Publix Super Markets Donate $1 Million to Hurricane Victims
Publix Super Markets Charities has announced that it is donating $1 million to support relief efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Idalia. Publix is activating a companywide donation campaign, allowing customers and associates to help people affected by the storm. Donations may be made in any amount at checkout. Donations will continue to be accepted for the foreseeable future, based on company goals and customer response.
These funds will be used to support nonprofit organizations, including the American Red Cross, United Way and the Florida Fund, enabling them to respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
“We’re thankful to Publix Charities for their generous donation to help the people affected by Hurricane Idalia,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “And I’m proud of our more than 250,000 associates who are working hard to take care of our customers, our communities and each other every day, especially in times of disaster.”
Debit Cards Highly Popular with Growing Point-of-Sale Payment Options, J.D. Power Finds
There are many ways to pay online and in stores across the country. J.D. Power’s recent report on point-of-sale (POS) payment options has found that consumers have used no fewer than four different types of payment methods, including debit cards, cash, credit cards, digital wallets and buy now/pay later (BNPL).
The four interconnected J.D. Power syndicated studies focused on understanding consumer preference and experience with the various forms of POS payment options. The program, which includes evaluations of 30 top payment brands and 11 different payment methods, delivers a detailed, nuanced view of changing patterns of consumer behavior and preference for different forms of POS payment.
“The POS payment landscape is moving very quickly, and consumers are being confronted with so many different options that we’re seeing a real splintering of the total addressable market,” says Miles Tullo, managing director, banking and payments at J.D. Power. “Consumers now use multiple different payment options for dozens of different reasons, mostly correlated with specific needs but sometimes out of basic habit. By analyzing consumer behavior across the proliferation of different POS payment types, scenarios and consumer personas, we’re able to provide critical insights on what’s driving utilization and what steps brands need to take to scale POS payment products.”
Despite the widespread availability of new forms of digital payment, debit cards are used by more consumers than any other form of payment at the point of sale. 78% of consumers reported that they use debit cards for purchases. 74% of consumers use cash payments, followed by credit cards (66%); digital wallets (36%); gift cards (33%); Buy Now Pay Later options (28%); merchant apps (20%); checks (19%); prepaid cards (14%), among other payments forms.
Aramark Sports + Entertainment Launches Dozens of New Branded Concepts for 2023 College Football Kick-Off
As the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football season kicks off across the country, Aramark Sports + Entertainment, the food and beverage supplier at 14 collegiate football facilities, has announced a new selection of culinary options to go with its new technology to increase efficiency of service and amplify the college football experience.
“College football venues host some of the most enthusiastic and passionate sports fans in the nation, and with this season’s lineup of innovative tech offerings and culinary concepts developed in-house at Aramark, there is even more for guests to be excited about when they walk through the stadium gates,” says Alison Birdwell, President & CEO of Aramark Sports + Entertainment. “We know these fans never want to miss a moment of the game, so we’re thrilled to provide guests with solutions that get them what they need fast while also satisfying their appetites.”
Innovative Self-Checkout Technology
Aramark Sports + Entertainment has implemented new self-checkout options to streamline the customer journey inside bustling football stadiums. Purchasing gameday favorites will be more efficient thanks to the AI-powered, grab-and-go models will get fans back to the game at record speeds:
Walk Thru Bru locations: Guests 21 and older can check out faster with their drink of choice after providing valid, government-issued identification at the available Walk Thru Bru locations at East Carolina University, University of Tennessee, and the University of Washington.
Self-dispensing popcorn machines: Fans can fill up their bucket with delicious popcorn and get back to the action at select stadiums. (Virginia Tech, NC State, University of South Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and University of Washington)
Launching Signature Restaurant and Concession Concepts
Aramark’s culinary teams were hard at work this offseason creating new and unique dining concepts specifically for its collegiate football accounts. Read below to learn more about the exciting new menu options at select stadiums.
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’Pack n Cheese: A creamy mac and cheese concept. (NC State)
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Bakes & BBQ: Sweet and savory – fans can try a local apple fritter pulled pork sandwich. (University of Washington)
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Black Sail Grill: Hamburgers, hot dogs, and bratwursts from a new Black Sail Grill tent; grilled items – including Philly cheesesteaks – at a new food truck location. (East Carolina University)
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Cackalacky BBQ Shack: Carolina barbecue favorites with a standout pulled pork mac and cheese using the officially licensed Tar Heels BBQ Sauce. (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill)
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City Steak: Philly cheesesteaks with signature topping options, in addition to fan favorites such as hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts. (Virginia Tech)
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Fire in the Hole BBQ: Pork and chicken barbecue sandwiches with a wide range of zesty sauces. (East Carolina University)
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Hokie Float: Serving refreshing Coca-Cola® floats with vanilla ice cream as well as cookie ice cream sandwiches. (Virginia Tech)
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HuskyVines: Showcasing a rotation of featured wines from University of Washington alumni wineries. (University of Washington)
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Margarita Casita: Frozen drinks on deck for fans to enjoy popular margaritas and more. (University of Arizona)
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Southern Slushie: Thirst-quenching spot offering frozen daquiris, domestic beers, seltzers, and more. (University of South Carolina)
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Twisted Toppings: Pretzels with a twist – fans can try a classic Bavarian pretzel or opt for a cheesy pizza pretzel. (Virginia Tech)
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Wolfpack Grill: Cheesesteaks hot off the grill in addition to traditional gameday fare. (NC State)
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