PANDEMIC CHANGES THE TACO BELL DRIVE-THRU

Taco Bell served 4.8 million more cars in its drive-thru lanes in the second quarter than it did in the same period a year ago. With that in mind, the brand has revealed Go Mobile, its newest concept design meant to encourage ordering ahead and keeping the drive-thru lanes shorter. The new concept will have two drive-thru lanes with one lane designated for order-ahead pickups, as well as in-store pickup shelves for digital orders. The kitchen in this new concept will be equipped with technology to tell employees the quickest way for making the order and to suggest the best way for customers to pick up orders. As an incentive, customers who follow the recommended pickup method will be rewarded with bonus loyalty points.

Full article from CNBC

LANDRY’S UPS ITS OUT-OF-HOME DINING GAME

Shopping for restaurant-quality steak and seafood just got an upgrade with the introduction of Landry’s Kitchen. This online marketplace will source products from its core concepts like Oceanaire Seafood Room, Del Frisco’s and Morton’s The Steakhouse, offering them for home delivery. In addition to a rotating menu of items available, the company says it will offer “a variety of recipes and how-to videos by the executive chefs for the iconic Landry’s brands.” As out-of-home dining has dwindled, it’s a smart move to keep the brands and their signature items in front of fans so that they are more likely to return once a sense of normalcy is reached.

Full article from Nation’s Restaurant News

ADOPTING DOGS JUST GOT EASIER THANKS TO SUBARU

In an interesting new twist on dog adoption, Subaru and the Philadelphia MLS Union team have partnered to put cardboard cutouts of adoptable dogs in the stands of the soccer stadium. Viewers who see a dog they are interested in adopting will be directed to a dedicated site with more information and next steps.

Full article from MediaPost