Study Reveals Tech-Enhanced Restaurants Outperform Traditional Models

Study Reveals Tech-Enhanced Restaurants Outperform Traditional Models

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 8, 2024

Intouch Insight, a leader in customer experience management solutions in North America, today released the second edition of its Emerging Experience study, developed in partnership with QSR Magazine. The report, titled "Next-Gen Restaurant Experiences: The Rise of Innovative Locations," explores the impact of technological advancements on customer experiences across multiple-location quick service restaurant (QSR) brands.

The study offers an in-depth analysis of new technological prototypes introduced by QSRs post-pandemic, focusing on how these innovations compare to traditional restaurant experiences. Laura Livers, Chief Revenue Officer at Intouch Insight, emphasized the importance of this research, stating, "With the rapid evolution in QSR technology and prototypes, our study aimed to evaluate the actual performance and customer reception towards these new models compared to their traditional counterparts."

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Key Insights from the Study:

  • Three-quarters of the innovation experiences scored higher in overall customer satisfaction than traditional experiences.

  • Technological enhancements have notably improved the speed of service, particularly for digital orders picked up by customers.

  • Order accuracy was also higher in about 75% of the tech-enhanced locations compared to legacy setups.

The study highlighted several brands that have successfully integrated technology to revamp their customer interactions. Brands like Taco Bell, Checkers & Rallys, and bartaco were noted for their award-winning technological transformations which include features such as mobile kiosks, AI-driven service options, enhanced drive-thru capabilities, and state-of-the-art kitchen technologies.

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Livers further commented on the findings, "The data clearly indicates a customer preference for innovative, tech-driven experiences. As digital engagement continues to grow, maintaining consistency across all customer touchpoints becomes essential for sustained success. Brands that are quick to measure, learn, and adapt are the ones likely to prevail in this rapidly changing landscape."

The Emerging Experience study not only underscores the benefits of adopting new technologies in the restaurant industry but also serves as a benchmark for QSRs aiming to elevate their operational efficiency and customer satisfaction through innovation. This ongoing shift towards technology-enhanced dining experiences is shaping the future of how restaurants operate and engage with their customers.

As the QSR sector continues to evolve, the insights from this study will likely influence further investments in technology across the industry, setting new standards for the dining experience worldwide.


Club Mahindra Partners with Megalodon for AI-Driven Marketing Initiatives

Club Mahindra Partners with Megalodon for AI-Driven Marketing Initiatives

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 20, 2024

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited's flagship brand, Club Mahindra, has announced a new partnership with Megalodon, an India-based marketing communications company. This collaboration is set to infuse Club Mahindra’s marketing strategies with advanced AI technology, aiming to transform how the brand interacts with its members in the digital realm.

Club Mahindra, known for its extensive array of holiday experiences across over 125 resorts worldwide, is looking to leverage AI to create personalized experiences for its members. The focus will be on developing AI-based creative assets, including both static and video content, which are intended to strengthen consumer connections and enhance the digital presence of the brand.

Rashi Agarwal, founder of Megalodon, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Working with Club Mahindra presents a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the transformative impact of AI in the hospitality industry. We are thrilled to apply our innovative solutions to such a prestigious brand and anticipate significant achievements from this venture."

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Sahid SK, co-founder and chief creative officer of Megalodon, highlighted the revolutionary role of AI in marketing, "AI is redefining how brands engage with their audiences. Through our collaboration, we aim to set new standards in customer interactions and satisfaction within the travel sector. Our AI-driven creatives are crafted to captivate and engage, ensuring memorable experiences for Club Mahindra’s members."

The initiative is part of Club Mahindra's broader strategy to expand its services and offerings. According to a recent report by the Press Trust of India, MHRIL plans to invest up to Rs 45 billion ($542.8 million) over the next three to four years to expand its room inventory to 10,000. This expansion will include new resorts, brownfield expansions, and strategic acquisitions, facilitated by partnerships with various state governments.

Currently, Club Mahindra serves over 281,000 members, offering them premium holiday experiences. This partnership with Megalodon is expected to enhance these offerings by tailoring interactions and content to meet the specific preferences and interests of its members.

For more information on Club Mahindra's new AI-driven initiatives and to explore their resort offerings, visit the Club Mahindra website.

This collaboration between Club Mahindra and Megalodon marks a significant step towards integrating cutting-edge technology in the hospitality industry, aiming to enrich the customer experience through personalized and innovative marketing strategies.


Choice Hotels Integrates Oracle’s AI Merchandising Technology Across Upscale Properties

Choice Hotels Integrates Oracle’s AI Merchandising Technology Across Upscale Properties

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 17, 2024

Choice Hotels International, a leading global lodging franchisor, has announced a strategic partnership with Oracle Hospitality to implement the Oracle Nor1 AI-driven merchandising solution across its upscale hotel portfolio. This initiative will cover esteemed brands such as Radisson Blu, Radisson, Cambria, and the Ascend Collection.

Oracle Nor1 leverages advanced AI technology to provide personalized service offerings to guests, enhancing their overall experience. By integrating this system, Choice Hotels can tap into incremental revenue opportunities by targeting guests with personalized offers at various stages of their journey, from room upgrades at booking to additional services like daily breakfast or late checkout during their stay.

The implementation of the Nor1 eStandby Upgrade has already shown promising results in Radisson Americas properties, where it was initially rolled out. In 2023, more than 100 properties saw an average increase of 17% in upsell revenue over booked rates per transaction, indicating significant financial benefits, although results may vary between franchisees.

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Indy Adenaw, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Choice Hotels Upscale, highlighted the strategic fit of the Nor1 system, noting, "Nor1 not only enhances revenue opportunities for our hotels but also significantly improves guest satisfaction and loyalty by providing a more tailored experience."

Alex Alt, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of Oracle Hospitality and Retail, also commented on the deployment, stating, "The AI-driven insights from Nor1 empower hotels to offer customizable experiences to guests, thereby boosting property profitability and guest satisfaction."

The full integration of the Nor1 eStandby Upgrade is designed to work seamlessly with digital marketing tools to automate offers throughout the guest's pre-arrival phase, regardless of the underlying property management system used by the franchisee or owner.

This move by Choice Hotels to incorporate cutting-edge AI technology underscores their commitment to enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency across their upscale properties globally. As the rollout continues, it is expected to set a new standard in how hotels personalize guest interactions and capitalize on revenue opportunities.

For more information on Choice Hotels’ innovations and Oracle’s technology solutions in the hospitality industry, visit their respective websites. This partnership marks a significant advancement in the integration of AI technologies within the hotel industry, promising a future where hotel stays are more personalized and profitable.


Roseate Hotels & Resorts Forms Strategic AI Partnership with Quicktext in the UK

Roseate Hotels & Resorts Forms Strategic AI Partnership with Quicktext in the UK

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 16, 2024

Roseate Hotels & Resorts, known for its portfolio of luxury hotels in India and the United Kingdom, has announced a strategic partnership with Quicktext, a Paris-based AI hospitality firm. This collaboration marks a significant step in incorporating state-of-the-art AI technology to enhance guest services and operational effectiveness across Roseate’s UK properties.

The partnership has introduced 'Rose', a virtual assistant designed to reflect the high standards of service that Roseate is renowned for. Rose is tasked with optimizing guest interactions, enriching communication at all touchpoints, boosting guest satisfaction, and streamlining hotel operations.

Ravi Birdy, Executive Director of Roseate Hotels & Resorts, commented on the initiative: "We thrive on a culture of immaculate service, evolution, dynamism, and growth! With AI opening promising new avenues in hospitality, our partnership with Quicktext aligns perfectly with our vision to constantly improve our offerings and provide a bespoke experience to our guests."

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Quicktext’s platform leverages big data analysis through its tools Q-Data and Q-Channel, offering actionable insights that Roseate can use for developing high-value services, refining revenue management strategies, and tailoring personalized marketing campaigns.

The AI integration not only aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of hotel operations but also enhances the overall guest experience by providing timely and personalized services. This move is expected to set a new benchmark in luxury hospitality, leveraging technology to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers.

For more information on Roseate Hotels & Resorts and their new AI-driven initiatives, visit their website or contact their public relations department directly.

This strategic partnership with Quicktext represents a forward-thinking approach to hospitality, blending traditional luxury with cutting-edge technology to stay ahead in the competitive hotel industry.

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