*By Michael Teich* Convenience has been the prime selling point for fast-food joints for decades, but new technology and a surplus of on-demand delivery options are eating away at the value proposition for companies building their business around speed and drive-thru lanes. "Delivery is really reshaping the whole landscape, and those that are early adapters are really going to benefit," said White Castle VP Jamie Richardson in an interview with Cheddar. The popularity of on-demand delivery services has prompted restaurants to either create partnerships with those companies or risk falling behind and missing out on consumers who prioritize convenience. White Castle has made an effort to get on-board early by expanding delivery to more than 300 locations in partnerships with GrubHub ($GRUB), DoorDash, Postmates, and Uber Eats. "It's changing everything," Richardson added. White Castle's mobile app is another way the Columbus-based chain is looking to optimize the consumer experience and boost sales. Richardson told Cheddar that White Castle's app "doubled in terms of the percent of sales it represented this year." People who order fast food via a mobile app or online increase their spending by 20 percent, according to Deloitte. "For us, it's all about the app. The mobile app is something we can empower each of our customers with," he said. While technological advancements and speed of delivery improve the consumer experience, quality of food and menu diversity are also crucial, Richardson stressed. Four months ago, White Castle became the largest fast-food chain to implement the Impossible Burger, a meatless burger substitute, on its menu. It's not just for vegans, he said. "People love a range of tastes."

Share:
More In Business
Poll: More Americans think companies benefit from legal immigration
A new poll finds U.S. adults are more likely than they were a year ago to think immigrants in the country legally benefit the economy. That comes as President Donald Trump's administration imposes new restrictions targeting legal pathways into the country. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey finds Americans are more likely than they were in March 2024 to say it’s a “major benefit” that people who come to the U.S. legally contribute to the economy and help American companies get the expertise of skilled workers. At the same time, perceptions of illegal immigration haven’t shifted meaningfully. Americans still see fewer benefits from people who come to the U.S. illegally.
Tylenol maker rebounds a day after unfounded claims about its safety
Shares of Tylenol maker Kenvue are bouncing back sharply before the opening bell a day after President Donald Trump promoted unproven and in some cases discredited ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism. Trump told pregnant women not to use the painkiller around a dozen times during the White House news conference Monday. The drugmaker tumbled 7.5%. Shares have regained most of those losses early Tuesday in premarket trading.
Load More