Today in Food Commerce: Shake Shack Goes All-in on Kiosks; Delivery Bots Come to College Campuses

Today in food commerce, Shake Shack sets its sights on in-store ordering channels, and robotics take over the restaurant industry. Plus, PYMNTS data reveal that loyalty programs are the top way to drive restaurant spending.

Shake Shack Turns to Kiosks, Drive-Thru to Boost In-Store Sales

In the year ahead, Shake Shack is turning its focus to boosting in-restaurant ordering options, investing in self-service kiosks and its new drive-thru concept, even as own-device digital purchasing dips from its quarantine highs. In announcing its fourth-quarter 2021 earnings, the New York City-based fast-casual chain shared that, even as overall sales rose, digital sales were down 20% in December from their January 2021 high.

Restaurant Roundup: Robots Take Over Campuses, Kitchens

Funds are pouring in for automated solutions that promise to reduce labor needs at every step of the restaurant supply chain. On the delivery side, Berkeley, California-based sidewalk delivery robotics startup Kiwibot has announced a contract expansion with food services and facilities management company Sodexo to grow its college presence to reach 50 campuses by the end of the year.

PYMNTS Data: Loyalty Programs Best Way to Get Diners to Spend More

Most restaurants now offer consumers the ability to be rewarded for their spending, according to data from PYMNTS’ new Restaurant Friction Index, created in collaboration with Paytronix. The study, which drew from a survey of more than 500 managers of quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and full-service restaurants (FSRs), found that 57% of restaurants offer rewards programs.