The Chicken Sandwich Wars Continue

The Chicken Sandwich Wars Continue

April 26, 2021
Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.

The Great Chicken Sandwich War began on August 12, 2019. Popeyes introduced its new chicken sandwich.  Chick-fil-A tweeted about its chicken sandwich being the original. Popeyes responded with, “Y’all good?”

This was the beginning of a social media war that brought a great deal of attention to Popeyes’ chicken sandwich.  Other restaurants joined in the social media war, including Wendy’s and Shake Shack.

The attention, along with outstanding initial reviews of the sandwich, led to long lines and shortages of chicken sandwiches at Popeyes.  Demand for its chicken sandwich was so great that Popeyes had to stop selling it to adjust its supply chain to the unanticipated demand.  The chicken sandwich didn’t return until November 3, 2019.

Popeyes’ sales have been boosted by the chicken sandwich, with system-wide sales increasing 19% in 2020.

With the popularity of the chicken sandwich, a variety of competitors have either launched a chicken sandwich, or developed a new chicken sandwich.  These competitors include KFC, Chick-fil-A, Church’s Chicken, Wendy’s, Zaxby’s, BurgerFi, Jack in the Box, Carl Jr., Sonic, Shake Shack, Boston Market, McDonald’s, and Burger King.

The most interesting addition is Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich Taco.  Limited distribution Continue reading →

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LocusBots Track Real-Time Warehouse Operations

LocusBots Track Real-Time Warehouse Operations

April 3, 2021
Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.

In response to a surge in e-commerce, Locus Robotics is developing better and more efficient robots to handle increased warehousing demand.

Locus Robotics’ robots are called “LocusBots”.  They are autonomous and mobile and can track real-time warehouse operations using iPhone or wearable technology.

New features for LocusBots to better handle item picking and handling in warehouses are in the research and development stage.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Forbes article, Meet The Newest Robotics Unicorn: Locus Robotics Raises $150 Million At A $1 Billion Valuation On Surging E-Commerce Sales, by Amy Feldman,  February 17, 2021, and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: Baloncici/iStock/Getty Images

Discussion Questions:

1. What impacts do robots have on warehouse operations?

Guidance: Robots are automating warehouse operations in general, and item picking and handling in particular. A robot can pick up more bulky/heavy items, and move them to desirable locations, faster than its human counterpart.  Warehouse operations will be more efficient and reliable and have less errors and injuries.

2.  In what ways is product design important to Continue reading →

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The Rebirth of Ice Cream Deliveries

The Rebirth of Ice Cream Deliveries

December 15, 2020
Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.

In the early 1900s, salespeople delivered Wall’s ice cream on tricycles. Today, the concept is resurrected.

Thomas Wall started selling ice cream as a seasonal product designed to offset slumping sausage sales during the summer. Lever Brothers bought Wall’s company; it later merged with Maragarine Unie to become Unilever, a multinational corporation now known as the “king of ice cream.”  Sold in 63 countries, its ice cream brand portfolio now accounts for 19% of the global market. In 2020, as the pandemic lingered on and people spent more time at home, the company brought back the old concept of delivering ice cream on wheels, but this time directly to consumers’ homes. The company constantly innovates. Nevertheless, uncertainty about future lockdowns in 2021 makes the next big idea a little elusive.

Video Spotlight: How a Viennetta Is Made

This post is based on the CNN article, This Company Conquered the Ice Cream Market. Home Delivery Is the Final Frontier, by H. Ziadi, November 14, 2020, and the YouTube video, How a Viennetta Is Made, by d100965, November 17, 2013. Image source: M. Unal Ozmen / Shutterstock.

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe the evolution of ice Continue reading →

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