Today in Food Commerce: Grubhub Rolls out Campus Delivery Robots; Subway Captures Catering Demand

Today in food commerce, Grubhub makes autonomous delivery via its partnership with self-driving robotics company Cartken available to colleges across the country, while Jenn Saunders-Haynes of Subway, discusses the evolution of consumers’ catering expectations. Plus, PYMNTS data reveals how consumers’ grocery purchasing behaviors are changing.

Grubhub Gears up for Full Rollout of Campus Delivery Robots

As food delivery businesses look to make the economics of the model more efficient, Grubhub is rolling out autonomous delivery at college campuses. The aggregator has announced that, after a spring pilot test at Ohio State University, the company is making its partnership with self-driving robotics company Cartken available to colleges across the country.

Subway: Convenience Takes Priority Over Customization for Catering Customers

Sandwich chain Subway has redesigned its catering program with easy digital ordering options and launched its offerings on corporate food solutions provider ezCater’s marketplace. Jenn Saunders-Haynes, director of catering at Subway, explained how consumers’ catering needs are similar to and different from their expectations from other digital ordering categories.

PYMNTS Data: Consumers Switch to Lower-Priced Grocery Brands, Merchants

As grocery prices continue to soar, consumers are adjusting their behaviors. Rather than remaining loyal to their favorite food and beverage brands as they become increasingly expensive, many grocery shoppers are swapping out their usual items for lower-cost alternatives. PYMNTS data reveals how these behaviors are evolving over time.

The Data Point: 56% of Consumers Bought Food Online in April, up 9% Over March

For the latest “ConnectedEconomy Monthly Report: The Brick-and-Mortar Economy Goes Digital” edition, PYMNTS surveyed over 2,600 U.S. consumers about their digital desires, enduring habits online and connected behaviors that are now part of everyday life.

Restaurants Align Marketing, Ordering Tech to Stay Ahead of Customer Preferences

In this month’s Order to Eat Tracker®, PYMNTS examined the current trends in consumer dining and ordering habits, how quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are keeping pace, and the changes around the corner in restaurant automation and design. Plus, in this month’s Feature Story, David Bloom of Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, talks about how the chain’s fast-casual dining experience is changing with integrated technology and omnichannel marketing that personalizes the customer experience and drives engagement.