Escalating Trends or Events on the Rise

Escalating Trends or Events on the Rise

Unleashing the Future: A Fresh Look at Delivery's Evolution

Yo, what's good, fam! Glad to see you're all here for another week of updates from Branded. Let's dive right in, shall we?

This past weekend, Team Branded hit up the NRF '24, take place every year right in the heart of NYC at the fashionable Jacob Javits Center. As retail's "Big Show," NRF always brings together thousands of retail brands from all over the world, showcasing the latest trends and technologies in the industry.

But honestly, the buzz this year was off the charts—we're talking non-stop hype around one particular topic: artificial intelligence (AI). If Schatz and I had taken a shot every time someone mentioned AI or dropped the "AI" acronym, we'd have knocked back drinks quicker than you can say, "appetizer special!"

That's why for this week's Top of the Fold, I'm shining the spotlight on the Rising, or in simpler terms, the rise of native and white-label delivery platforms, and the operators taking back control of their guests. I'm specifically referring to native delivery and 'ghost' delivery platforms that are revolutionizing the delivery game, and helping operators fight back against the third-party delivery giants.

There's been a ton of hubbub lately about regulatory changes impacting the hospitality industry, and legislation affecting the restaurant sector directly. If you're curious about what that means for your business, check out these links that break down the changes and their implications:

• What can restaurants expect from government in 2024?
• Here is what's on the regulatory horizon in 2024
• The bottom line: managing your finances amidst rising wage regulations

As an operator-first investment platform committed to emerging technology and innovative solutions that boost margins and enhance efficiency, I'm less interested in the specifics of the legislation, but rather the consequences—for good or ill—it may have on our industry peers. I've always been a fierce mutha, but I've also learned that in many situations, you're either the windshield or the bug, like it or not (and I usually don't).

The vast majority of the industry (looking at you, hospitality operators) can consider themselves the proverbial bug when it comes to legislation, since they don’t have much power to influence what happens in city hall. Sure, you might want to speak up and fight, but let's be real, that's not always the most effective approach. Instead, I'd recommend engaging with your local legislators, and sharing your firsthand expertise about how regulatory changes impact the cost of operations for restaurants.

But hey, this week's Top of the Fold ain't about legislation—instead, I'd like to point out some key industry changes unfolding in this ever-evolving landscape. As our diligence process shows, we look to subject matter experts to help us gauge the impact of regulatory changes on operators, particularly in terms of costs.

One thing is clear—there's no denying the rise of native delivery and white-label solutions taking over the delivery market. These platforms are gaining ground, offering a more operator-friendly user experience with lower costs compared to third-party delivery services. Heck, even my old man values common sense, and we can see how increased operational costs translate into higher costs for consumers. Just take a look at what's happening in states with rising wage laws, for example. Delivery fees are heading up, and guests' awareness of the costs involved in delivery is on the rise.

Here are some white-label and native delivery platforms that are making a splash in the industry, helping operators reclaim their guests and save a stack of cash:

1. Incentivio
2. Chowly
3. Lunchbox

But that's far from it—there are plenty more platforms that cater to various sizes of operations, from independents to enterprise. Whether you're a solo operator or running a big ‘ol restaurant empire, there's a solution out there waiting for you.

Pick-up and takeaway (for my fellow Europan friends) represent an excellent opportunity to win big and cut costs. Guests are becoming increasingly aware of the costs associated with delivery, so it's time for you, as an operator, to seize the moment and promote your white-label solutions. Here are some pick-up solutions that will improve the guest experience and lighten the load for your team:

1. Curbit
2. Minnow

It's no secret that the growth of off-premise business (delivery and takeaway) has expanded restaurants' dining rooms exponentially, but that's putting a strain on operations, mang. The chance to leverage the tools designed for your business and boost efficiency and guest engagement is ripe for the picking. If you're ready to get started, Branded is here to lend a helping hand.

Now, I know I promised to keep the "easy" word out of my vocabulary, but I gotta say there are tools and companies designed to support operators—those that understand the industry, workflows, and critical need for guest engagement. It's a community that Branded feels fortunate to be a part of, and one we're dedicated to building and nurturing.

NRF's annual get-together, aka the "Big Show," is always a can't-miss event for Branded, and this year was no different. Shoutout to all the retail bigwigs stomping around the Javits Center, like the fabulous John Furner from Walmart, the legendary Martha Stewart, Magic Johnson (and his CEO crew), and Arianna Huffington.

Even if you weren't making headlines on the main stage, there was no way Team Branded missed the action in the Foodservice Innovation Zone. This space was dedicated to technology shaping the food game, and we couldn't have been happier to see the importance of ResTech and FoodTech on full display. Shoutout to our corporate partners, like Middleby Corporation, PepsiCo, and NCR, for showing off their game-changing goods.

One standout from NRF 2024? The immersive activations! These experiences let attendees step into real-life environments, interact with cutting-edge technology, and get a taste of the future. It made me realize just how much innovation is out there, and how we're only in the beginning stages of the digital revolution. Can't wait to see what They've got cooked up for NRF 2025!

But wait, quick shoutout to our favorite Sunday Funday event happening this weekend right here in the tri-state area—Isabelle's Restaurant is all set for their first brunch party extravaganza! Head over to [email protected] to RSVP and don't forget to check out Tablz, Branded's very own virtual dining room, y'all!

Hungry for more details about Branded's portfolio companies, investment strategies, and future opportunities? Join our Access Hospitality Network and get the scoop on all things Branded. Just shoot us an email at Request More Information.

This week, we stopped by the Hospitality Hangout podcast and had two amazing industry leaders, Lance Trenary from Golden Corral Corporation, and Roy Gilad from Vitality Bowls, sitting down with Michael Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling. Give it a listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts!

That's all for this week! Don't forget to tune in next week for all the brand-new tasty morsels we've got cooking up for you.

It takes a village…

🔍 Got questions? Ask away! I'll be here next week, ready to drop some knowledge on ya. Hope you homies enjoyed this week's read. Peace out!

Jimmy Frisch & Julia SuchockiBranded Hospitality Ventures[email protected] & [email protected]235 Park Ave South, 4th Fl | New York, NY 10003

Branded Hospitality Ventures ("Branded") is an investment and advisory platform at the intersection of food service, technology, innovation and capital. As experienced hospitality owners and operators, Branded brings value to its portfolio companies through investment, strategic counsel, and its deep industry expertise and connections.

Learn more about Branded here: Branded At-A-Glance January 2024

1. The rise of native and white-label delivery platforms, such as Incentivio, Chowly, and Lunchbox, is revolutionizing the delivery market, offering a more operator-friendly user experience at lower costs compared to third-party services.
2. Operators can take advantage of pick-up and takeaway solutions like Curbit and Minnow to improve the guest experience, lighten the load for their team, and cut costs as guests become aware of the costs associated with delivery.
3. As an operator-first investment platform, Branded invests in technology and solutions that boost margins and enhance efficiency, focusing on regulatory changes' impact on the hospitality industry and the potential consequences for business operations.
4. In the hospitality sector, operators often find themselves vulnerable when it comes to influencing legislation, making engagement with local legislators and sharing firsthand expertise about the cost impact of regulatory changes crucial.

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