Category Archives: Food Vending

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National Restaurant Show 2026: In search of the unified tech stack – 10 takeaways to consider, exhibits review

national restaurant show report Elliot Maras

National Restaurant Show 2026 AI makes it easier to get things done faster. But putting it in place to work right in an operation with hundreds (if not thousands) of moving parts like commercial foodservice can be overwhelming. This week’s National Restaurant Show 2026 at Chicago’s McCormick Place showcased technological strides in every aspect of foodservice operations: ordering,… Read More »

NAMA 2026: AI-drives opportunities for unattended retail; 9 takeaways to consider

AI plays a key role in convenience services post-COVID rebound “Fresh Food, No Kitchen Required” was how Aramark Refreshments greeted visitors at Imagination Way, the entry point at the NAMA 2026 trade show in Los Angeles last week. That theme carried itself throughout the Los Angeles Convention Center as attendees discovered the myriad ways unattended retail technology enables… Read More »

NRF Big Show 2026: Top 10 takeaways on push to self service, exhibitor highlights

Photo provided by the National Retail Federation. NRF Big Show 2026 Report One would be guilty of hyperbole to say that the NRF Big Show in New York City has become the largest self-service technology show in the world. But a veteran attendee can certainly say the number of unattended service exhibits has surged every year, driven by… Read More »

CES 2026: AI, robotics drive B2C/B2B crossover

Photo provided by the Consumer Technology Association. Tech Report from Las Vegas Everyone knows AI is changing the way we live. What became obvious walking the CES show this week is that everything from making the morning coffee to using the toilet to knowing the best route to get to wherever you’re going when you leave the house… Read More »

Food Lockers for Pickup – Applebees Restaurant

Applebees To Go pickup station features sleek blue lit food lockers, each labeled with messages like GREAT FOOD TO GO and EATIN’ GOOD MADE EASY. A digital screen stands on the right, while an Applebees mat completes this efficient food storage setup.

Food Lockers We were happy to see the latest food locker for pickup iteration from Apex for food pickup (Applebees). New enterprise person is Zak Bertram (ex-Grubby). We first ran into Apex in 2021 when they launched food pickup lockers for college campuses. Not too long later, all the little robot delivery automation came. Remember those? The pickup… Read More »

REDYREF Launches Smart Food Vending Kiosk

Two people stand beside a blue display fridge labeled Grab & Go from Royal Blue Grocery. Resembling a Smart Food Vending Kiosk, its stocked with packaged foods and beverages. They are indoors, near a window with a plant adding to the cozy ambiance.

Food Vending Via RFiD and RedyRef In food vending RFiD news RedyRef announces new Smart Vending Fridge deployment. This is not their first foray into vending and RFiD. See page on RedyRef. Meanwhile, RFID technology in these smart vending machines offers several benefits, including: Real-time inventory monitoring Enhanced operational efficiency Improved accuracy in tracking products Faster transactions and… Read More »