Drive-thrus boost digital sales at Chipotle | Taco Bell to test new plant-based taco in Calif. | Michelin awards stars to 5 new Washington, D.C., restaurants
Chipotle Mexican Grill saw digital sales increase 133.9% during the first quarter, with online orders accounting for just over half of its total transactions. Locations with drive-thru "Chipotlanes" drive 17% more digital sales than traditional stores, Chief Financial Officer John Hartung said.
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Taco Bell will test its plant-based Cravetarian Taco made with a pea and chickpea blend in place of meat at a single Tustin, Calif., store on April 29. The chain also plans to add other plant-based menu options made with Beyond Meat, which is a partner of Taco Bell parent company Yum Brands.
Recognizing innovation in foodservice From the acceleration of trends that were already occurring to what consumers are looking for in the "new normal," hear what industry experts, from companies like Buffalo Wild Wings and Chipotle, have to say about the state of innovation in the foodservice industry. Watch the discussion.
The addition of dedicated makelines for digital orders has allowed Chipotle Mexican Grill to keep up with the rapid growth of its digital business, Chief Operating Officer Scott Boatwright said. About 10% of all digital orders include the chain's new quesadilla offering, which is available only to customers who order ahead.
As restaurants across the country reopen in some capacity, chefs are creating streamlined menus with dishes that minimize kitchen labor and are meant to be enjoyed in a shorter time frame. Chefs are also looking to local suppliers for ingredients, particularly seasonal produce.
Leaders who see themselves as superior to their teams won't receive ideas or initiative from them, writes Wally Bock, who recommends a culture that fosters autonomy, safety and growth. "Work at using your behavior to influence the behavior and performance of others," he writes.
News that Chick-fil-A is partnering with robot company Kiwibot to test autonomous delivery in Santa Monica, Calif., was among this week's most-clicked food and beverage stories. Baking advice also proved to be popular this week, with readers showing interest in a yeasted scallion pancake recipe and an article on the benefits of doughs made with hot water.
Chick-fil-A has added Lemon Kale Caesar Salad to its menu as a limited-time offering. The salad is the first entree salad added to the menu in five years and features warm grilled chicken, romaine lettuce and kale served with a lemon Caesar vinaigrette dressing and lemon wedges for squeezing.
More than 50% of consumers say they prefer spicy dishes, according to a survey by spice and herb producer Kalsec, and restaurants are experimenting with ways to make foods fiery and offset the spice. Atlanta's Hampton & Hudson adds drops of jalapeno oil to its "I Wanna Get Jalapeno Business" cocktail, while San Francisco-area burger chain iniBurger brings balance to its spicy Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich with a cooling scoop of ice cream.
