Demand for BK’s Impossible Whopper Strains Supply

Demand for BK’s Impossible Whopper Strains Supply

June 2, 2019
David Little, Ph.D.

Burger King’s pilot of the Impossible Whopper spread rapidly from St. Louis to three more cities.

This plant-based patty from Impossible Foods has the consistency and flavor of a traditional hamburger.  Burger King has already experienced product shortages in its test markets.

Increasing demand for its plant-based burgers has already led Impossible Foods to add a third shift and build a second production line.

Video Spotlight: Trying Burger King’s Impossible Whopper

This post is based on the CNN article, Burger King is bringing the Impossible Whopper to three new cities, by Danielle Wiener-Bronner, May 14, 2019; and the YouTube video, Trying Burger King’s Impossible Whopper, by CNET, April 1, 2019. Image source: Foodcollection

Discussion Questions:

1. Which inventory management system would be helpful at Burger King to better manage the Impossible Burger product?

Guidance: Students will likely choose the fixed-order quantity system with safety stock.  However, this is a chance to discuss whether this new product is a fad.  Should inventory be managed differently or not?

2. How can Burger King create a competitive advantage with the Impossible Whopper, given that other fast food chains are already sourcing from Impossible Continue reading →

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Panera Pushes Breakfast as Lunch Maxes Capacity

Panera Pushes Breakfast as Lunch Maxes Capacity

May 2, 2019
David Little, Ph.D.

Panera is reaching maximum capacity at lunch in many locations.

To continue growing, the company is exploring opportunities in the breakfast time slot.  Panera provides alternative options to traditional fast-food, and is also trying out a new ordering app.

The key is to provide the customer with a speedy delivery process while maintaining quality.

Video Spotlight: Panera expanding on breakfast

This post is based on the CNN article, Why Panera is redoing breakfast, by Danielle Wiener-Bronner, April 15, 2019; and the YouTube video, Panera expanding on breakfast, by WETM 18 News, April 15, 2019. Image source: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Discussion Questions:

1. What are other options to expand capacity that Panera could consider that are not mentioned in the article?

Guidance: This is a good opportunity to review service capacity options.  Panera is trying to create demand to fill the capacity at breakfast.  What could Panera do to handle more lunch demand volume?  Students should mention the “tap and go” system added to the lunch service delivery system, and discussion should include an application of both level capacity and chase demand options at Panera during lunch hour.

2. Are order winners at breakfast Continue reading →

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Warehousing Trend: Use Trailers

Warehousing Trend: Use Trailers

February 26, 2019
David Little, Ph.D.

Trailers seem to be the next trend in warehousing. It costs 50% less than brick-and-mortar to use trailers as storage space.  The issue is that trailers are only able to help with pallet inventory.

They’re not feasible for some businesses. E-commerce operations require larger brick-and-mortar footprints for picking operations.

Trailers do offer several benefits:  temporary storage to expand capacity, mobile operations as trailers can support inventory surges wherever needed, and utility in reverse logistics.

This post is based on the Supply Chain Dive article, Are trailers the next big warehousing trend?, by Gary Wollenhaupt, February 12, 2019. Image source: Prasit photo/Getty Images.

Discussion Questions:

1. How could a company determine the optimum number of trailers to own?

Guidance: Review the capacity cushion concept; this question can help to stimulate discussion about capacity cushion planning.  Students should recognize that the trailers are supplementary to brick-and-mortar operations.  Trailers could represent storage capacity cushion for a company.

2. What are the limitations to using trailers for reverse logistics?

Guidance: Possible limitations could include lack of space for a trailer at a retail location such as a mall, items that may require special handling for safety, Continue reading →

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