AI is picking up steam in the foodservice industry, but as brands look to adopt AI solutions, WD's Joanne Heyob offers operators a word of caution – adding AI solutions one piece at a time will result in failure to scale. Rather, Joanne recommends taking a step back and embracing a more strategic and holistic […]
Future of Foodservice: 5 Key Trends Shaping the Dining Experience
wayfindAt this year’s National Restaurant Association Show, industry leaders and innovators gathered to showcase the latest trends transforming the foodservice landscape. Among the myriad insights presented, five key trends stood out: consumers craving convenience, an eagerness for experiences, an appetite for adventure, a will for wellness, and sincerity towards sustainability These trends reflect the evolving […]
Stepping Up the Food Experience in C-Stores
wayfindGas stations and convenience stores (c-stores) are undergoing a rapid transformation. Gone are the days of merely being a pit stop for fuel and grabbing a quick snack from under a heat lamp or the roller dog grill. Instead, they’re embracing a new identity akin to quick service restaurants (QSRs) and fast casual brands. This […]
Bytes and Bites: Navigating the Digital Revolution in Restaurants
wayfindIn our line of business, things are in a constant state of change. New concepts are continuously coming to light (we’re looking at you, Netflix Houses and CosMc’s), and brands are tirelessly innovating to meet evolving demands. At the heart of this transformation lies the quest to craft extraordinary experiences, with a pivotal focus on […]
The Art and Science of Running… and Ops
wayfindRunning is something you either love or hate. And sometimes, let’s be honest, you love to hate running! For us, running is a big part of who we are. We’ve each been running over 3 decades and make it a point to run in every city we travel to together for work! Admittedly, it’s not […]
A Conversation with QSR Experts on Drive-Thrus and Innovation
wayfindRestaurantSpaces recently featured our panel discussion with Pradnya Bendre, then Director of Design, Construction and Consumer Experience at KFC, and Minh Le, CIO at Checkers & Rally’s where we imagined what the ideal QSR drive-thru looks like. As restaurants continue to question the need for dine-in options and focus their attention on improving delivery service […]
Navigating the Retail Returns Revolution: Insights from Joanne Heyob, a Veteran Retail Expert
wayfindMeet Joanne, SVP of Operations Strategy & Design at WD Partners and retail expert with an impressive 25-year journey rooted in the world of retail and store operations. With a proven track record of implementing innovative growth strategies for customer experience brands, Joanne’s leadership is instrumental in driving WD’s end-to-end offering. Having served in key […]
Mastering the Online Returns Game
wayfindOnline shopping has revolutionized the way we buy products, offering unparalleled convenience and choice. In just a few clicks you can get nearly anything you want delivered straight to your door. However, with the ease of purchasing comes the inevitability of returns. Just as easily as you added to cart and hit 'place order,' you […]
How to Treat Your BOH Like the Heartbeat of Your Store
wayfindIn recent years, the retail industry has undergone a transformation akin to racing on an F1 track with the throttle pinned to the floor. The growing demand of alternative fulfillment methods such as BOPIS, curbside pick-up, ship-to-store, and digital return-to-store has caused many retailers to operate at breakneck speed. The rate at which stores have […]
Think Outside the Box
povThe last couple years in the retail industry have felt like driving on an F1 racetrack with the pedal pressed to the floor. The growing demand and use of alternate fulfillment methods like BOPIS, curbside pick-up, ship-to-store, and digital return-to-store have caused many retailers to embrace living life in the fast lane. In this POV, […]