Shake Shack Introduces Loyalty Program to Fuel Growth
Fast-casual burger chain Shake Shack is rolling out a customer loyalty program to enhance its service and accelerate its growth. Inspired by founder Danny Meyer’s “Enlightened Hospitality” philosophy, the company is investing in a digital platform designed to better understand customer preferences and foster brand loyalty. The digital shift is planned for 2025 and will reflect the evolving expectations in hospitality.
In the meantime, Shake Shack released its third-quarter financial results, reporting a 4.4% increase in same-store sales, marking its 15th consecutive quarter of growth, with systemwide sales reaching $495.1 million, a 12.8% year-over-year increase. Key contributors to this performance included targeted short-term promotions like “Chicken Sundays,” which offered free chicken sandwiches and helped build awareness of the brand’s chicken offerings. Additionally, limited-time seasonal items, such as barbecue burgers kept customers engaged. However, the company reported a net loss of $10.2 million, primarily due to costs associated with closing nine underperforming locations.
Shake Shack has set ambitious goals for expansion, planning to open 75 new locations this year and 80 to 85 more in 2025. Alongside expansion goals, the company is focused on enhancing operational efficiency, with service speed improvements that led to a small margin increase of 60 basis points in Q3. With October same-store sales up by 4.5%, Shake Shack anticipates Q4 revenue to reach up to $327 million and full-year revenue around $1.25 billion.
View Shake Shack’s full third-quarter financials here: https://investor.shakeshack.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/Shake-Shack-Announces-Third-Quarter-2024-Financial-Results/default.aspx
Winn-Dixie Adds $170,000 to its $1.9 Million in Donations to Breast Cancer Support Over the Past 16 Years
Since 2008, Winn-Dixie has partnered with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign to support breast cancer patients and survivors across the Southeast. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the company announced a $170,000 donation to the campaign, raised through the contributions of Winn-Dixie customers and associates during October. Shoppers in Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, western Georgia, Louisiana’s St. Tammany parish, and Mississippi, were invited to donate round up their purchases to contribute to the fight against breast cancer.
Winn-Dixie Regional Vice President Jennifer Robertson said, “We are honored to continue our support of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’s incredible work to stand beside every fighter, thriver, and loved one impacted by the disease. This cause is personal to so many of us, and we remain committed to nurturing the well-being of our neighbors across the Southeast. Together, we can make a positive difference by spreading hope, raising awareness, and taking action to win the fight toward a future where breast cancer is no longer a devastating part of our community’s story.”
Winn-Dixie’s commitment extends beyond monetary contributions, as the company aims to provide essential resources and support for individuals affected by breast cancer. The donation will help fund research, patient support, and awareness efforts, all critical in offering a network of hope and resilience to those impacted by breast cancer. Over the last 16 years, Winn-Dixie has donated nearly $1.9M to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.
Learn more about the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign here: https://www.cancer.org/involved/fundraise/making-strides-against-breast-cancer.html
Los Angeles Rams and ARound Bring Immersive AR Experiences to Fans With Princess Cruises and Uber Eats Partnership
The Los Angeles Rams and ARound, an innovative augmented reality (AR) platform from Stagwell, have partnered with Princess Cruises and Uber Eats to launch an AR broadcast and fan engagement platform. The collaboration, which was introduced at the Rams’ home opener, integrates live sports with interactive AR elements into in-stadium experiences and broadcasts on the stadium’s Infinity Screen.
ARound Founder and CEO Josh Beatty said, “We’re transforming how AR enhances live sports broadcasts nationwide. Whether fans engage on the Infinity Screen or through their phones, we’re creating a fully synchronized AR experience that amplifies fan engagement like never before.”
Princess Cruises’ “Touchdown Treasure” activation, a highlight of the collaboration, immerses fans in global travel experiences by transforming the stadium into destinations like Alaska and Mexico, complete with imagery of Rams players exploring these iconic locations. This AR experience, designed to blend the thrill of sports with the allure of adventure, offers fans a unique glimpse of a cruise experience. In addition to travel-inspired experiences, Uber Eats is introducing an AR component that offers in-game food and beverage deals, redeemable instantly at the stadium. By using ARound’s platform, Uber Eats provides a seamless integration where fans can enjoy special offers during key game moments.
Learn more about the ARound platform here: https://aroundar.com/
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Original Article Links:
Shake Shack to launch loyalty program
Winn-Dixie donates $170,000 to American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer®
ARound and Los Angeles Rams Team Up With Princess Cruises and Uber Eats to Launch Groundbreaking AR Broadcast Integration and Fan Engagement Platform