P.F. Chang’s Expands To-Go

P.F. Chang’s Expands To-Go

January 12, 2021
Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.

P.F. Chang’s has over 200 restaurants in the United States, and an additional 95 restaurants across 25 countries.  For the majority of these restaurants, the majority of revenue is derived from dining in the restaurant.

With its percentage of sales increasing for take-out and delivery, P.F. Chang’s has been moving away from traditional dine-in restaurants.  Even before the pandemic, the company closed its Chicago dine-in restaurant and opened three to-go restaurants throughout the Chicago area.  Their plan is to open three to-go restaurants in New York City, with an additional 12 to-go locations throughout the United States.

The to-go locations use a smaller footprint by not having a dining area.  A traditional P.F. Chang’s restaurant would be approximately 7,000 square feet.  The to-go version will be between 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.  These to-go sites will offer a reduced menu, concentrating on customer favorites.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Restaurant Dive article, P.F. Chang’s Continues Takeout-Only Expansion with NYC Launch, by Julie Littman, October 19, 2020; the Jacksonville Daily Record article, P.F. Chang’s bringing To Go concept Continue reading →

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The Case of the Disappearing Daigou

The Case of the Disappearing Daigou

January 10, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

Disappearing daigou are causing sales in Australia to plummet in key industries like infant formula, personal care and beauty, and nutritional supplements.

Daigou in Australia are personal shoppers who ship products to China. In this multi-billion dollar industry, millions in revenue have been lost by dairy and supplement brands because of changes precipitated by the pandemic.  Australian baby formula companies like Bubs, Nuchev, and A2 join others in daigou-driven markets to find new distribution strategies to get their products into the hands of Chinese consumers.

Pandemic-related issues are causing major shifts in this dynamic market and how it operates.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the ABC News Australia article, Chinese personal shoppers and Australian brands devastated by impact of coronavirus, by Bang Xiao, October 17, 2020; the Sydney Morning Herald article, A2 Milk to boost direct China sales as daigou market sours, by Dominic Powell, December 18, 2020; the AFR article, Disappearing daigou pull rug from Bubs and Nuchev (requires subscription), by Simon Evans, November 3, 2020; and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: Continue reading →

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Pandemic Speeds the Transition to Virtual Queuing

Pandemic Speeds the Transition to Virtual Queuing

January 10, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

Will queues become a thing of the past?

Realistically, some queues will still exist post-pandemic, but many that go virtual now for health and safety reasons may stay virtual for efficiency’s sake later on.

Technology is becoming an invaluable tool in keeping customers safe, whether they are waiting to enter a favorite pub, spending time in airports, or seeking urgent care.  Magnetic queuing grids, timed-entry passes, and virtual lines are making waiting safer, more efficient, and more pleasant, and it appears that they are here to stay.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on The Atlantic article, The pandemic could end waiting in line, by Elissaveta M. Brandon, October 28, 2020; the Cinema Blend article, How Waiting In Line Works At Disney World During The Pandemic, by Mack Rawden, November 11, 2020; and the YouTube videos in the Spotlight. Image source: Peeradontax/Shutterstock

Discussion Questions:

1. What applications of virtual queues are being used to better manage Continue reading →

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