Restaurant

Manhattan Associates Momentum 2014

“We will have real-time temperature monitoring by the end of the year. Imagine what that means.”

— Tony Thompson, president and COO, Papa John’s International Inc.

“It’s hard to talk to anyone at Amazon. Everything has to be automated through their site.

After 24 years of patchwork-style growth, Wild Wing Cafe is getting serious about expansion. The chain has debuted its first-ever prototype design and, true to the brand’s roots, live entertainment is critical to the format. From the low-rise stage equipped with a special VIP entrance for musicians to an oversized video wall comprised of more than 20 screens, Wild Wing Cafe takes its motto — “Where Great Food Rocks” — seriously.

Unlike most consumers, the retail industry doesn’t take a holiday in the summer. As we head into July, three very different retail companies are very much in the news. One has the industry all abuzz over who will be its next chief, while another has launched a pioneering employee initiative. And the newly appointed chief of the third wants to turn a cult L.A. brand into a global powerhouse. I’m fascinated by all three:

•  Target: At press time, there is no clear front-runner to replace ousted CEO Gregg Steinhafel.

Youngstown, Ohio — Chipotle Mexican Grill will debut at the Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville, Ohio, in November. It will be the first Chipotle in the Ohio Valley region. The restaurant’s 2,195-sq.-ft. space is in a building currently undergoing renovation. Two other new merchants, to be announced in the near future, will join Chipotle in the building.

Cafaro affiliated companies own and manage the recently renovated Ohio Valley Mall.

Ann Arbor, Mich. - Domino's Pizza is partnering with gamification provider Quikly to give one customer free pizza for a year. Consumers can register for the Fan Perks giveaway beginning June 24, and participate in the giveaway that will take place at a time designed to surprise Domino's customers.

Retailers employing variety of solutions to reinvent the checkout

The store is generally considered to represent the “last mile” of the retail supply chain. In recent years, retailers have focused on making this final, crucial step as easy and convenient for customers as possible.

Seattle – Starbucks appears to be targeting afternoon shoppers with new soda and sandwich offerings. Starting June 24, Starbucks is expanding its cold beverage portfolio with the addition of Fizzio handcrafted sodas at about 3,500 U.S. locations.

Fizzio sodas are carbonated fresh behind the counter and debut in three flavors. Starbucks estimates the global carbonated beverage market is worth $415 billion.

Victor, N.Y. -- Bass Pro Shops announced plans for a new Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Victor, New York, which is part of the Rochester metro area. The 145,000-sq.-ft. store will be the primary anchor for Fishers Ridge, a 96-acre mixed-use development. The store has a tentative opening date of 2016.

This will be the company’s third store in New York, as it currently operates stores in Auburn and Utica. This will be the first large-format store in the Empire State.