BurgerFi Redefines the Fast-Casual Dining Experience with Industry-Leading Innovation and Creativity

Rhea-AI Summary

BurgerFi, a leading fast-casual restaurant chain, is enhancing the dining experience through innovative technologies in response to labor shortages and changing consumer preferences. Testing five new strategies, including in-car ordering via Mavi.io, the introduction of Patty the Robot for customer service, and QR code table ordering, the brand aims to improve efficiency and guest satisfaction. Additionally, BurgerFi operates 25 ghost kitchens and opened a hybrid food hall in Chicago, showcasing its commitment to growth and delivery options. Recognized as a top brand in the fast-casual sector, BurgerFi continues to focus on quality and innovation.

Positive

• Introduction of innovative technologies like in-car ordering and Patty the Robot to enhance customer experience.
• Expansion of ghost kitchens and a hybrid food hall in Chicago to meet growing delivery demand.
• Recognition as Fast Casual's #1 Brand of the Year in 2021, indicating strong market positioning.

Negative

• None.

PALM BEACH, Fla., Dec. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BurgerFi, one of the nation's fastest-growing, premium fast-casual concepts, is testing and expanding five new technologies and creative strategies to stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences and combat widespread labor shortages that have plagued the restaurant industry since the onset of the pandemic. The brand remains at the forefront of innovation as part of its commitment to providing the best restaurant guest experience, while continuing its aggressive expansion up the Eastern Seaboard.

"While the entire restaurant industry faces macro headwinds, BurgerFi is determined to be resilient and forward-thinking," said Karl Goodhew, Chief Technology Officer at BurgerFi. "Leveraging technology is a key factor in delivering guest and employee happiness."

To satisfy the hunger of guests on-the-go, BurgerFi will be the first restaurant to launch in-car ordering in the new generation of 5G interactive cars rolling off production lines starting in the summer of 2022. Through a partnership with Mavi.io—an in-car retail marketplace that brings safe, easy, curated shopping to the dashboard of consumers' favorite cars—guests can order BurgerFi favorites, including all-natural burgers, fresh-cut fries and creamy custard shakes, from the comfort of their vehicle by using their voice or their car's interactive dashboard. It notifies the restaurant when you arrive so your fresh order can be delivered curbside.

"Mavi.io's in-car retail marketplace is driving OnMyWay Commerce^TM by doing all the work when drivers need to pick up something while on the road—whether that's a meal, a phone charger, a coffee or a few groceries—so they can make the most of every trip," said Cynthia Hollen, CEO and co-founder of Mavi.io. "A driver can just tell their car that they're hungry, for example, and the technology does the rest, identifying the best location for them to order from based on their destination, helping them order and pay, and timing their curbside pickup perfectly, so their meal is fresh and ready right when they swing by."

Acting as an extension of the BurgerFi team, Patty the Robot debuted this month at BurgerFi's Indiantown Road location in Jupiter, interacting with customers, serving meals directly to tables, and returning used trays to the kitchen. Patty is programmed to know the restaurant layout and can interact with guests to ensure she's able to get her job done. This innovation supports employees, enhancing efficiencies and allowing restaurants to provide quality guest service.

"Patty may be the answer to employee shortages across the hospitality industry," says Goodhew. "By integrating automation with human operations, we give our employees the support they need and our guests the experience they crave. Our employees will always be the most important part of the guest experience, and robots allow them to continue to focus on great hospitality."

Further redefining its service model, BurgerFi is testing QR code table ordering alongside the traditional counter ordering option to optimize the service experience. The QR codes can reduce wait times while allowing team members to focus on hospitality and fresh food preparation. Customers also have the option to order additional items during or after their meal right from their table. Simultaneously, BurgerFi also is testing self-ordering kiosks, giving guests a highly convenient and fun way to order. The units are high-tech and high-visual to help diners easily select their meal and pay.

With 25 "ghost kitchens" operating to match consumer demand for delivery, BurgerFi recently opened a hybrid food hall with both dine-in options and a commissary for delivery at Epic Kitchen in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the chain's first international ghost kitchen in Dubai. With the increase in delivery demand, Ghost kitchens help BurgerFi bring all-natural burgers and hand-cut sides to more customers while expanding reach in new markets.

BurgerFi is committed to evolving the fast-casual dining experience with a focus on technology and innovation. Named Fast Casual's #1 Brand of the Year and recognized as the top fast-casual "better burger" chain in USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards" in 2021, BurgerFi delivers on its promise of a better burger experience.

For more information and to find the nearest location, visit www.burgerfi.com and download the BurgerFi app.

About BurgerFi International (Nasdaq: BFI, BFIIW)  

Established in 2011, BurgerFi is among the nation's fastest-growing better burger concepts with 116 BurgerFi restaurants domestically and internationally including 23 corporate-owned restaurants and 93 franchised restaurants, in addition to 24 ghost kitchens as of September 30, 2021. The concept is chef-founded and is committed to serving fresh, all-natural and quality food at all locations, online, and via first-party and third-party deliveries. BurgerFi uses 100% American Angus Beef with no steroids, antibiotics, growth hormones, chemicals, or additives. BurgerFi's menu also includes high quality wagyu beef, antibiotic and cage-free chicken offerings, fresh, hand-cut sides and custard shakes and concretes. In October 2021, BurgerFi announced the acquisition of Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings with 61 company-owned locations in eight states. BurgerFi was named QSR Magazine's Breakout Brand of 2020, Fast Casual's 2021 #1 Brand of the Year, and is included in Inc. Magazine's Fastest Growing Private Companies List. In 2021, Consumer Report's Chain Reaction Report praised BurgerFi for serving "no antibiotic beef" across all of its restaurants and Consumer Reports awarded BurgerFi an "A-Grade Angus Beef" rating for the third consecutive year. To learn more about BurgerFi or to find a full list of locations, please visit www.burgerfi.com. Download the BurgerFi App on iOS or Android devices for rewards and 'Like' BurgerFi on Facebook or follow @BurgerFi on Instagram and Twitter.   

BurgerFi® is a Registered Trademark of BurgerFi IP, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BurgerFi.

Media Contact:
Christine Parsons, rbb Communications
burgerfi@rbbcommunications.com / 305-448-7450

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SOURCE BurgerFi International

FAQ

What technologies is BurgerFi testing to improve customer experience?

BurgerFi is testing technologies such as in-car ordering, Patty the Robot for service, QR code table ordering, and self-ordering kiosks.

How many ghost kitchens does BurgerFi operate as of 2021?

BurgerFi operates 25 ghost kitchens to cater to delivery demand.

What recognition did BurgerFi receive in 2021?

BurgerFi was named Fast Casual's #1 Brand of the Year and was awarded by USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards.

What is the significance of the partnership with Mavi.io for BurgerFi?

The partnership with Mavi.io allows BurgerFi to offer in-car ordering for a more convenient customer experience.

Where did BurgerFi open a hybrid food hall?

BurgerFi opened its hybrid food hall at Epic Kitchen in Chicago, Illinois.