or inside the restaurant.

☆ Amazon has rolled out contactless tech to 200 locations including Panera cafes
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Jeffrey Dastin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The e-commerce and cloud-computing giant is widening deployment of its contactless technology with existing customers, Vice President Dilip Kumar said in an interview. Amazon declined to provide growth figures, but in June 2022 the company said more than 69 locations in the U.S. and UK had such technology. On Wednesday the U.S. cafe chain Panera Bread unveiled Amazon One devices, which let customers scan their palms to pay, for two locations in greater St. Louis. Nearly 150,000 employees at tech companies have faced cuts this year alone, according to industry tracker Layoffs.fyi. "It wasn't as bad" for tech companies in the 2008 financial crisis.

☆ Restaurants and hotels are driving US job economy. Here are thousands of open roles as the hospitality sector offsets steep staffing cuts in big tech.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Danni Santana | Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The leisure and hospitality sector continues to drive US job gains, the Labor Department said. Still, the US Travel Association estimates about 2 million open roles in leisure and hospitality. The leisure and hospitality sector encompasses restaurants, hotels, arts, entertainment such as theme parks, and other tourism-oriented businesses. Overall, the US Travel Association estimates about 2 million open roles remain unfilled in leisure and hospitality. Here's a look at who is hiring in restaurants and hospitality at large chains.

☆ TikTokers are roasting McDonald's hilarious drive-thru AI order fails — and it shows that robots won't take over restaurants any time soon
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Another TikToker generated 97,000 views on a post, where she explained how "robots are taking over the world" and they're messing up her McDonald's order. She said the voice bot put 9 sweet teas on her order tab, when she only ordered one sweet tea. In the bot's defense, McDonald's restaurants don't serve Mountain Dew products. Those restaurants still have restaurant workers taking orders, but some McDonald's restaurants have voice bots. Checkers & Rally's, Taco Bell, Sonic, Panera Bread, and Popeyes are testing voice bots in drive-thru lanes.

☆ Mediterranean restaurant chain Cava confidentially files for an IPO
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Mediterranean chain Cava announced Monday it has confidentially filed for an initial public offering. It's the first restaurant company so far this year to take the first step toward a public market debut, following a drought of IPOs in 2022. In 2018, it bought Zoes Kitchen for $300 million, taking the chain private. The company is converting Zoes locations into new Cava restaurants, expanding its footprint. Cava also sells its dips and spreads, like spicy hummus, tzatziki and tahini dressing, at Whole Foods and other grocery stores.

How to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards pointsThe only way to earn rewards in the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem is by opening and using a Chase credit card that operates within this program. Pay Yourself Back with Chase points (up to 1.5 cents per point)During the pandemic, Chase introduced a compelling new way to redeem points for everyday, non-travel expenses. Redeem points for experiences (point values vary)You can also use Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book special experiences, including one-of-a-kind events hosted by Chase. Book hotels through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portalWhile the Chase Ultimate Rewards program partners with IHG Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt, it's important to price shop awards before you transfer Chase points to these programs. For example, you may find that a Marriott stay that costs 50,000 points will only set you back 12,000 Chase points through the portal.

☆ 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.

☆ Restaurants open on Christmas Day 2022: McDonald's, IHOP, Denny's, and more
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Benihana: Open Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Bar Louie: Open Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. May be open Christmas Day, depending on location or franchiseGolden Corral: Some locations will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Closed Christmas Day, but open Christmas EveTaco Bell: Restaurants are open on Christmas Eve. Friendly's: Open on Christmas Eve until 6 p.m.In-N-Out: Open from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

☆ Your next Taco Bell orders could be taken with artificial intelligence as fast food chains from McDonald's to Chipotle test automation to combat the brutal labor shortage still plaguing the industry
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Panera Bread unveiled new drive-thru tech. Taco Bell said it is testing AI-powered bots at the drive-thru. Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Domino's are using AI-powered voice bots to take orders, while fast-casual chains like Sweetgreen are adding drive-thru lanes designated for faster pickup of digital orders. During an investor conference held Tuesday in New York, Taco Bell's parent company, Yum Brands, said it is testing conversational AI internally and at a Taco Bell drive thru. Here's a look at the 13 chains and restaurant companies adding automated tech to augment labor and speed up service for digital customers.

☆ See how McDonald's, Subway, Chipotle and other chains are using robots and AI to make faster orders with fewer workers
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

They join a slew of chains adding tech to help with labor shortages and digital orders. Here are 13 chains adding voice bots, robotic fry cooks, and mobile-order express lanes. Chipotle, Domino's, and Checkers & Rally's are using AI-powered voice bots to take orders, while fast-casual chains like Sweetgreen are adding drive-thru lanes designated for faster pickup of digital orders. On Friday, new Labor Department data shows that the restaurant industry is still short 400,000 workers compared to pre-pandemic levels. Here's a look at the 13 chains and restaurant companies adding tech to augment labor and speed up service for digital customers.

☆ Psst…There’s a Hidden Market for Six-Figure Jobs. Here’s How to Get In.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Callum Borchers | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Almost every day, someone who is quietly hunting for a key hire calls Diane Hessan to ask the same question: Whom do you recommend? Ms. Hessan, a former consulting group CEO who sits on the boards of Panera Bread, Eastern Bank and Tufts University, is one of the best-connected business figures in Boston—and something like a password keeper at a speakeasy for six-figure job seekers.

☆ National Sandwich Day has chains serving up sandwich deals today
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

November 3rd marks National Sandwich Day (yes, it’s a thing.) But even though National Sandwich Day is still not an actual holiday, plenty of restaurant chains are doling out deals and freebies on sandwich orders. Popeyes: Buy one Chicken Sandwich combo (classic or spicy) and get a second sandwich free through the chain’s app or website. Jersey Mike’s Sub: Customers can get free delivery on their sandwich order through the app. McAlister’s Deli: The restaurant chain is offering a buy one, get one free sandwich promotion today for its reward program members.

Chase Freedom cardholders can earn bonus rewards and redeem for even more value with November's Month of More promotion. Chase Freedom Flex℠, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Chase Freedom® (no longer available to new applicants), and Chase Freedom® Student credit card can get 10% extra value redeeming points for Apple purchases through Chase. If you have a Chase Freedom credit card (Chase Freedom Flex℠, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Chase Freedom® Student credit card, or Chase Freedom®), you can kick off this year's holiday shopping season with Chase's Month of More event. Compare Chase Freedom credit cards Chase Freedom Flex℠Chase Freedom Unlimited®Chase Freedom® Student credit card Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. And if you don't already have a Chase Freedom card, check out our reviews of the Freedom Flex, Freedom Unlimited, and Freedom Student card, as well as our guide to the best Chase credit cards.

During the Prime Early Access Sale, which began today and runs through October 12, Prime members can get an extra kickback, too. Limited-Time Deal Amazon Gift Card Deal Amazon is offering a $10 promotional credit if you purchase a $50 Amazon gift card during the Prime Early Access Sale. Prime Early Access Sale FAQWhat is the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale? Amazon's Prime Early Access Sale is a new shopping event aimed to give Prime members exclusive "early" access to holiday deals, hence the name. Similar to Prime Day, the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale is exclusive to Prime members.

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). More Information Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Persons: Panera, you'll, Read, —, Card Wells, takeout, Wells, We're, Uber Cash, Uber, Earl Grey, Ginger Peach, Pepper Organizations: American, Service, American Express, Chase, Card, U.S, Milk Bar, Reading Chevron, Ginger Mint, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi Locations: U.S, Mist, Canada

☆ 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.

Search resuls for: "Panera Bread"

17 mentions found