Features
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?
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'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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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Alabama CS operator weathers COVID-19 focusing on safety, secures PPP loan
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Gulf Coast Canteen has so far weathered the setback reasonably well under the direction of company president Greg Breland, a longtime industry veteran who.took…
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Looking to reopen an amusement center? The first steps are the hardest
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Before reopening an amusement center, a facility must be properly sanitized and new operating procedures need to be in place. A panel of operators shared their…
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How self-service equipment helps define the 'new normal' against COVID-19
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Self-service equipment manufacturers have introduced machines that dispense packaged safety equipment and liquid sanitizers. Some have introduced touchless…
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Convenience services leaders: Use the downtime to boost customer communication
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
The COVID-19 outbreak has provided companies an opportunity to enhance communication outreach and establish stronger customer relationships. This marks an…
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Amusement centers face challenges reopening: a report from the front lines
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Amusement center operators share notes on their initial efforts to reopen following COVID-19 closures. Challenges include deploying new operating procedures…
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Foodservice companies, grocers work together to fulfill labor, worker needs
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
As consumers stock up on groceries to follow shelter-in-place orders, restaurants are laying off workers as retailers face a shortage.
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COVID-19 and convenience services: 'New normal' demands flexibility
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Three veteran operators from different parts of the country gave an overview of how their operations have changed during a webinar last week presented by the…
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Are you ready to reopen your amusement center?
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
A webinar sponsored by the American Amusement Machine Association gave an overview of financial forecasting for entertainment centers that have been shuttered…
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Will COVID-19 make convenience services a preferred shopping destination?
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Conveniences services leaders agree that the coronavirus pandemic is making consumers more inclined to use unattended retail solutions, but there was less…
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PPP loans perplex borrowers: Experts offer guidance
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
A Tuesday webinar sponsored by the American Amusement Machine Association attempted to give guidance to companies trying to navigate the process of applying…
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Small businesses prepare for second chance at SBA loans
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Businesses that lost out on the first round of funding from Small Business Administration loans for relief from the coronavirus pandemic have been given a…
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Will the pandemic affect coffee sales? 2010 data gives clues
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
In-home coffee preparation grew during the Great Recession, but consumers did not exit the category. Since then, more coffee offerings have been introduced to…
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How to build a COVID-19 recovery plan
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
A webinar sponsored by the American Amusement Machine Association addressed all the issues involved in preparing a COVID-19 recovery plan.
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SBA runs out of COVID-19 relief money; lawmakers fight over refunding
by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
Two Small Business Administration programs designed to help businesses weather the pandemic — the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster…
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Pandemic piques interest in 'brick-oven-style' pizza vending machines
by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group
Can you really get a pizza that tastes like it was fired in a brick oven from a high-tech vending machine? Basil Street Cafe thinks so, as it prepares to roll…
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