Hey Starbucks, Bet You Can’t Beat This!

 

Wawa’s $5 Big Breakfast Deal Redefines Value, Speed & Convenience

Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® knows a winning foodservice formula when he sees one, and Wawa’s latest move is set to shake up the breakfast game. From February 17 through March 24, Wawa is rolling out its unbeatable $5 Big Breakfast Deal, offering customers any size hot or iced coffee, a Sizzli® breakfast sandwich, and a hash brown—all for just five bucks. With 1,100 locations executing at peak efficiency, Wawa proves why it dominates the convenience dining space in both price and speed of service.

Mix & Match: A Bundled Deal That Delivers

The food industry has long known that mix-and-match meal bundling is a pricing strategy that boosts both customer satisfaction and sales. Wawa’s $5 Big Breakfast Deal gives customers full control over their morning choices while keeping costs low. With over 10 Sizzli® varieties—including classics like Croissant, Bacon, Egg & Cheese and the limited-time French Toast, Sausage, Egg & Cheese—this deal offers premium variety at a price Starbucks and fast-food chains simply can’t match.

Speed Matters: Wawa Wins on Efficiency

Speed of service is the name of the game in breakfast, and Wawa’s streamlined, self-serve model runs circles around competitors. Customers can grab their breakfast in minutes—no long lines, no waiting for a barista. Wawa’s self-serve coffee pour bar features seven varieties, including Regular, Decaf, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Cuban Roast, 100% Colombian, and Dark Roast, with rotating limited-time flavors like Caramel Cream. Prefer iced coffee? Wawa’s handcrafted, freshly brewed iced coffee is customizable in dozens of ways through its in-store ordering kiosk, ensuring a quick and personalized experience every time.

Wawa’s Legacy of Breakfast Innovation

"We are on a mission to make mornings easier for our customers, and our new $5 Big Breakfast Deal does just that by providing a hearty offering at a great price that’s sure to get your morning off to a great start," said Mary-Rose Hannum, Chief Marketing Product Officer at Wawa.

First introduced in 1996, the Sizzli® breakfast sandwich remains a customer favorite nearly 30 years later—proving that Wawa understands the evolving needs of breakfast consumers better than most. With an unmatched combination of value, speed, and quality, Wawa’s $5 Big Breakfast Deal is a game-changer in the foodservice industry.

Starbucks, McDonald’s, Dunkin’—consider this your wake-up call.

Price and Service Matter If you Want A

Larger Share of Stomach

Success Leaves Clues—Are You Ready to Find Yours?

One key insight that continues to drive success is this: "The consumer is dynamic, not static." This principle is the foundation of our work at Foodservice Solutions®, where Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru®, has been helping brands stay relevant in an ever-evolving market.

Want to strengthen your brand’s connection with today’s consumers? Let’s talk. Call 253-759-7869 for more information.

Stay Ahead of the Competition with Fresh Ideas

Is your food marketing keeping up with tomorrow’s trends—or stuck in yesterday’s playbook? If you're ready for fresh ideations that set your brand apart, we’re here to help.

At Foodservice Solutions®, we specialize in consumer-driven retail food strategies that enhance convenience, differentiation, and individualization—key factors in driving growth.

👉 Email us at Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us
👉 Connect with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

Fast Food Drive-Thru’s: The Need for Speed and Beyond

 

In the fast-paced world of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), speed at the drive-thru can make or break a brand. According to recent studies, the average time spent in a drive-thru is 344 seconds, or nearly six minutes. While this might seem like a blink of an eye, for consumers accustomed to instant gratification, every second counts.

Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes the top performers in the industry have mastered the art of speed and efficiency, while others lag behind, struggling to keep up with evolving consumer expectations. Let's delve into the state of drive-thru service, the leaders of the pack, the stragglers, and how innovative strategies can turn things around.

Top 7 Fast Food Drive-Thru Performers

1.       Chick-fil-A

o    Average Time: 327.1 seconds

o    Key Strengths: Consistently praised for friendly service and accuracy, Chick-fil-A has implemented multiple drive-thru lanes and efficient ordering systems, including digital menu boards and tablet-armed employees taking orders before customers reach the window.

2.       Taco Bell

o    Average Time: 310.2 seconds

o    Key Strengths: Known for its quick service, Taco Bell utilizes innovative kitchen layouts and advanced technology to streamline food preparation and delivery.

3.       McDonald's

o    Average Time: 349.3 seconds

o    Key Strengths: With a global reputation for speed, McDonald's employs a sophisticated order and payment system, along with a well-trained staff to keep lines moving.

4.       KFC

o    Average Time: 322.8 seconds

o    Key Strengths: KFC's streamlined processes and focus on order accuracy have helped it maintain a strong drive-thru performance.

5.       Burger King

o    Average Time: 344.6 seconds

o    Key Strengths: Leveraging digital ordering and efficient kitchen practices, Burger King has been able to maintain a competitive speed at the drive-thru.

6.       Wendy's

o    Average Time: 342.6 seconds

o    Key Strengths: Wendy's commitment to quality and freshness, combined with efficient service, has earned it a place among the top performers.

7.       Dunkin'

o    Average Time: 328.1 seconds

o    Key Strengths: Focused on coffee and breakfast items, Dunkin' has optimized its drive-thru for speed and convenience, catering to the morning rush.

The Challenges for the Rest

While the top 7 brands have mastered drive-thru efficiency, many others struggle with slower service times, order inaccuracies, and inadequate technology. These issues can lead to customer frustration, lower satisfaction, and ultimately, decreased brand loyalty.

Do You Want A Larger

SHARE OF STOMACH

Speed of Service Matters

Common Failings:

·         Slow Service Times: Many QSRs lack efficient kitchen layouts or are understaffed, leading to longer wait times.

·         Order Inaccuracies: Poor communication between the order point and the kitchen often results in incorrect orders, causing delays and dissatisfaction.

·         Outdated Technology: Many chains still rely on outdated POS systems and manual processes, which hinder efficiency.

·         Lack of Staff Training: Inconsistent training and high employee turnover can lead to slower service and mistakes.

Strategies for Improvement

To compete with the top players, other QSRs need to prioritize speed and accuracy. Here are some key strategies:

1.       Embrace Technology: Implementing advanced ordering systems, digital menu boards, and mobile ordering can streamline the drive-thru process. Technologies like AI can also predict peak times and optimize staffing.

2.       Optimize Kitchen Layouts: An efficient kitchen design can significantly reduce food preparation time. Brands should consider flow optimization and equipment placement to speed up service.

3.       Employee Training: Investing in comprehensive training programs can improve staff efficiency and reduce errors. Happy, well-trained employees are also more likely to provide excellent customer service.

4.       Clear Communication: Enhancing communication between order takers and kitchen staff can reduce mistakes and speed up the process. Headsets and digital screens can facilitate better information flow.

5.       Menu Simplification: Streamlining the menu can reduce decision-making time for customers and preparation time for staff, speeding up the overall process.

Brand Messaging and Inviting Inside Pick-Ups

In addition to improving drive-thru efficiency, QSRs can leverage brand messaging and a welcoming invitation to pick up orders inside the restaurant. This approach not only alleviates drive-thru congestion but also offers a more personalized customer experience. Promoting a cozy, clean, and inviting interior can encourage customers to come inside, where they can see food preparation, engage with friendly staff, and enjoy a more relaxed environment.

Why It Matters:

·         Brand Differentiation: A unique in-store experience can set a brand apart from competitors.

·         Increased Sales: Customers who enter the restaurant may be tempted to purchase additional items, boosting sales.

·         Enhanced Customer Loyalty: A welcoming atmosphere and positive interactions can strengthen brand loyalty and encourage repeat visits.

Think about this, while the drive-thru remains a cornerstone of the fast-food industry, the path to success is paved with speed, accuracy, and innovative customer engagement. As the Grocerant Guru®, I see immense potential for brands that embrace technology, optimize operations, and create inviting spaces. By doing so, they can not only improve service times but also enhance the overall customer experience, driving brand adoption and loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.

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

Kroger New Technology Enables Shopping Carts to Double as Check-out Lanes

 

In case you have not heard, Kroger has some new technology that they are testing. They are KroGo carts powered by Caper, which debuted last week in Ohio, include scales and cameras for a seamless shopping trip.  Think about it, no waiting in line at Kroger.  Hard to believe but it may be coming to a store near you according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

So, Kroger Co. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony late last week at a Monroe, Ohio, location to unveil the grocer's “store of the future” featuring KroGo carts—a tech-savvy shopping cart that looks to make checkout-free grocery shopping even faster.

KroGo is an enhanced shopping cart that features a built-in scale and camera for shoppers to quickly shop and check out from their cart, through a partnership with startup tech firm Caper.

Kroger spokeswoman Erin Rolfes, stated, “We think it’s going to be game-changing.”… “What customers are going to see that’s very different from other stores is that front end where they check out.”

Kroger’s has a goal of a seamless shopping experience the grocery retailer said the KroGo cart allows shoppers to complete their transaction all within the cart and exit quickly through the self-checkout area.

Launching the high-tech carts is not a labor-saving tool, Rolfes said. Instead, the store is hiring even more workers.

Rofes continued, “With this store we not only didn’t reduce labor costs, we hired additional associates to help us manage the carts and help get customers interested in using them (and) explaining to shoppers how to use them.”  Are you looking for ways to save your customers time?

Foodservice Solutions® team is here to help you drive top line sales and bottom-line profits. Are you looking a customer ahead? Does your messaging look more like yesterday that tomorrow?  Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may the clue you need to propel your continued success.

Technology Adoption Drives Sales at Wingstop

Do chain restaurants have an advantage when it come to adopting new technology or independent restaurants? That is the question that posed to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® during a recent industry presentation.

The team at Foodservice Solutions® believes that chain restaurants do have an advantage over independent restaurants simply because they are targeted by technology companies’ sales teams in an effort to expand their ‘install base’ faster.

In the case of Wingstop they are looking for ‘operational efficiencies’ in an effort to reduce the time it takes to service each consumer. Consider this 80% of Wingstop orders are for off-premise consumption. With 40% of sales arriving through digital channels.

Operational efficiencies matter because the consumer is dynamic not static and brands need to be dynamic as well according to Johnson.  At Wingstop sales via digital channels for carry-out and delivery continues to grow, with those making up 39% of sales in December and growing to 40% in January.

Wingstop has about 160 of our restaurants have exceeded 50% carryout with some units have now passed 60% of all orders as carryout.

In an effort to continue speeding up off-premise orders, Wingstop is testing pick-up order lockers in four Dallas locations. If you are a chain restaurant or not remember that your customer is dynamic not static.  Don’t do what you have always done and expect the same results.  If your customer is on the move your company must move with them or risk losing customers.

Looking for success clues of your own? Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced food marketing and business development ideations. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities, technology, or a new menu product segment.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit Facebook.com/Steven Johnson, www.Linkedin.com/in/grocerant/  or www.twitter.com/grocerant

Chain Restaurants Embrace Technology yet ask How Much is Too Much

Foodservice Solutions®, own Grocerant Guru®, Steven Johnson sold the first Seven national restaurant chains Online Order Software platform right after the movie The Net came out while working on a contract with CyberSlice / Food.com; now that was back in the day.

Then, like now, new technology took some time to catch on, Online ordering was nonexistent beck then and sales of takeout food for the restaurant industry was close to 2.4%. In 2019 60% of U.S. consumers order delivery or takeout once a week.

Mobile / Online ordering today is normal, taken for granted what is new is how it is become faster, more efficient, once again some are call for technology advances to slow down while others are going full steam ahead.

Recently, PopID, announced that it is launching its facial recognition platform in self-ordering kiosks at Dairi-O, one of the fastest growing restaurant concepts in America. Using PopID, Dairi-O customers will be able to conveniently and instantly pull up their favorite customized orders and pay for their meals without needing a card or phone. So, what do you think of that?

Dairi-O intends to install the PopID software in all of its locations in the first half of 2020. Chief Executive Officer of Dairi-O "We love how PopID makes it so easy for our customers to re-order their favorite items in a matter of seconds, resulting in shorter lines during peak hours and faster delivery of food to customers”… “Additionally, our customers can pay for their food without reaching into their wallets and fumbling through cards.”

Success does leave clues Dairi-O is an is an old company that has been around since 1947, with new technology but they are not alone. Dairi-O is preparing for a major wave of expansion. Currently, the brand has one of the highest average unit volumes in the industry and is the most recent chain to follow a growing list of small and medium sized restaurant brands using PopID, including CaliBurger, Deli Time, Plant Power, Rounds Bakery, Global Village Cafe, Saola, Treehouse, Ray's, Coffee House and Milkcow Cafe. In these stores, consumers generally prefer to use PopID to login to their loyalty accounts on kiosks, with kiosk logins reaching up to approximately 1,500 times per week at some locations.

Of those consumers that use PopID to login, approximately 75% also use it to pay. Further, transaction times for those using PopID are generally three times faster than for non-PopID users. “One of the oldest and most successful fast casual concepts in the country is leading the [quick-service] industry into the future of food,” says John Miller, Chairman of Cali Group and CEO of PopID. “We look forward to sharing the magic of digital identity with Dairi-O customers.”

So, are you looking a customer ahead or are you waiting to see what is next?  Does your brand look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Why?  Are you evolving with consumers today? Or are you watching consumers?

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.