How to Calculate the Right Menu Price for Each Item
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Explore best Areas in Chicago to open a restaurant by matching neighborhood demand, concept type, costs, traffic, and customer behavior.
Jun 17, 2026
BJ's Restaurants has appointed Monika Saxena as brand president, bringing over two decades of experience from LongHorn Steakhouse and Darden Restaurants, where she helped drive 20 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales growth.
Jun 17, 2026
Blue Bottle Coffee has introduced Kyoto-Style Espresso, a slow-drip cold espresso made without machines, launching across its 152 global locations on June 16 with seven new cold drinks designed specifically for the way modern customers order coffee.
Jun 17, 2026
Hungry Howie's has appointed Jimmy Simonte as Executive Vice President of Marketing, bringing more than 25 years of Domino's experience to the Michigan-born pizza brand as it undergoes a major technology overhaul and prepares to launch a new loyalty programme.
Jun 17, 2026
Starbucks CFO Cathy Smith is transferring her principal accounting officer role to Val Bauduin, who will continue serving as SVP of corporate finance and development while reporting to Smith amid the chain's ongoing turnaround.
Jun 17, 2026
Yum Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut through two separate transactions totalling $2.7 billion, with Long Range Capital acquiring the global business for $1.5 billion and Yum China Holdings purchasing the China operations for $1.2 billion.
Jun 16, 2026
Scooter's Coffee is running a buy-one-get-one drink offer from June 19 to 21, available exclusively through its mobile app after 11 a.m.- giving customers three days to treat dad to a free drink this Father's Day weekend.
Jun 16, 2026
A group of Twin Peaks franchisees has been named strategic advisor to the chain's new owners following its sale out of bankruptcy, with a clear path to acquiring the brand outright within the next 12 to 16 months.
Jun 16, 2026
Denny's is launching The Clock's Off Menu on June 24, combining breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites available any time of day, alongside new Slammin' Meal Deals Under $10 and exciting rewards for new members.
Jun 16, 2026
Explore how Starbucks is leveraging technology with Green Dot Assist to streamline operations and boost customer experience. Learn about the impact of AI in the coffee chain's quest for operational excellence.

Starbucks, a pioneer in blending technology with the coffee experience, has unveiled its latest innovation, Green Dot Assist. This cutting-edge virtual assistant powered by Microsoft Azure's OpenAI platform is set to transform operations within Starbucks outlets. Green Dot Assist caters to a wide range of Starbucks employees, from entry-level staff to managers, by offering real-time assistance for various tasks.
Green Dot Assist serves as a versatile tool for Starbucks employees, aiding them in multiple facets of their roles. For hourly employees, the AI assistant can provide guidance on drink ingredients, assist in troubleshooting equipment issues, and support new recruits in learning beverage formulations. Managers benefit from features like locating replacement staff swiftly during unforeseen absences, showcasing the breadth of Green Dot Assist's capabilities.

The integration of Green Dot Assist aligns with Starbucks' overarching goal of enhancing operational efficiency. By leveraging AI technology to streamline tasks and provide instant support, Starbucks aims to optimize its processes and deliver a seamless customer experience. This advancement is crucial for a company striving to maintain high service standards and improve operational productivity.
Starbucks' investment in technology, particularly with tools like Green Dot Assist, underscores its commitment to elevating customer service standards. The ability to fulfill orders promptly, provide accurate information, and resolve queries efficiently contributes to a positive customer experience. By combining technological advancements with personalized service, Starbucks creates a cohesive and efficient service environment for patrons.
The adoption of technologies like Green Dot Assist not only enhances operational efficiency but also plays a pivotal role in driving sales growth. By expediting order processing and ensuring accuracy in service, Starbucks can cater to customer demands effectively, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. These elements are instrumental in boosting same-store sales and overall business performance.