May 22, 2013

Starbucks

What to Do About Waste
November 2010

When New York City–based burger concept 4food opened its first location in August, the media buzz it generated mostly stemmed from its innovative use of technology and social media. Plasma TV screens adorn its walls, including one that scrolls customer tweets. iPads are used to order food...

The Price is Complicated
November 2010

Setting the right price points is no easy task. In today’s post-recessionary economy, product pricing is particularly tricky because consumers’ perception of value is confounding and seems to shift constantly. People will camp out overnight for the chance to buy a $499 iPad, but you...

Starbucks Makes a Deal with Magic Johnson

Company acquires Magic Johnson Enterprises’ remaining 50 percent interest in Urban Coffee Opportunities (UCO), a partnership formed 12 years ago to build Starbucks stores in underserved neighborhoods.

The 30-Day Challenge
September 2010
Starbucks Wants You to "Give a Gift" via Facebook
The app allows users to put money on their friends' Starbucks cards, making for a pleasant surprise.
The Bistro Solution
October 2010

Several years ago, Marriott executives determined they were letting revenue walk out the front doors of their Courtyard hotels, which are tailored to frequent business travelers, or “FBTs.” At the time, Courtyard’s breakfast offering was the full-...

Starbucks to Raise Some Prices, Lower Some Prices
Due to increases in the price of green arabica coffee, coffee giant will lower the price of some of its most popular beverages but raise prices of labor-intensive and larger-sized beverages.
Nigel Travis Talks Dunkin’s Strategy
September 2010

The midst of the worst recession in decades may seem like a tough time to take the reins of a restaurant company that sells discretionary treats not needed in the everyday diet. However, Nigel Travis, whom Dunkin’ Brands hired to head its Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands in...

Starbucks VIA Now Has More Options
Instant coffee product will now be sold in Vanilla, Mocha, Caramel, and Cinnamon Spice flavors.
Wendy's, In-N-Out Win Big in Zagat Survey
Wendy's takes Top Food crown among chains with more than 5,000 units, while In-N-Out is tops in the less-than-5,000 category.
Culture, Technology Merge in Starbucks Network
Company announces partnerships with Rodale, Nick Jr. Boost, and DonorsChoose.org in its Starbucks Digital Network, slated to launch in the fall.
Sales of Starbucks VIA Cross $100 Million
Ready Brew product crosses $100 million in global sales just 10 months after its debut.
Renaissance Brand
August 2010

There was a time, not that long ago, when customers lined up in droves to get a hot Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut. People clamored to purchase franchise rights and throw open the doors as quickly as possible. Life at Krispy Kreme was looking up. 

Until...

Some Winners, Some Losers in Satisfaction Survey

Nine of 10 brands studied by American Customer Satisfaction Index show an increase in satisfaction between 2009 and 2010.

Free WiFi For All at Starbucks
Today's the day that Starbucks turns on free WiFi at U.S. and Canadian company-operated stores.
Good Karma, Collaboration Help Starbucks Go Green
Company's betacup campaign, which wrapped Friday, tapped the ideas of the consumer to brainstorm ways to make its cups fully reusable or recyclable by 2015.
QSR Pulls Out All the Stops at NRA
Have you stopped by booth 4861 to win a free iPod or iPad and grab your own copy of QSR's May issue?
Biggest Focus Group in the World?
New online service, MyBrandz, gives fans of quick-serve brands a place for community with fellow lovers of the brands.
Starbucks' Frappuccino Comes However You Want It
New blended beverages in all U.S. and Canada retail stores lets customers choose from a variety of fresh milks or soy, choose the intensity of their coffee, and pick any combination of syrups or toppings.
The 10 Most Innovative People
May 2010

Never before has innovation been as essential to running a successful quick-serve restaurant concept.

During what has turned out to be the most daunting recession in our nation’s history, innovation has been the driving force for the concepts that are...