What will the future of Starbucks look like?

This week’s episode of the restaurant news podcast The Week in Restaurants includes a discussion on Starbucks’ plans to redesign its cafes. The chain revealed that it is testing new designs that include outlets, better seating, better division with mobile orders and a more espresso-making “theater” experience. 

McDonald’s, meanwhile, is creating new Restaurant Experience Teams, including teams focused on beef, chicken and beverages, to take on more specialized competitors. Is that the right idea?

And Noodles & Company is changing its menu again. We discuss that move.

Senior Technology Editor Joe Guszkowski talks about robots on Tech Check. And we talk about how restaurants have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Check it out.