Food trucks in the U.S. have taken many forms, but have long been a popular option for dining. Now as the coronavirus pandemic alters the way we interact and engage with others, these kitchens on wheels may have a new function, especially on college campuses.
Rod Keller, CEO of the electric vehicle manufacturer AYRO is jumping at the opportunity to capitalize on the niche industry in a partnership with Gallery Carts. The new collaboration will combine AYRO's expertise in developing electric vehicles with Gallery's expertise in creating food delivery vehicles.
"Colleges are faced with, 'Well how do we provide food and beverage while at the same time, avoiding the mass crowds that you would typically see inside of a cafeteria?'" Keller told Cheddar.
So far, more than $500,000 has been poured into the collaboration as orders for the vehicles continue to amass. Keller said he's confident that as universities and other large campuses seek safer ways to feed their communities amid the pandemic, the need for their services will grow.
AYRO is also banking on buyers in higher education considering the long-term savings electric vehicles can provide. Keller said its electric vehicles save fleet operators at least 50 percent on fuel and energy costs.
"When people are moving cargo from one side of a university to another, or business campus, or hotel and resort, you don't need a full-sized truck with 400 miles of range running on gasoline to do that," Keller said.
With the resurgence in COVID cases and the uncertainty of the Omicron variant, many companies, like Apple, Ford, Google, and countless others, are delaying their return-to-office dates. This means employees will continue to work from home full time or continue a hybrid approach, which can cause some challenges. Executive coach Stefania Romeo joined Cheddar to discuss how companies can best manage the difficulties of hybrid work.
Rebecca Minkoff is launching a new initiative through her non-profit, Female Founder Collective. A former Wall Street analyst and financial strategist will be coaching new founders to focus on their financial transformation, from getting their business financially organized to uncovering opportunities to increase revenue. The renowned founder and fashion designer joined Cheddar to discuss this new program and the advice she gives to female founders hoping to get their business off the ground.
Omicron is on course to become the dominant COVID strain in the U.S., even as Delta is causing another spike in cases. According to Johns Hopkins University data, cases across the country are up 40% from last month, with New York City as a major hotspot. Outbreaks are now causing Broadway performances to be canceled, colleges and universities to shift to online classes, sports leagues to postpone games, and more. Dr. Jen Caudle, family physician and associate professor at Rowan University, joined Cheddar to discuss the surge in cases and how we can best protect ourselves against the new variant.
As supply chain issues continue to impact holiday shopping, many consumers are discovering that certain items are harder to find and are more expensive than in past years. However, secondary market platforms are one solution to that problem, offering shoppers an alternative place to find their favorite gifts. Jesse Einhorn, StockX senior economist, joined Cheddar to discuss how are platforms like StockX are a viable way for shoppers to avoid supply chain delays this holiday season.
Airline executives faced tough questions from Congress on Wednesday, with the Senate panel grilling top CEOs on how they used that $54 billion Covid-19 government lifeline.
This hearing comes as airlines continue to face staffing shortages and widespread delays. Jason Ader, Leisure Analyst and CEO of SpringOwl Asset Management joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
Cockroach Labs Chief Product Officer Nate Stewart joined Wake Up With Cheddar to break down the company's Series F funding and the opportunities for growth it helps open up.
Airline executives faced tough questions from a Senate panel on Wednesday after receiving a $54 billion dollar Covid-19 government lifeline. Congress approved the fund in three rounds covering much of US airlines’ payroll costs for 18 months. During the hearing lawmakers asked CEO’s how they used the federal bailout funds, about staffing issues, flight cancellations, and delays. U.S. airlines reported a record $35 billion dollar loss last year when travel came to an abrupt halt because of the pandemic. Michael Boyd, CEO at the Boyd Group International explains why customers may not be returning to the skies quite so soon.
