1. McDonald’s is acquiring a Silicon Valley voice-based startup with a focus on a “faster, simpler and more accurate” drive-thru experience. The retailer is creating a team dubbed “McD Tech Labs” in Silicon Valley to further their focus on experience and innovation.
2. Crate & Barrel to open up to 15 restaurants after announcing their first restaurant, The Table at Crate, turned a profit in its second month. The retailer also looks to use the restaurants create experiences such as cookbook dinners and chef demos.

Source: McDonald’s makes another big investment in tech innovation | Chain Store Age

Source: Crate & Barrel to expand in-store restaurant concept | Restaurant Dive