Mezli Tomorrows Restaurant Today

 

At the intersection of robotics technology, restaurants, cloud computing, fresh fast food, and labor saving solutions is a new retail restaurant called Mezli.  According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® “Mezli is ushering in a new platform for growth in both urban and rural locations.”.  

A recent article about Robotic technology stated that at retail robotic technology is not itself a new trend, but summer 2022 saw one quick service retailer leveraging robotic automation in a very novel way. “Mezli, a fully-autonomous robotic restaurant that resembles a large refrigerated container, opened in the Spark Social food park in San Francisco in August. The high-tech eatery is described by its founders as the “first of its kind in the world.”

While other automated restaurants have opened in San Francisco and other select locations, Mezli is the first to offer a customizable, hot menu to customers— with no on-site workers, according to its founders. (Staffers will load the pre-prepared ingredients into the site once a day.) 

The automated approach, which significantly cuts labor costs, will allow Mezli to offer its menu of Mediterranean grain bowls, sides and beverages at a significantly lower price point than similar fast-casual restaurants, the company said. In addition to the ready-made bowl offerings, customers using touchscreens can assemble their own from available ingredients, creating around 64,800 possible combinations. Now once again empowering consumer choice, but we wonder if that is just a bit to much choice?

Yes, there is more technology, in June, global fast-fashion retailer H&M Group began partnering with Google Cloud to leverage the platform’s data analytics capabilities and global enterprise in an effort to enhance its customer experience and supply chain operations.

Now this cloud-based enterprise data backbone will include a core data platform, data product, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities. H&M also plans to establish of a new data mesh to make all types of data and events more accessible from multiple sources, including in-store, online, and third-party brands and suppliers. 

Then as its enterprise cloud partnership with Google develops, the retailer hopes to optimize its internal supply chains. The company also intends to obtain the ability to deliver next-generation customer experiences across a variety of physical and data sales channels. In addition, H&M wants to enable further development of data science and AI capabilities throughout its global enterprise.

Even grocery stores are using an increasingly innovative variety of smart technologies to cut food waste by improving in-store freshness. In July, Wisconsin-based regional grocer Festival Foods announced it was ensuring food safety and minimizing shrink with Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

The retailer utilizes Bluetooth IoT sensors from SmartSense to automatically and continuously monitor the temperature of coolers, refrigerators, and chilled cases in all of its stores. Festival Foods placed SmartSense Bluetooth IoT sensors in all chilled and frozen product shelving units in all of its stores.

The Bluetooth sensors continuously take in temperature data, which is then transmitted to gateways that collect the data and send it to a centralized SmartSense database. Gateways operate with battery backup and cellular technology, so that even in the event of a power or network outage, they can still collect and transmit data in real time.

Restaurants, retail, and grocery are all leveraging technology more and more.  Does your brand look more like yesterday or tomorrow?

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

In a Battle for Share of Stomach

Technology Helps

Flame Broiler Extends Brand Halo to North Korean Refugees

How far does your brand reach?  Grocerant niche Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh prepared can be found all around the world driving growth and extending the ‘halo’ of ‘better-4-you’ fresh food products according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. 

Now, Flame Broiler, which is popular for serving delicious, healthy Korean-inspired bowls with honest, simple ingredients, is proud to team up with Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) to launch 12,000 Simply Magic Sauce bottles benefitting the North Korean people.

So, while supplies last, Flame Broiler will donate 15% of the net proceeds from the sweet and flavorful Simply Magic Sauce bottle sold with the LiNK label. Additionally, Flame Broiler will make a $5 donation for each newsletter signup through the QR code on the Simply Magic Sauce bottle.

In case you did not know, LiNK is an organization that aids North Korean refugees to escape through secret rescue routes and empowers resettled North Koreans to become advocates and agents of change. LiNK is mobilizing a movement of allies to stand with the North Korean people until they achieve their freedom.

Since Flame Broiler’s founder, Young Lee, built his business upon the principles of better living that his own father instilled in him. Young’s father, a refugee who escaped North Korea in the mid-1990s, raised his family in South Korea. They then relocated to the United States, where Young fell in love with the diverse culture of Southern California and raised a family of his own. In 1995, Young opened the first Flame Broiler restaurant, bringing the food of his homeland to his new community. Young knew the value of freedom from his father and has worked to extend the gift of healthy living through simple, delicious food inspired by his Korean roots.

Young Lee, Flame Broiler Founder, stated, “It’s important to understand and empathize with the challenges that North Korean people continue to face. LiNK is doing extraordinary and life-changing work which means a lot to me and my own family’s story,” … “As my father was a North Korean refugee and built a better life for our family in the United States, we hope the launch of our partnership with LiNK will bring awareness and help Northern Koreans reach safety, freedom as well as success.”

LiNK President, Hannah Song expressed her excitement around the collaboration saying, “We are so thrilled to work alongside Flame Broiler and the Lee Family to accelerate change on this issue and to bring forth more attention and support for the North Korean people.

For international corporate presentations, regional chain presentations, educational forums, or keynotes contact: Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions.  His extensive experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator, consultant, brand / product positioning expert, and public speaking will leave success clues for all. For more information visit GrocerantGuru.com, FoodserviceSolutions.US or call 1-253-759-7869

KFC Looking Back can Drive Top Line Holiday Sales

 

Are you looking for a little Holiday Spirit? Well, you need look no further than Kentucky Fried Chicken.  Yes, KFC is bringing looking back to look forward, this holiday season they are re-release of some of its most famous holiday buckets. Since the 1960s, KFCs around the world have created different holiday-themed buckets year after year. So, if your time starved, or just don’t want to cook think about all the times Mom or Dad brought home of great grocerant meal in a KFC holiday bucket.

Yes, KFC is going retro and bringing back the iconic 1966 and 1971 U.S. holiday buckets, as well as a new, vintage-inspired design for 2020 if you want to start your own holiday tradition and memories around a family meal. Steven Johnson, our Grocerant Guru® believes this brand invitation will help KFC bring brand relevance of its grocerant niche products to both new customers and customer like him from back in the day.

So, the replica designs of the 1966 and 1971 holiday buckets have been recreated down to the smallest details, including the retired tagline, “North America’s Hospitality Dish,” featured on the 1966 bucket. The new holiday bucket design for 2020 was inspired by the brand’s heritage buckets, but rounds out this year’s lineup with some modern flair.

Andrea Zahumensky, KFC U.S. CMO  stated, “KFC bucket meals have been bringing people together around the dinner table for more than 60 years,” ..“Even though the holidays may look a little different this year, we hope our holiday buckets help everyone harken back to a simpler time and bring some comfort and joy to your homes and your families throughout the season.”

KFC holiday buckets will be available in all U.S with only a limited quantity will be available of the 1966 and 1971 commemorative buckets. KFC fans can complete their holiday tablescape by collecting all three buckets in the 2020 holiday collection.

However, you’re celebrating this year, you can get your favorite KFC bucket meals by visiting your local KFC restaurant or ordering ahead for delivery or pick up where available through kfc.com, DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Seamless.com, or the Seamless app.

FYI - KFC first introduced its now iconic bucket packaging in 1957 when Pete Harman, the owner of the first KFC franchised restaurant, purchased buckets and began advertising a bucket meal, which had 14 pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Today, more than 60 million buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken are sold in the U.S. each year. How are you looking a customer ahead?

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant Program Assessment, Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869

In a Battle for Share of Stomach

Are you Winning? 

Hot Head Burrito Branding Familiarity for Customer Relevance

                                                       

Consumers know what a restaurant chain looks like, acts like, and markets like.  When you are beginning to grow and expand beyond you local neighborhood it is important that your brand edifies itself with messaging that is ‘familiar’ to consumers according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. That is a great platform to drive new electricity into you brand.

In the case of Hot Head Burrito that familiarity comes in the way of branded product partnership, specifically A Hot Head Burrito made with your choice or Fritos corn chips or Doritos tortilla chips. That is menu innovation with familiarity and customer relevance according to Johnson.

You don’t have to be a ‘large’ chain to garner a partnership with a national brand.  You do have to have an identity of your own that can be edified with another branded product so you can create a menu entity with identity that consumers can relate to an elevate relevance.  

You can now add your crunchy favorite to any Hot Head Burrito or Bowl for only $1 more. Whether you prefer a Classic Chicken Burrito, a Spicy Steak Burrito or the super spicy Mango Habanero Barbacoa Burrito, you will love the extra flavor and crunch when you add Fritos or Doritos. 

Hot Head Burrito founder and president Ray Wiley, stated, “I’m a huge fan of a Fritos Burrito,”  “I love the awesome crunch and want it every day.” This new product has, taste, texture, and tantalizing flavor touchpoints consumers are familiar with according to Johnson.

Note: All Hot Head locations via Doordash, GrubHub, Postmates and UberEats based on delivery service availability.  On-line ordering for convenient customer pick-up is available at all 78 Hot Head locations with Curbside pickup also available at most stores. 

All Burritos and Bowls at Hot Head are fully customizable with 12 sauces and over 30 fresh and flavorful ingredients. Big and little appetites can find the perfect fit with the availability of ‘Lil Bowls and ‘Lil Burritos.  Keto and Paleo friendly options are also available. The Nutrition Calculator on the Hot Head Burritos’ website allows customers to meet their personal dietary goals and easily see the calorie and nutrition results https://hotheadburritos.com/nutrition.

Johnson stated “that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply chain and includes such things as fresh foods, online ordering, delivery, plant based foods, sampling, toy’s, cereal, developing brands,  grocerant positioning, fresh food messaging, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, plates, glasses, cash-less payments, digital hand-held marketing.

All food and beverage retailers to survive the next generation of retail must embrace the artificial intelligence revolution while simultaneously embracing fresh food and beverages that are portable, fresh, with differentiation that is familiar not different.  Does your retail path forward look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Why?

Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter 

‘Better-for-you’ Superfood Chain Everbowl Sets Sail

The ‘halo’ around grocerant niche Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh food continues to expand garnering attention from consumers and private-equity groups creating a platform for continues innovation and growth according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

If you are looking for an example of how to grow your ‘Superfood’ brand you need only to look at how Everbowl has done it according to Johnson with plans to add 45 units after private-equity injection the success clues are right there.

Recently San Diego-based superfood and smoothie chain Everbowl secured $3 million in funding from a Toronto-based private-equity group. The 17-unit Everbowl said the company plans to use the investment from International Franchise Inc., or IFI, a subsidiary of Serruya Private Equity, or SPE, to accelerate growth. By the end of 2019, the company said it plans to open as many as 45 locations.

Jeff Fenster, Everbowl founder and CEO stated “We are thrilled to be working with SPE and IFI to help fuel our growth. They have a proven track record of massive success working with other brands,” … “Our brand identity and company culture remain vital to our success, and we are thrilled that this partnership will allow us to facilitate our expansion, achieve our long-term business goals, while remaining true to our core vision.”

For those of you who do not know; Everbowl launched two years ago as a counter-service shop serving a menu of bowls and smoothies made with superfood bases such as acai, pitaya, graviola and acerola.  Sixteen-ounce smoothies and 24-ounce bowls cost $8 to $9. Everbowl, quickly expanded to 17 locations in Southern California ranging from San Diego to Riverside.

Aaron Serruya, CEO of IFI stated “We’re proud to be a part of a brand that continuously serves high quality, thoughtfully crafted, great tasting treats and snacks that are not only delicious and refreshing, but also good for you,”

Serruya’s other investments include Pinkberry, Yogen Früz and Cold Stone Creamery.  In late 2018, Serruya and London-based Lion Capital LLP bought Global Franchise Group, whose brands include Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Marble Slab Creamery/MaggieMoo’s, Pretzelmaker and Round Table Pizza.

Aaron Serruya and his brother, Michael Serruya, founded the Yogen Früz frozen-yogurt chain in Canada in the mid-1980s. They acquired a controlling interest in Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Kahala Brands Ltd. in 2013, bringing such brands as Cold Stone Creamery and Blimpie under the Serruya umbrella.

They sold Kahala to MTY Food Group Inc., a publicly traded Canadian company, in June 2016 for about $310 million.

Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities or a new menu product segment and brand and menu integration strategy.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit Facebook.com/Steven Johnson, Linkedin.com/in/grocerant/ or twitter.com/grocerant

Chipotle Building Brand Relevance One Bowl at a Time

Success does leave clues and timing is a clue most retailers overlook but not Chipotle’s Chris Brandt, chief marketing officer according to Foodservice Solutions® Tacoma, WA based Grocerant Guru® Steven Johnson.

When Chipotle Mexican Grill launch a new collection of Lifestyle Bowls, just in time for New Year's Resolutions nothing but customer relevance radiated from the well time Limited Time Offer according to Johnson.

Chipotle’s new line includes a Paleo Salad Bowl, Keto Salad Bowl, Whole30 Salad Bowl and Double Protein Bowl, all exclusively available through the mobile app and on the Chipotle website for in-restaurant pickup or delivery edifying both technology and content targeting Millennials and Gen Z consumers.

Once again Chipotle was ‘first-to-category’ in the restaurant space with a, “diet-driven menu offerings are helping those who have committed to living a healthier lifestyle by making it easy to order delicious bowls that only contain the real ingredients permitted by certain diet regimens.”

Even Whole30 co-founder Melissa Hartwig Urban stated "We are always looking for ways to make the Whole30 easier and more accessible, and travel has always been a pain point. It's not always easy to find compliant options on the road, so I was thrilled to work with Chipotle to create a tasty, satisfying salad bowl that meets our program guidelines."

Chris Brandt stated "Now more than ever, Americans are embracing new and varied approaches to healthy living and wellness," …"We've watched guests custom create lifestyle-specific bowls when ordering in our restaurants, so it made sense to offer delicious options via our online channels that help people easily order bowls with real ingredients that fit their wellness goals."

The full ingredient make-up of the new Lifestyle Bowls is available below.

1.        Whole30 Salad Bowl: Romaine lettuce, carnitas, fajita veggies, tomato salsa and guacamole

2.        Paleo Salad Bowl: Romaine lettuce, barbacoa, fajita veggies, green salsa and guacamole

3.        Keto Salad Bowl: Romaine lettuce, carnitas, red salsa, cheese and guacamole

4.        Double Protein Bowl: White rice, black beans, chicken (full portion), steak (full portion), red salsa, romaine lettuce and sour cream

To learn more about the Lifestyle Bowls or order online, download the Chipotle mobile app or visit order.chipotle.com and click on the "What's New" tab.

Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions 5P’s of Food Marketing can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization? Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit:  www.FoodserviceSolutions.us for more information.

Freshii an Innovative Brand Creates an Innovative Platform

Success does leave clues one clue Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® reminds regular readers of this blog is differentiation does not mean different it means familiar but with a twist.  Freshii a fast growing health and wellness brand continues to exceed legacy food industry executive’s expectations in sales and growth direction. 

With a solid understanding of millennial parent’s ethos Freshii’s Lead Nutritionist, Andie Shapira, recently developed the kid-friendly menu that has become a platform to drive incremental top line sales and bottom line profits in a new avenue of distribution.

Freshii new platform is their School Lunch program. Shapria’s kid friendly program continues to further the brand’s mission to change the way the world eats this time targeting the next generation of eaters. With a menu of “nutrientdense, crave-worthy bowls, wraps and salads, there is no compromise for students or parents” according to Shapria.

Grocerant niche better for you food has found a home with Millennials and Millennial parents according to Johnson.  It those parents that insist on instilling healthy habits at a young age thus it is critical – and Freshii knows that nutritious lunch options are not always available to students. That is a twist of differentiation that has a halo of ‘better-for-you’ will find a home in many schools according to Johnson.

Shapira stated “The school lunch menu will provide the nutrients needed to fuel students’ days,” she says. “Slow-burning carbs like brown rice and quinoa provide  growing bodies with fiber, which helps to stabilize blood sugar, while healthy fats like avocado will keep kids fueled all afternoon. There’s no high-and-crash that you might see with less-than healthy options.”

Freshii’s is a brand with an invitation that Millennials, and parents of any age will place a high value on according to Johnson.  If success does leave clues and it does Freshii’s is a brand that many in the foodservice industry will try to copy.

Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how www.FoodserviceSolutions.us can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit:  www.FoodserviceSolutions.us for more information.

Locali's Quinoa Bowls Extend the Brands Reach

Grocerant niche ‘better-for-you’ Locali’s is continues to drive the halo of better-for-you- foods beyond the current  health-conscious convenience store and neighborhood deli according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Locali, is now extending it quality food offerings with four pre-packaged vegan and gluten-free quinoa salad bowls in Whole Foods Market stores throughout Southern California.  Regular readers of this blog know that  Locali, has locations in Hollywood, West Hollywood, Venice and Downtown Los Angeles, is changing the way consumers view healthy eating.

While the line continue to blur for food retailers Locali’s diverse menu of award-winning, “last meal-worthy” salads, sandwiches, smoothies has captured the attention of influential companies across the nation, and was asked to cater an event at the United State of Women Summit in May 2018, in partnership with Postmates. Johnson says think consumer food relevance not C-store, deli, or restaurant the ‘halo’ around Locali’s is fresh quality better-for-you’ food.

Now Whole Foods offers four of Locali’s “Killer Quinoa Bowls,” including: The Big Daddy with quinoa, arugula, vegan and gluten-free chicken marinated in spicy vegan buffalo sauce, celery, black beans and creamy dill dressing; The Krazy Kale with quinoa, shredded kale, black beans, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, sunflower seeds and chipotle lime dressing; The Odyssey with quinoa, spinach, hummus, chickpeas, artichoke tapenade, tomato, cucumber, kalamata olives and creamy dill dressing; and The Deconstructed BLT with quinoa, chopped romaine, tempeh bacon, tomato, avocado and maple mustard dressing.

Has your menu evolved with consumers? Is your menu incremental to your brand? Or is you menu your brand?  How do you plan to evolve your best brand attributes?  Where are you selling your fresh prepared food?  Success does leave clues and growing your brand where your consumers shop for food is a very good clue.

Are you looking for a new partnership to drive sales? Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing tactics look more like yesterday that tomorrow?  Visit www.FoodserviceSolutions.us for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may have the clue you need to propel your continued success

Noodles & Company Vegan Zucchini Noodles take Center Stage

Millennials continue opting for an increased frequency of vegan menu items according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Noodles & Company, known for serving classic noodle and pasta dishes inspired by flavors from around the world has a new menu item for those looking for vegan meals with the launch of zucchini noodles. Does Noodles hopes vegan will be its new electricity?

Made from fresh zucchinis spiralized in-house daily, the delicious low-calorie and low-carb zoodles will debut in two worldly dishes—the all-new Zucchini Romesco and the fan-favorite Zucchini Thai Green Curry with Shrimp. Noodles is the first national fast-casual chain to offer zoodles coast-to-coast.

Menu innovation the ilk of zoodles can create incremental brand relevance and can create a platform for new electricity according to Johnson. For a successful platform innovation in new food products requires new avenues of distribution for the new electricity to truly drive incremental sales, according to Johnson; partnerships specifically strategic partnerships are driving retail success today. 

Johnson stated that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply and includes such things as fresh foods, grocerant consultants, urban farming (produce, seafood, etc.), autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, cash-less payments, digital hand held marketing.

Retailers the ilk of Noodles & Company and  to survive the next generation of retail must embrace the artificial intelligence revolution in menu development, deployment, and distribution while simultaneously embracing fresh food that is portable, fresh, with differentiation that is familiar not different. 

The two new featured zoodle dishes include:

Zucchini Romesco: This new dish has a sweet and tangy chunky roasted red pepper sauce—reminiscent of a Spanish pesto—made with almonds, sundried tomatoes and garden vegetables.

Zucchini Thai Green Curry with Shrimp: A new take on a Noodles staple, this dish pairs a sweet coconut green curry sauce with pineapple, broccoli, red onion, snap peas, lime, black sesame seeds and cilantro.

Chas Hermann, chief brand officer at Noodles & Company stated "Our new zucchini noodles are sure to please with bold flavor and fresh, quality ingredients." To encourage guests to give zucchini noodles a try, Noodles is offering a taste guarantee. Any guest who orders a bowl of zucchini noodles and doesn't feel the zoodle love can get a replacement traditional noodle dish at no additional cost. 

Zucchini noodles are a great choice for noodle lovers looking for a lighter option. A regular portion of zucchini noodles has 90 percent fewer calories and carbs than a regular portion of elbow noodles, and all the flavor and taste guests have come to expect from Noodles. Plus, zoodles are packed with vitamin C and potassium and are gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian.

Are you trapped doing what you have always done and doing it the same way?  Interested in learning how www.FoodserviceSolutions.us can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit:  www.FoodserviceSolutions.us for more information.

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