Texas operator survives pandemic setback with leasing, repairs and creative energy

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

While he admits the coronavirus is the biggest setback his business has faced to date, Chris Rodriguez is finding new ways to serve customers. He has expanded…

Office coffee service in the age of coronavirus: opportunity exists

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Researchers don't believe the OCS market will be recovering from the coronavirus soon. But by understanding new customer needs, operators can recover some of…

Coin shortage: both burden and benefit for vending

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

While the coin shortage caused by COVID-19 has inconvenienced some self-service equipment operators, others believe it has exacerbated the consumer’s adoption…

Safety tops customer concerns about amusement game centers

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The fact that less than a third of the respondents to a customer survey said they have no concerns about visiting the venues indicates amusement machine…

New virtual summit focuses on innovation, customer experience in self-service, kiosk, vending industries

Networld Media websites, Vending Times and Kiosk Marketplace, are launching a virtual summit that promises to bring attendees the very best in self-service…

Xavier combines self-service with attendants to ensure a safe foodservice operation

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The university is betting that self-service in combination with manual staffing will provide a sanitary meal experience for students.

Gameworks reopening: transparency, empathy and sanitation

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Gameworks went as far as to write and post a "staff and vendor health declaration," in both English and Spanish as part of its reopening strategy.

Workplace safety innovation lets loose

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The self service industry's response to the "new normal" began as soon as quarantines were announced in early spring. The momentum has since escalated.

Safety measures bring positive customer reviews for Xtreme Action Park reopening

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida revamped its facility, used the downtime to train employees on new sanitation and installed extensive signage to…

How to navigate the new office coffee service landscape

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The new OCS landscape requires flexibility, communication and an openness to new customer needs, according to a panel of experts during a NAMA webinar.

OCS operators strain for signs of improvement

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The office customer base has been one of the hardest hit since the lockdowns began for convenience services operators, and comments from several operators…

Feds make forgivable PPP loans easier to navigate

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The federal government recently introduced simplified PPP loan application form is part of an effort to make the PPP loan easier for companies to use since the…

Networld Media employees honor late founder Alan Fryrear

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Alan Earl Fryrear, co-founder and chairman of Networld Media Group, died at the age of 81 on June 10, 2020.

Micro markets’ sanitation case over vending

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

In response to concerns over COVID-19, micro market providers argue that micro markets are actually more sanitary than vending machines.

Starbucks closing 400 stores

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Over the next 18 months, Starbucks will increase convenience-led formats in company-operated locations with drive-thru and curbside pickup options, as well as…

Pandemic safety question: Vending machines versus micro markets?

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Are vending machines more sanitary than micro markets because the latter system presents products in open containers, allowing more customers to touch them?

'Smart fridge' vending helps build fast casual restaurant brand, offers a convenient alternative

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

After testing a "smart fridge" last year, Coolgreens established a division that includes a marketing staff and service organization. The alternative service…

Snack index: snacking remains important, but COVID-19 changes buying habits

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The majority of Americans are trying new snacks during the pandemic, with variety and convenience helping in how they make their snack choices, according to…

Are touchscreens worth it during COVID-19?

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

As the world continues to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are starting to change their habits, especially when it comes to germs and touching surfaces.

Pandemic hammers foodservice coffee sales; outlook uncertain

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Long-term, foodservice will continue to struggle to recover from COVID-19, as consumers will increase their economy focused spending. The lingering impact of…