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☆ You can now place DoorDash and Uber Eats orders through a call with an AI voice bot
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Some restaurants are connecting callers to an AI voice service to place DoorDash and Uber Eats orders. Many people now place delivery orders online, but Kea's founder says restaurants sometimes struggle to handle phone orders. AdvertisementA new voice AI service means diners can place delivery orders with services like DoorDash and Uber Eats via phone call. The AI guides them through the transactions, including suggesting add-ons and recommending items they got in previous orders, Ahmad said. The delivery platforms that Kea can refer orders to are DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub, and Favor, Ahmad said.

Persons: DoorDash, Uber, Kea, —, Adam Ahmad, Ahmad, Siri, –, who'll, Olo, They'd, We're, NDAs — Organizations: Voice, Service, California Fish Locations: Kea, California

☆ It looks like In-N-Out Burger really won't come to the East Coast any time soon
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

In-N-Out president Lynsi Snyder told NBC's Today she has no plans to expand to the East Coast. The Californian cult burger chain has about 400 chains in eight states. AdvertisementEast Coast fans of In-N-Out Burger have been waiting with bated breath for the cult burger chain to announce its expansion to their part of the country — and they'll be disappointed by Lynsi Snyder's recent interview with NBC's Today. Related storiesWhen new In-N-Out restaurants open, they're typically met with a massive fanfare. AdvertisementBusiness Insider has approached In-N-Out for comment on why it doesn't plan to expand to the East Coast.

Persons: Lynsi Snyder, NBC's, Snyder, —, they'll, Lynsi, Savannah Sellers, Sellers, it's, Burger King Organizations: Service, NBC's, Washington State, BI, Subway Locations: East Coast, East, Baldwin Park, Los Angeles County , California, California, Las Vegas, Arizona , Utah , Texas , Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Tennessee, Nashville, Burger, McDonald's

☆ In-N-Out's billionaire heiress started out working kitchen shifts at the chain when she was a teenager because she didn't want 'special treatment'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Lynsi Snyder, whose grandparents founded In-N-Out Burger, started working at the chain as an associate. "There's a stigma that can come with being, you know, the owner's kid," she told NBC's TODAY. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementBillionaire In-N-Out Burger heiress Lynsi Snyder said she started out working shifts at the cult West Coast burger chain as a teenager because she wanted to be respected.

Persons: Lynsi Snyder, Burger, NBC's, Snyder, — Organizations: Service, NBC's, Business Locations: Burger, Redding , California

☆ Costco is selling up to $200 million of gold bars and silver coins every month, but probably not making much profit, retail analyst says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Costco's monthly sales of its gold bars and silver coins could total $200 million, Wells Fargo estimated. The gold bars — which sell out very quickly — go for about 2% over the spot price. AdvertisementCostco could be selling up to $200 million worth of its one-ounce gold bars and 25-pack silver coins every month, according to estimates from Wells Fargo. The gold bars are limited to five per Costco membership, while the coins are limited to five cases. Kelly, however, noted that the sales of gold bars and silver coins would likely be bringing "minimal profit" for Costco.

Persons: Edward Kelly, —, Costco's, Richard Galanti, Kelly, Costco doesn't Organizations: Costco, Service, UPS, CNBC, Costco Citi Locations: Wells, Wells Fargo

☆ School districts in California are worried about cafeteria workers fleeing to fast-food chains to get $20-an-hour wages
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

California school districts are worried about workers could leave for $20 jobs in fast food. The state put the minimum wage for fast-food workers up to $20 an hour on April 1. AdvertisementSchool districts in California are worried about food and cafeteria workers leaving for higher-paying jobs at fast-food restaurants after the state boosted the sector's minimum wage to $20 an hour. School districts "are all very worried about it," Carrie Bogdanovich, president of the California School Nutrition Association, told The Associated Press. Are you a worker in California considering moving to a fast-food chain for the $20 wage?

Persons: —, Carrie Bogdanovich, Sal Vitalie Organizations: Service, California School Nutrition Association, Associated Press, Garden Club, Business Locations: California, South San Francisco

☆ 19 ex-McDonald's workers returned to their old restaurant for a 'Class of 1975' reunion almost 50 years after working together
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A group of former McDonald's workers reunited at their old restaurant 50 years later. AdvertisementA group of former McDonald's workers went back to their old restaurant in Missouri for a "Class of 1975" reunion to mark nearly 50 years since they worked together. Courtesy of McDonald'sElhoffer was 16 when she started working at the Hazelwood restaurant, she told BI. AdvertisementThey became close friends while working at the restaurant, Elhoffer said, with some of them playing on the restaurant's softball team. AdvertisementCourtesy of McDonald'sThe biggest change since she started working at McDonald's has been the introduction of drive-thrus, Elhoffer said.

Persons: —, Joan Elhoffer, Elhoffer, they'd, McDonald's, St Louis . Seven Organizations: Service, Michelin, McDonald's, Hamburger University, St Louis Locations: Missouri, Hazelwood, Arkansas , Florida , Ohio, Tennessee, St, McDonald's

☆ A California restaurant owner says he'll 'absolutely' have to put up wages to compete with fast-food chains now paying $20 an hour
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewThe owner of a restaurant in California says he'll "absolutely" have to raise his wages to compete with local fast-food chains now that they're paying workers $20 an hour. "It's already hard to find dishwashers, which is a horrible job for minimum wage," Vitalie continued. Restaurant margins 'are so small to begin with'The new minimum wage compounds what Vitalie described as years of difficulties for independent restaurants in California. "And with the rise of inflation with food costs and labor costs, it's getting really, really bad." South San Francisco has put up its minimum wage annually since 2020, and it reached $17.25 an hour in January.

Persons: —, Sal Vitalie, Vitalie, it's, he'd, I've Organizations: Service, Business, Garden Club, South San Locations: California, South San Francisco, San Mateo County

☆ I ordered the same meal from Papa Johns, Domino's, and Pizza Hut. They cost about the same but the pizzas were wildly different sizes.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-07 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I ordered a stuffed-crust cheese and tomato pizza, barbecue wings, and dips from Papa Johns, Domino's, and Pizza Hut. The Pizza Hut pie was the heaviest of the bunch, weighing a third more than the Domino's one. Pizza Hut had the thickest base, while Papa John's was quite floppy. AdvertisementThe US has four major pizza chains – Domino's, Pizza Hut, Little Caesars, and Papa Johns. All of them apart from Little Caesars have hundreds of sites in the UK.

Persons: Papa Johns, Papa John's, — Organizations: Service, Little Caesars Locations: Papa, Domino's, Little

☆ Discount chain 99 Cents Only Stores is winding down its business and selling hundreds of branches
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

99 Cents Only Stores, a discount chain with branches in several states, is winding down operations. It's selling its 371 stores and will liquidate its merchandise and fixtures. AdvertisementDiscount chain 99 Cents Only Stores is closing down. The retailer, which has 371 stores in California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada, said on Thursday that it was winding down its business operations. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: —, Mike Simoncic Organizations: Service, Business Locations: California , Texas , Arizona, Nevada

☆ Here are 5 ways fast-food restaurants in California are cutting costs to cover the new minimum wage
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewFast-food franchisees in California are desperately looking for ways to cut costs as the state's $20 minimum wage for workers at limited-service restaurants kicks in. Mendelsohn, the El Pollo Loco franchisee, told NPR that her preemptive price increases had already deterred some customers. William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia expects some restaurants in California to turn to digital kiosks as labor costs rise. Spending less on operationsBeyond labor, restaurants are looking for other ways to save on their operating costs. Alex Johnson, the Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Cinnabon franchisee, told the AP that he wasn't looking at opening any more locations in California.

Persons: —, Michaela Mendelsohn, Alexi Rosenfeld, Alex Johnson, Anne's Pretzels, he'd, Marcus Walberg, Mendelsohn, Brian Hom, Walberg, Sharon Zackfia, William Blair, Grace Dean, Kris Stuebner, Scott Rodrick Organizations: Service, Business, El, Loco, NBC Los Angeles, Associated Press, El Pollo Loco, NPR, Wall Street Journal, CNN, KFC, Management Corporation, ABC, Fox News, AP Locations: California, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, San Jose

☆ 'I can't charge $20 for a Happy Meal': McDonald's franchisee responds to California's new fast-food worker wages
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A McDonald's franchisee who's raised prices because of California's $20 minimum wage is worried about scaring off diners. "I can't charge $20 for a Happy Meal," the franchisee told CNN. California put its minimum wage for fast-food workers up to $20 an hour on Monday, a 25% increase on the state's general minimum wage. Related storiesThe state's fast food council can raise the minimum wage by up to 3.5% yearly, depending on inflation. Are you a fast-food worker excited about the new minimum wage?

Persons: who's, —, Scott Rodrick, Rodrick, I've, Angelica Hernandez, Hernandez Organizations: CNN, Service, Los Angeles County, KTLA, Fox News, Fast Food Council Locations: California, Sacramento, Los Angeles

☆ Fast-food chains like Burger King, Shake Shack, and KFC are doubling down on digital order kiosks — but watch out, you'll probably end up spending more
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Fast-food giants are rapidly deploying more order kiosks in the US. AdvertisementMajor US fast-food chains plan to aggressively add more digital order kiosks to their restaurants – and bring in bigger checks in the process. They make up "well over" half of its in-restaurant orders at these locations, CFO Katie Fogertey told investors in November. As well as labor savings, kiosk orders "tend to skew to dine-in" and thus use less packaging than other digital orders, she said. In the US, digital orders currently make up just 15% of Burger King's sales.

Persons: Patrick Doyle, —, Burger, Josh Kobza, Shack, Katie Fogertey, Chris Turner, Turner, Sharon Zackfia, William Blair, Fogertey, Grace Dean, Randy Garutti, cashiers, Fogerty, Andy Barish, Jon Tower, Kobza, Zackfia, Barish, Popeyes, Tim Hortons Organizations: Service, Restaurant Brands, Brands, Taco Bell, KFC, Business, Jefferies, Citi, Burger, Firehouse, North Star Locations: Taco, China, London, millennials

☆ McSki in Sweden is McDonald's only ski-thru restaurant, where you can grab a Big Mac to take down the slopes
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-31 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

McDonald's has just one McSki, or Ski-Thru, located in one of Sweden's biggest resorts. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . McDonald's has just one restaurant with a so-called Ski-Thru, located at the Lindvallen ski resort in Sälen, Sweden. The McSki restaurant, as it's also known, opened in 1996 and feeds hungry skiers throughout the winter.

Persons: McDonald's, —, it's Organizations: Service Locations: Sweden, Sälen

☆ 2 people were just arrested on suspicion of stealing a Stanley Starbucks cup from Target in January
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Grace Dean | Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Two people were arrested this week on suspicion of stealing a Stanley cup from a Target in January. AdvertisementTwo people were arrested Tuesday and charged in connection with the theft in January of a Starbucks Stanley cup from a Target store in Cupertino, California. "The male suspect grabbed a box behind the counter that contained the limited-edition Stanley cup and attempted to leave the store." The woman also tried to take a Starbucks bag, believed to have contained another Stanley cup, from another customer, the sheriff's office said. Collectors are also hotly anticipating the impending launch of the "Spring Blue" quencher from Stanley and Starbucks, which will be sold at Target Starbucks locations.

Persons: Stanley, —, Quencher, Kevin Torres, Cruz, Hazel Dominguez, Vera Organizations: Starbucks, Sheriff's, Service, Target, Business Locations: Santa Clara, Cupertino , California, Starbucks cafés, Target, Stanley

☆ These are the American cities with the most millionaires, data shows
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

About 5.5 million millionaires live in the US, a wealth report by Henley & Partners said. AdvertisementInvestment-migration consultancy Henley & Partners recently released its annual report on wealth in the US — including a ranking of the US' wealthiest cities by the number of millionaire residents. The US has the world's biggest millionaire population, with about 5.5 million living there, the report said. Nearly 10,000 people worth more than $100 million and almost 800 billionaires live in the US, too, per the report. These are the 11 areas in the US with the biggest millionaire populations as listed in Henley & Partners' report, which uses data provided by wealth-intelligence firm New World Wealth.

Persons: It's, — Organizations: Henley & Partners, Bay, West Palm Beach, Service, Henley, Partners, US Locations: New York City, LA, Austin, West Palm, West Palm Beach

☆ A woman flew from Seattle to Raleigh-Durham to find her dog that escaped after Alaska Airlines failed to put him on the plane
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Alaska Airlines failed to put a dog on a flight from Raleigh-Durham to Seattle with his owner, WRAL reported. AdvertisementA passenger flew back to Raleigh-Durham International Airport to help search for her dog that escaped after Alaska Airlines failed to put him on a flight to Seattle with her. "Due to a misstep in the loading process, the dog did not make the trip," an Alaska representative told the outlet. "When it was time to load it into the crate, it pulled away, shook loose from its collar and ran away," the Alaska Airlines representative said. The owner flew all the way back to Raleigh from Seattle to join the search for the dog on a flight paid for by Alaska Airlines, per WRAL.

Persons: WRAL, — Organizations: Alaska Airlines, Service, Durham International Airport, Airport, Fox Business Locations: Raleigh, Durham, Seattle, Alaska

☆ A 105-year-old man who has been going to Bojangles every week for decades was thrown a surprise party for his birthday by the restaurant
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Charlie Lentz has been going to the restaurant in North Carolina for decades, WXII-TV reported. AdvertisementA man in North Carolina who goes to Bojangles every Sunday after church was thrown a surprise party by his local fried chicken spot to celebrate his 105th birthday. Advertisement"This was a big surprise," Lentz, who wore a Bojangles crown at the party, told WXII-TV. "He's very consistent with his order," Spencer told WXII-TV, adding that Lentz's go-to order was its $8 Leg & Thigh two-piece meal, which also comes with two sides and a biscuit. "And a lot of times, before he even gets in the door, the employees have it ready for him," Spencer told the channel.

Persons: Bojangles, Charlie Lentz, Lentz's, —, Charlie, Horace Spencer, " Lentz, Lentz, WXII, Bojangles Lentz, Spencer Organizations: Service, NBC Locations: North Carolina, Winston, Salem, Charlotte, Bojangles, Charlotte , North Carolina, Carolinas

☆ Fast-food restaurants in California are laying off workers to prepare for the $20 minimum wage hike
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Californian fast-food restaurants are cutting workers to prepare for the $20 minimum wage. AdvertisementFast-food restaurants in California are laying off hundreds of workers to cut back on costs as they prepare for the state's $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers that comes into force in April, a new report by The Wall Street Journal details. Franchisees are worried about higher prices spooking dinersCalifornia is raising the state's minimum wage for workers at limited-service restaurants to $20 an hour from April 1 — 25% higher than its general minimum wage. AdvertisementThe franchisees generally set prices, and some are concerned that higher prices could scare off diners. "I can't charge $20 for Happy Meals," Scott Rodrick, owner of 18 McDonald's restaurants in Northern California, told the Journal.

Persons: —, Alexander Johnson, Anne's, Scott Rodrick, Brian Hom, He's, Hom, Roy Gilad Organizations: Pizza, Service, Wall, Southern California Pizza Company, Business, KTLA Locations: California, Southern, West, Northern California, Los Angeles, San Jose

☆ Trader Joe's bananas are no longer 19 cents
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Trader Joe's has raised the price of its bananas from 19 cents after more than 20 years. Its bananas now cost 23 cents each — an increase of 21%. The retailer is now selling bananas for 23 cents each, its website shows. This is a 20% increase from its previous price point, which it kept for over 20 years. "We only change our prices when our costs change, and after holding our price for bananas at 19¢ each for more than two decades, we've now reached a point where this change is necessary," a Trader Joe's spokesperson told CNBC.

Persons: Joe's, —, we've Organizations: Service, CNBC, Business

☆ Baltimore businesses are trying to figure out how the bridge collapse will affect them
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Grace Dean | Mary Hanbury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewThe collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore could have major effects on distribution and deliveries for businesses in the area. Baltimore's biggest bridge collapsed early on Tuesday morning after a cargo ship crashed into one of its support beams, prompting Maryland Gov. A spokesperson for Volkswagen said its operations were unaffected as its Baltimore facility was "located on the sea board of the bridge collapse." AdvertisementMcCormick, which manufactures spices and seasonings, said in 2020 that it expected its site at Tradepoint Atlantic to become its biggest distribution site. Local businesses prepare for ongoing disruptionThe Hard Yacht Cafe, located about a mile from the bridge, told BI that it wasn't yet clear how the collapse would affect its business.

Persons: —, Francis Scott Key, Wes Moore, Kevin Cartwright, Neil Saunders, Baltimore's Francis Scott Key, Armour, McCormick, we're, Alexander DelSordo Organizations: Service, Maryland Gov, Baltimore Fire Department, Associated Press, Business, Bloomberg, Maryland Transportation Authority, Depot, FedEx, BMW, Volkswagen, Google, Amazon, Volkswagen Group, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, CBS, WJZ, Bay Locations: Baltimore, Port of Baltimore, Sparrows, Europe, Mexico, Hawkins

☆ Chick-fil-A is ditching its antibiotic-free chicken pledge after just 5 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Chick-fil-A will start serving some chicken that has been raised with antibiotics. Under the new policy, animal antibiotics can be used if the chicken and those around it are sick. "To maintain supply of the high-quality chicken you expect from us, Chick-fil-A will shift from No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) to No Antibiotics Important To Human Medicine (NAIHM) starting in the Spring of 2024," the chicken chain said. Under the new standards, Chick-fil-A said that chicken antibiotics could be used, but only if the chicken and those around it were sick. A spokesperson told the AP that Chick-fil-A had had concerns about its ability to acquire supplies of chicken that had been raised without antibiotics.

Persons: —, Tyson Organizations: Service, Medicine, Tyson Foods Locations: Puerto Rico, Canada, Atlanta, Europe, Asia

☆ Read the full memo Boeing CEO sent to staff announcing he is stepping down
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Grace Dean | Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun is stepping down. Calhoun was appointed CEO of Boeing after the planemaker's former CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, stepped down in December 2019 following two crashes of another Max variant, the Max 8. Calhoun also said that Boeing Chair Larry Kellner wouldn't be standing for reelection, with Steve Mollenkopf elected by the board as his replacement. Calhoun added that Stan Deal, the CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, was retiring and would be replaced by Stephanie Pope, effective immediately. I also want to thank Stephanie for taking on this critical role.

Persons: Dave Calhoun, Calhoun, Dennis Muilenburg, Max, Calhoun didn't, Larry Kellner wouldn't, Steve Mollenkopf, Stan Deal, Stephanie Pope, He'd, Read, Larry Kellner, Larry, Steve, Stan, Stephanie, Dave Organizations: Boeing, Alaska Airlines, Max, Federal Aviation Administration, Qualcomm, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, BCA

☆ People buy more steak in restaurants when beef prices are high because they're scared to cook it at home and mess up, restaurant boss says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-22 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

When beef prices are high, customers buy more steak at restaurants, Darden Restaurants' CFO said. He said that customers worry about taking a risk if they cook steak at home when it's expensive. Beefsteak prices rose by 8.1% over the past year, higher than the 1% rise in overall food prices. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementCustomers worry more about cooking steak at home when it's expensive in case they mess it up, so they eat it at restaurants instead, Darden Restaurants' CFO said.

Persons: —, Darden, Raj Vennam Organizations: Darden, Service, Business

☆ Olive Garden's owner says lower-income customers are cutting back while richer diners are eating out more
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-22 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Darden says lower-income diners are cutting back on its brands while high earners are visiting more. Darden, which owns Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, said its customer base was reverting to its pre-pandemic makeup. Cardenas had told investors in December that lower-income diners had been "splurging" in the fine-dining sector in recent years but that their orders were getting back to a more normal level. "It doesn't mean that we won't have price points on things over time, but that's kind of more of our everyday low price or around that price," Cardenas said. Darden's second-biggest brand, LongHorn Steakhouse, which has about 570 restaurants, saw a 2.3% jump in same-restaurant sales.

Persons: Darden, —, Chris Steak, Rick Cardenas, Cardenas, Raj Vennam, — Vennam, Chris, Olive Garden's, Darden's, Vennam Organizations: Darden, Olive Garden, LongHorn, Service, Olive Locations: Olive, Texas, California, —

☆ Five Below is the latest chain to retreat from self-checkout
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-21 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Some stores have switched to an associate-assisted checkout format, where staff scan the items. At stores with the most shrink, staff are also checking receipts and there's more security. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementRetailers have been rethinking their self-checkout strategies over concerns that they're facilitating theft.

Persons: —, Joel Anderson, Anderson Organizations: Service

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