Recommended reading
More good links during a busy holiday season
I’m in the throes of a slow-slow-fast holiday season. There’s more coming from Expedite this week for paid subscribers; until then, here are a few links worth reading:
Square has some new product announcements today, including one that lets you start a tab at a bar with a credit card or digital wallet. I appreciate that technology has evolved to this point; 22-year-old Kristen would’ve loved to avoid trekking back to a bar the morning after to collect a forgotten debit card. — release
Reservations are impossible. But not all reservations are impossible! Journalist Liz Dunn asked some well-placed experts for great replacements when the hottest table in town proves too elusive. —
Will Starbucks baristas go on strike? Union workers authorized a strike at the coffee chain. The union includes 11,000 Starbucks workers across 525 US locations; 98 percent of union members voted to authorize the strike after failing to come to an agreement over pay raises, benefits, and other issues. In a statement, a Starbucks rep said, “It is disappointing that the union is considering a strike rather than focusing on what have been extremely productive negotiations.” — Fast Company
Taco Bell chicken nuggets. Okay! The chain will add the nuggets to its menu for a limited time, starting tomorrow. The chicken is coated in tortilla chips and breadcrumbs. The move, according to CNN, is “part of Taco Bell’s plan to expand its poultry portfolio.” — CNN
Fresh off news it will soon have a new owner, Grubhub is paying $25 million in a settlement with the FTC and Illinois Attorney General. It’s regarding allegations that diners were deceived about delivery costs and workers were deceived about how much money they’d make on the platform. As part of the settlement, Grubhub says it’ll increase transparency around fees and charges and Grubhub+, the company’s subscription platform. It denies the FTC claims but said in a statement that a settlement was the best way forward. — Restaurant Dive
Why are clothing brands opening restaurants? In New York, Alaïa and Prada have restaurant concepts. Now Zara’s opening cafes, the first in Madrid. More are coming to Seoul and Osaka next year. —
No one knows if Trump’s tariffs will come to food. But they could! And 97 percent of the olive oil sold in America is imported, mostly from Spain and Italy. — New York Times
DoorDash will fly some orders to customers in Dallas-Forth Worth. The delivery giant is partnering with Wing, owned by Google parent Alphabet, on deliveries from 50 merchants in as little as 15 minutes. It’s happening! — The Verge
There’s a reason Wow Bao president and CEO Geoff Alexander is a popular industry source and podcast guest: he’s spent years leaning into emerging tech that can support the business. We spoke with him on this week’s edition of the podcast, and I especially appreciate his explanation of why being first to new technology is always best, even if it doesn’t stick. — The Simmer
