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Papa Johns and Google Cloud Reimagine the Future of Food Ordering to Better Serve Customers

Papa Johns is partnering with Google Cloud to roll out an AI-powered omnichannel ordering system using Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience, bringing voice and text ordering to apps, web, phone, kiosks and in-car systems.

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Papa Johns is partnering with Google Cloud to roll out an AI-powered omnichannel ordering system using Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience, bringing voice and text ordering to apps, web, phone, kiosks and in-car systems.

american pepperoni pizza with chilli pepper and parmesan cheese

Papa Johns and Google Cloud Reimagine the Future of Food Ordering to Better Serve Customers

Papa Johns is betting big on AI-powered convenience.

At NRF 2026 in New York, the pizza chain announced a major transformation of its digital ordering experience—aimed at delivering faster ordering, improved accuracy, and real-time personalization for its 150 million-plus customers worldwide. The update is powered by Google Cloud’s newly expanded AI solution, the Food Ordering agent, part of Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience.

The key takeaway: Papa Johns is the first restaurant brand to bring these new omnichannel ordering capabilities to market—moving beyond basic chatbots and into what Google Cloud calls the era of agentic commerce, where AI doesn’t just answer questions, it actively completes tasks and improves outcomes.

From chatbot to “agentic” ordering

Food Ordering agent is designed to unify voice and text ordering across the places customers already interact with the brand—without forcing them to repeat themselves or start over when they switch channels.

Instead of treating app ordering, phone ordering, kiosks, and in-car systems as separate experiences, the platform supports high-quality voice AI agents across:

  • Mobile apps
  • Websites
  • Telephones
  • Kiosks
  • In-car systems

This is a notable shift from earlier AI deployments that focused heavily on drive-thru automation. Here, the goal is a single, consistent ordering experience where customers can order how they want, where they want, with less friction.

What Papa Johns is building with Google Cloud

Papa Johns says the new system is designed to make ordering “faster, smarter, and more seamless than ever before.” The company’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Kevin Vasconi, framed it as more than a product refresh.

“Papa Johns is a digitally-driven business and, as such, one of our strategic priorities is investing in our technology to deliver a more seamless experience across our assets and owned channels, better connect with our customers, and support greater efficiency across our operations by leveraging data and AI,” Vasconi said. “We’re using Google Cloud’s Food Ordering agent to reimagine what’s possible for our customers. This isn’t just an app update; it’s a fundamental shift in how our customers interact with our brand digitally, making it faster, smarter, and more seamless than ever before.”

The new capabilities focus on three areas that tend to create the most friction in food ordering: deals, complex orders, and repeat purchases.

Intelligent Deal Wizard: fewer abandoned carts, more confidence

One of the most common reasons customers abandon carts is uncertainty—Did I pick the best deal? Is there a better promo code? Papa Johns’ Intelligent Deal Wizard is positioned as a personal concierge that automatically applies the best value combinations.

The benefit is twofold:

  • Customers spend less time hunting for discounts
  • Papa Johns reduces cart abandonment and builds loyalty through instant value

In short: the system is designed to help customers feel like they’re getting the best price without extra steps.

Advanced Voice & Group Ordering: making complex orders easier

Group orders are where ordering systems often break down: multiple people, multiple changes, special instructions, and constant edits. Papa Johns’ Advanced Voice & Group Ordering is built to capture that revenue without requiring human intervention.

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By handling natural language nuances and real-time modifications, the system aims to improve order accuracy even when the request is complicated—exactly the kind of scenario where mistakes can lead to refunds, remakes, and lost customers.

No-tap reordering for Papa Rewards customers

Pizza ordering is often habitual. Many customers reorder the same items, especially loyal customers. With the new experience, the agent can identify returning Papa Rewards members and proactively ask if they want to reorder their most recent purchase.

That no-tap flow matters because it shortens the distance between intent and checkout—turning a routine craving into a completed order in seconds.

Why it matters: omnichannel is now the expectation

Google Cloud’s Carrie Tharp, vice president of global solutions and industries, described the shift as a move beyond the chatbot era.

“The retail industry is entering the era of agentic commerce, where AI is an engine for business value,” Tharp said. “By being the first to deploy our omnichannel Food Ordering agent, Papa Johns is moving beyond the chatbot era to create a fluid, intelligent experience that meets hungry customers wherever they are, whether they are in their car, on an app, or at a kiosk.”

That’s the core point: customers don’t think in channels. They think in outcomes.

  • Ordering hands-free while driving
  • Reordering in one step from the couch
  • Using a kiosk quickly while picking up

If the experience is inconsistent, slow, or confusing, customers bounce. If it’s fast and accurate, they come back.

What’s next

Papa Johns will showcase the technology at the Google Cloud booth 5507 at NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show in NYC, offering live demos to attendees. The company expects to roll out these capabilities to customers nationwide by the end of 2026.

About Papa Johns

Papa John’s International, Inc. (Nasdaq: PZZA) opened in 1984 with one goal: BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA. Papa Johns says it uses high-quality ingredients, including fresh, never frozen original dough made with six ingredients, real mozzarella cheese, and vine-ripened tomato sauce. The company operates more than 6,000 restaurants across approximately 50 countries and territories.

About Google Cloud

Google Cloud provides AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools, offering an integrated AI stack built on planet-scale infrastructure and custom-built chips. Organizations in more than 200 countries and territories use Google Cloud as a technology partner.

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illy Launches Art of Dining Series With Chef-Led Events Across Major U.S. Cities

illy has launched its Art of Dining Series, a year-long program pairing chef-led tasting menus with its signature coffee blend in major U.S. cities.

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photo of a healthy meal on wooden table top. Art of Dining Series,
Photo by Viktoria Alipatova on Pexels.com

illy is bringing coffee and fine dining together with its new Art of Dining Series, a year-long program featuring chef-led dining experiences in cities including Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The series launched in March with a dinner at Boia De in Miami and will continue with curated events built around custom tasting menus inspired by illy’s signature blend. One of the upcoming stops is set for June in San Francisco at Wolfsbane, where illy Chef Ambassador Rupert Blease will create a menu inspired by his own bespoke illy blend.

The company says the program is designed to create immersive, in-person experiences that connect guests with the illy brand through flavor, atmosphere, and hospitality. The launch also builds on illy’s broader gastronomy strategy, including its Chef Ambassador program and its role as the exclusive coffee partner of World’s 50 Best Restaurants for the past four years.

Founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1933, illy is known for its 100% Arabica coffee blend and global presence in more than 140 countries.

Source: illycaffè via PR Newswire

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Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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Sustainably Sourced Staples for Family Favorites

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Living sustainably might include habits like recycling or composting, but you can go above and beyond by using food ingredients that are environmentally friendly in meals like a Seared Strip Loin with Linguini or Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls.

Sustainably Sourced Staples for Family Favorites

(Feature Impact) Living sustainably might include habits like recycling or composting, but you can go above and beyond by using food ingredients that are environmentally friendly.

As a pioneer in humane and sustainable meat, Niman Ranch recently launched a Regenerative Organic Certified beef program sourced entirely from U.S. family ranches covering 105,000 acres today and with a roadmap to reach 250,000 acres by 2028.

Simply put, “regenerative” is a soil-first approach to farming that restores the earth rather than depleting it. This program bridges the gap between environmental stewardship and steakhouse-quality flavor so you can enjoy meals like a Seared Strip Loin with Linguini or Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls.

The program sets the standard for a sustainable future in several ways:

  • Supporting American Ranchers: 100% U.S. grass-fed and finished, it provides a vital premium market for domestic family ranchers when over 95% of organic beef is currently imported.
  • Steakhouse Quality Meets the Gold Standard: By pairing elite angus genetics with Regenerative Organic Certified’s rigorous standards, the program delivers USDA-graded Choice and Prime marbling – a flavor and tenderness rarely found in the organic market.
  • Healing the Land: Through “high-frequency rotational grazing,” Niman Ranch cattle are moved across pastures in a way that restores soil health and promotes biodiversity.

Learn more by visiting NimanRanch.com.

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Seared Strip Loin with Linguini

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

  • 1          Niman Ranch Strip Loin Steak (6-8 ounces)
  • 1          teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste, divided
  • 1          box (16 ounces) linguini
  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 2          cups chopped fennel
  • 1          teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/3       cup chopped Castelvetrano (green) olives
  • 2          cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1          orange, zest and juice only
  • 1          goat cheese log (4 ounces)
  • 1/3       cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • pepper, to taste
  1. Pat steak dry and season generously with kosher salt. Heat grill pan or grill to medium-high heat. Grill steak until medium-rare (135-140 F), turning halfway through cooking, about 8 minutes total. Set aside.
  2. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguini according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining linguini in colander.
  3. In same pasta pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook fennel, red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon kosher salt over medium heat, stirring, until fennel is tender, 5-6 minutes. Add chopped olives, garlic and orange zest. Stir in orange juice and stir to combine. Set aside.
  4. Return drained linguini to pot. Crumble goat cheese on top and add reserved pasta water. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Serve with slices of steak on top and garnish with fresh parsley.
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Vietnamese Caramelized Beef Bowls

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

  • 1          package (8 ounces) rice vermicelli noodles

Beef:

  • 2          cloves garlic, grated
  • 1          thumb ginger, peeled and grated
  • 2          tablespoons fish sauce
  • 4          teaspoons light brown sugar
  • 1          tablespoon lemongrass paste
  • 1          tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1          pound Niman Ranch ground beef
  • 1          tablespoon vegetable oil

Dressing:

  • 4          tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4          tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2          tablespoons lemongrass paste
  • 2          tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2          teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
  • 2          tablespoons vegetable oil

Salad:

  • 8          ounces butter lettuce leaves
  • 8          ounces carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
  • 1          English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly crosswise into half-moons
  • 1          bunch fresh mint
  • 1          bunch cilantro
  • chopped roasted and unsalted peanuts
  • 1          lime, cut into wedges
  1. Cook vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Set aside.
  2. To prepare beef: In medium bowl, whisk garlic, ginger, fish sauce, brown sugar, lemongrass paste and lime juice until blended. Add beef and mix until well blended. Marinate 15 minutes.
  3. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add beef and cook, breaking up using wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until beef is dark and caramelized, 10-12 minutes.
  4. To make dressing: In small bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, lemongrass paste, brown sugar and sriracha, if desired. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Slowly stream in vegetable oil, whisking, until dressing is thickened.
  5. To prepare salads: Divide noodles between four shallow bowls. Arrange caramelized beef, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, mint and cilantro in bowls then drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with peanuts. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing on top.
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SOURCE:

Niman Ranch

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Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch

Tne Grilled Cheese of the Year: A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade in recipes like The Protein Powerhouse and The Classic.

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Say 'Yes, Please' to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch

Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch

(Feature Impact) A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade.

It’s also safe to say nostalgia is delicious and addicting, which is why Borden Cheese is sharing not one, but two, prize-worthy recipes, one of which packs a protein punch and another that’s a pure classic, perfect for spreading smiles and happy bellies.

Protein, Please: The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Featuring a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Borden Mozzarella Cheese Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard “powerhouse sauce” and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt. It has been transformed into a massive protein boost.

Tried n’ True: While modern flavors and trends are delicious, nostalgia is too. In fact, a whopping 20,000 fans cast their votes for America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese, asserting a fervor that’s unmatched when it comes to their perfect melt, and awarded The Classic the title of “America’s Favorite.” This comforting recipe pairs extra sharp melts with American singles on sliced white bread for a perfect, ooey-gooey bite that reminds you the cheese truly “makes” the sandwich.

VisitBordenCheese.com/grilled-cheese-day for other ooey-gooey grilled cheese recipes created for 2026.

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The Protein Powerhouse

  • 1          tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2          slices bread fortified with protein and fiber
  • 2          Borden Mild Cheddar Slices
  • 1          slice Borden Mozzarella Melts
  • 5          ounces sliced chicken breast (deli-shaved or thinly carved)

“Powerhouse” Sauce:

  • 2          tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1          teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
  1. Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.
  2. Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side.
  3. Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.
  4. To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.
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The Classic

  • 1          tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2          slices white bread
  • 2          slices Borden Extra Sharp Melts
  • 2          slices Borden American Singles
  1. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Spread butter on one side of each slice bread.
  3. Place cheese slices on unbuttered side of bread. Top with other slice of bread with butter facing upward.
  4. Place sandwich on skillet or griddle and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Using spatula, lightly press sandwich down gently while cooking to melt cheese better.
  5. Remove from skillet or griddle and slice in half.
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SOURCE:
Borden

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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