Weekly Global News Wrap: Ghost kitchens could be US$1t market by 2030; Uber acquires Postmates; Starbucks implements mask policy

Here is a summary of the most interesting QSR news stories of the week from around the world.

Starbucks will now require customers in the U.S. to wear masks at company-operated stores amidst rising coronavirus cases in parts of the country. The Wall Street Journal reports the move will cover about 8,900 locations. Read more here.

Uber has officially acquired Postmates for US$2.65 billion. In an interview with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Fast Company suggested Postmates’ technology and people will very likely be used to deliver home products, aside from a widened food delivery reach. Read more here.

Larger restaurant chains in the U.S. have largely recovered from the coronavirus pandemic, whilst the rest of the industry is taking longer to bounce back, according to a Bank of America study. As CNBC reports, spending at small chains and independent restaurants lagged large chains by about 20%. Read more here.

Ghost kitchens, or facilities that produce food only for delivery with no dine-in or customer facing areas, could create a US$1 trillion global opportunity by 2030, according to a Euromonitor International. As reported by Restaurant Dive, the firm predicts cheaper, faster and more reliable delivery could help this segment capture 50% of drive-thru service (US$75 billion), 50% of takeaway foodservice (US$250 billion), and 35% of ready meals (US$40 billion). Read more here.

Yum! Brands has named Cameron Davies to the new role of chief data officer. As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News, he will be responsible for modernizing the foundation of Yum’s data capabilities, including reliable data storage and access, monitoring and reporting. Read more here.