Following a thorough beta testing phase in Southern California, Robomart has announced ambitious expansion plans for its store-hailing service utilising fully autonomous vehicles. The start-up, based in Los Angeles, intends to introduce fully autonomous vehicles by the end of 2025, expanding its fleet by adding 102 mobile stores in the forthcoming months. These vans, offering ice cream and snacks typical of convenience stores, are set to commence operations in late summer, with the rollout extending over 12 months, as shared by Ali Ahmed, CEO and co-founder of Robomart, with Food on Demand. Robomart positions itself as a direct-to-consumer platform, presenting…
Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and editor with a deep passion for the culinary arts. With over two decades of experience in the world of food writing, Sam has become a distinguished voice in the industry, renowned for his insightful reviews, engaging storytelling, and unwavering commitment to highlighting the finest in gastronomy. As the Editor-in-Chief of Feast Magazine, he leads a dynamic team dedicated to exploring the diverse and ever-evolving culinary landscape. Sam's journey into food journalism began with a childhood fascination for cooking, inspired by his grandmother's kitchen where he first learned the magic of blending flavors and crafting delicious meals. This early love for food led him to pursue a degree in Journalism from the University of Leeds, where he honed his skills in writing and developed a keen eye for detail. Throughout his career, Sam has traveled extensively, tasting and documenting cuisines from around the world. His articles are known for their rich, vivid descriptions and his ability to convey the cultural contexts of the dishes he explores. Whether it's a hidden gem in a bustling city or a traditional dish in a remote village, Sam's work brings the reader right to the heart of the culinary experience. Under Sam's leadership, Feast Magazine has flourished, earning accolades for its in-depth features, exclusive interviews with top chefs, and comprehensive guides to the best dining spots. His editorial vision emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and authenticity in the culinary world, ensuring that the magazine not only entertains but also educates and inspires its readers. Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is an advocate for food education and sustainable practices. He frequently participates in panels, workshops, and community events, sharing his expertise and fostering a greater appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of ethical food consumption. In his free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring local farmers' markets, and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. His personal blog, where he shares his culinary adventures and recipes, has a loyal following, further cementing his status as a trusted authority in the world of food. Sam Allcock's dedication to his craft and his genuine love for all things culinary make him a pivotal figure in food journalism, continuously inspiring and delighting food enthusiasts around the globe.
For the first time, a group of academics from McMaster University has formulated protocols aimed at guiding families eager to enhance their children’s resilience against common food allergens. These global protocols were unveiled on 8 April in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, detailing the methods for standardising the preparatory steps for families contemplating oral immunotherapy. This treatment involves administering minuscule quantities of an allergen, like peanuts, to individuals and incrementally increasing the dosage to bolster their tolerance. The team of researchers highlighted the previous lack of evidence-based advice available for clinicians advising parents on this procedure for their…
KFC has unveiled “Taste of KFC Deals,” a fresh value menu offering options from £4.99 to cater to budget-conscious consumers. These new deals, available from 8th April 2024, can be ordered seven days a week at KFC outlets across the US until the year’s end. Customers can also place orders online via KFC.com and the KFC app, facilitating advance orders for collection from the Quick Pick-Up shelf, bypassing queues. “Taste of KFC Deals” presents meal options for individuals, couples, and families. The £4.99 Meal for One comprises two pieces of chicken (a drum and thigh), mashed potatoes with gravy, and…
The Happy Belly Food Group, a consolidator of food brands, has unveiled a significant expansion for its Yolks Breakfast brand with a five-unit franchise agreement in Ontario, Canada. This deal marks the first multi-unit franchise agreement for Yolks, a boutique restaurant brand renowned for its breakfast and brunch offerings in the Vancouver area. Sean Black, Chief Investment Officer of Happy Belly, remarked that the agreement signifies the company’s first five of 20 units committed for Yolks Breakfast in Ontario under the area development agreement. Black stated, “The breakfast category is one of the hottest and fastest-growing sectors of the restaurant…
UK-based premium food delivery platform Supper London has officially ceased all operations, as reported by Restaurantonline.co.uk. The company, recognized for its specialized delivery fleet and direct employment of drivers, closed down after liquidation earlier this year. The decision follows a turbulent period during which the company remained under administration throughout the previous year, despite experiencing a substantial increase in turnover during the Covid-19 pandemic. Documents from the administration, cited by Restaurantonline.co.uk, indicate that Supper London was “consistently profitable,” with the pandemic contributing to a tenfold increase in turnover. This growth prompted a £2.4m ($3.03m) equity and debt fundraising from investment…
A report commissioned by the government suggests that Australian supermarkets should incur fines up to A$10m ($6.6m) for “serious” infringements of the nation’s grocery code. The interim review, released today (8 April) and spearheaded by ex-Small Businesses Minister, Dr Craig Emerson, has recommended that the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct become obligatory. The report emphasises the necessity of enforceable regulations to address the “heavy imbalance in market power” observed between major Australian grocers – namely Woolworths, Coles, Metcash, and Aldi – and their suppliers. Dr Emerson criticised the current voluntary code, stating, “The voluntary code of conduct has no…
Subway has unveiled plans to introduce a novel range of lavash-style wraps across its US outlets starting from 11 April 2024. This innovation represents the brand’s inaugural new bread variety in a span of three years. The lavash-style flatbread, drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern culinary traditions, boasts a soft, bubbly texture that accommodates more fillings than a conventional wheat tortilla, capable of enveloping a footlong serving of protein within a six-inch wrap. The forthcoming menu presents four lavash selections: Homestyle Chicken Salad, Honey Mustard Chicken, Turkey, Bacon & Avocado, and Cali Caprese. The Homestyle Chicken Salad wrap comprises a chicken…
QuattroR, a private equity firm, has acquired a 50% interest in the esteemed Italian coffee conglomerate, the Massimo Zanetti Beverage (MZB) Group, renowned for its global presence across more than 110 markets and operating 20 coffee roasteries around the world. The specifics of the financial transaction remain undisclosed but entail a substantial capital boost for the MZB Group. This group is the custodian of over 40 coffee and tea labels, including distinguished names like Segafredo Zanetti, Boncafé, and Chock Full o’Nuts. Despite its roots in Italy, the brand’s international sales now represent in excess of 90% of its revenue. Boasting…
Good Group Australia, the entity behind the Botswana Butchery brand and the Asian dining concept White & Wong, has initiated voluntary administration proceedings. The fate of three Botswana Butchery establishments in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra – each launched in February 2024 – is presently uncertain. These venues continue to operate as usual. The predicament for the related dining experiences, White + Wong’s and Wong Baby, is considerably more severe, with operations at all sites coming to a halt. Appointed administrators from BDO Australia, Andrew Sallway and Duncan Clubb, have embarked on what they term an “urgent assessment” of the firm’s…
Kendall-Jackson has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to become the esteemed league’s first official wine partner. This partnership is deeply rooted in the love for basketball by the brand’s founder, Jess Jackson, and his friendship with NBA icon Nate Thurmond, a legacy that has been cherished and continued by subsequent generations of his family. Initiated during the pandemic, the collaboration saw Kendall-Jackson engaging the NBA community with their esteemed wines, including their flagship Chardonnay and selections from Napa Valley, Willamette Valley, and internationally from Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Australia. This initiative even featured a wine…