Best Restaurant Marketing Ideas for 2026
This guide outlines restaurant marketing ideas that help operators attract nearby customers, convert demand faster, and strengthen long-term retention.
Apr 16, 2026
This guide outlines restaurant marketing ideas that help operators attract nearby customers, convert demand faster, and strengthen long-term retention.
Apr 16, 2026
A clear host training process helps restaurants manage greetings, waitlists, reservations, seating decisions, and guest communication more consistently.
Apr 15, 2026
Chipotle reshapes loyalty with Rewards on Repeat, blending in-store promotions, staff incentives, and simpler redemption to boost traffic.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Salah Ait Mokhtar on Unsplash
A refined look at Papa Murphy’s strategy as MTY guides a cautious turnaround amid a crowded pizza landscape—digital play, local marketing, and a new Detroit-style offering.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Sergio Mena Ferreira on Unsplash
Mo’ Bettahs leaves Kansas City as it pivots to a PE-backed national expansion to Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Kate Trysh on Unsplash
Applebee’s O-M-Cheese Burger fuses spectacle with value, driving social buzz and foot traffic—a signal for the skillet-cheese moment in casual dining.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Diego Mattevi on Unsplash
GoTo Foods taps Misra and Lambert to harmonize digital momentum with disciplined development across seven brands, aiming for stronger guest experiences and franchisee economics.
Apr 16, 2026
Bojangles launches Bo’s Chicken Rippers in an eight-week pilot, turning bites into a hands-on, sauce-forward experience with interactive, tear-apart slabs.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Jim Sosengphet on Unsplash
Popeyes teams with One Piece for a limited menu and merch drop, blending bold flavors with anime fandom to boost traffic and loyalty.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by dedy kurniawan on Unsplash
A close look at Jersey Mike’s rapid expansion, leadership shift, and international push under Blackstone’s ownership.
Apr 16, 2026
Discover how Chipotle's innovative automation systems, Autocado and Augmented Makeline, are revolutionizing restaurant operations and enhancing efficiency.

Chipotle, a leading fast-casual restaurant chain, has introduced innovative automation systems, Autocado and Augmented Makeline, aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and improving customer experience. These cutting-edge technologies mark a significant step forward in Chipotle's commitment to leveraging automation for operational excellence.

Autocado, a pioneering cobotic prototype developed in partnership with Vebu, is a game-changer in avocado preparation. This automated system cuts, cores, and peels avocados swiftly, significantly reducing the time and effort required for this labor-intensive task. In a Huntington Beach, Calif. restaurant, Autocado has demonstrated its capability to process an avocado's flesh every 26 seconds, a remarkable feat given Chipotle's massive avocado consumption of 5.18 million cases annually.

The Augmented Makeline, developed in collaboration with Hyphen, is another pivotal automation system tested at a Corona del Mar, Calif., restaurant. With a focus on building bowls and salads, this cobotic system is strategically aligned with the digital order preferences, as approximately 65% of Chipotle's orders fall under these categories. By automating the assembly process, Augmented Makeline not only speeds up order preparation but also frees up employees to engage in more customer-centric tasks, enhancing overall hospitality.
Former Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol's vision for automation highlights the strategic importance of systems like Hyphen and Autocado in eliminating mundane tasks, boosting operational accuracy, and increasing throughput. Niccol emphasizes the potential for these innovations to elevate operational efficiency as Chipotle targets higher average unit volumes. By investing in efficient prep processes through automation, Chipotle aims to optimize its operations and elevate customer service standards.

Chipotle's collaboration with Vebu, Hyphen, and certified training managers from its restaurants underscores a commitment to developing solutions tailored to the company's operational intricacies. Together, they have identified and addressed time-consuming tasks, paving the way for a stronger operational engine that prioritizes both employee experience and guest satisfaction. Chief Customer and Technology Officer Curt Garner affirms the importance of incorporating feedback to refine these systems further.
The integration of Autocado and Augmented Makeline into Chipotle's Cultivate Next venture fund signifies a forward-looking approach to innovation. By doubling its fund to $100 million and partnering with key players in supply chain, agriculture, and automation, Chipotle is strategically positioning itself for rapid expansion. These investments in automation and technology align with Chipotle's ambition to double its footprint to 7,000 locations, indicating a bold vision for the future of the brand.