5 tech things: Steak 'n Shake to test biometric payment

In this special edition of its 5 Things series, Food Management highlights five recent technology-related developments affecting the foodservice world.

Here’s your list for today:

1.    Steak 'n Shake to test biometric payment

As restaurants look to meet consumers’ demand for quick, convenient payments with stored credentials—and to gather more consumer data in in-store transactions—more brands are trying out biometric payments. Casual dining chain Steak 'n Shake is the latest to test the technology, announcing that it is deploying payments technology company PopID’s pay-by-face capabilities at select locations, with plans to expand it to 300 restaurants.

Read more: Steak 'n Shake Partners With PopPay as More Restaurants Try Biometric Payments

 2.    Instacart intros fully customized digital ordering for made-to-order items

Instacart has launched updates to its order management system, including the ability for grocers to enable fully customized digital ordering for made-to-order items. The company’s ordering management system, FoodStorm, already focuses on catering and prepared foods, and the company has now extended this feature to all made-to-order items.

Read more: Instacart introduces custom digital ordering for grocery retailers

3.    Domino’s launches “anywhere” pizza delivery

Related:5 things: Michigan students work to secure more local, sustainable produce for their schools

Domino’s is adding yet another innovation to its suite of delivery features: pizza delivery virtually anywhere. The Pinpoint Delivery feature allows customers to order a pizza to places without a traditional address like a park, beach, or sports field, just by adding a pin to a map and meeting a Domino’s delivery person nearby.

Read more: Domino’s launches ‘anywhere’ pizza delivery in U.S. for the first time

4.    Automated dumpling shop opens in NYC

The future of restaurant innovation is here and one new dumpling shop in New York City has a post-pandemic grab and go concept for fresh, fast, easy eats. The sleek new corner storefront at Brooklyn Dumpling Shop is officially open on the once again buzzing Saint Marks Place in Manhattan's East Village with a state-of-the-art experience.

Read more: New automated dumpling shop in NYC reimagines restaurant experience

5.    AI ordering app Lilly expands capabilities

NextGen Food Robotics Inc. has announced the development and integration with NextGen's proprietary AI App: Lilly that provides users with real-time ordering availability, prices, and even item customizations and modifiers for each menu item and grocery product. In addition, Lilly's delivery selection is expanded through integration with over 30,000 third-party delivery services, courier services, and stores with their own drivers, enabling users to choose the most convenient and efficient service available.

Related:5 things: Study finds healthier school meals may have curbed child obesity

Read more: NextGen Food Robotics Inc. Announces work on development and integration with US-Based Restaurant Point of Sale API within NextGen's AI App: Lilly

Bonus: Study finds employees want more workplace social opportunities

Contact Mike Buzalka at [email protected]