Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer reports the McDonald's of the future is already here in Chicago. How palatable will Rick Bayless's new business recipe be for customers? And why online retailing giant Amazon is partnering with the 141-year-old Merz Apothecary.
Rick Bayless, restaurateur and host of “Mexico One Plate at a Time” on PBS has sold part of his business – Frontera Foods – to Chicago-based ConAgra, the maker of many processed foods including Slim Jims and Reddi-Wip. Bayless hopes the deal will expand Frontera’s distribution in grocery stores and boost the bottom line. Details of the sale remain under wraps – as are Frontera’s revenues. Bayless built his empire based on gourmet natural foods and ConAgra is committed to keeping the food quality high.
The sale does not include Bayless’ restaurants.
McDonald’s has been making big changes to its menu lately, but Crain’s has written that the fast food restaurant of the future is already here in Chicago. The store prototypes include ordering on computer kiosks, customizable menu items, self-serve pastries and table service. The evolution under CEO Steve Easterbrook may eventually mean fewer employees as costs and overhead rise.
Behemoth online retailer Amazon is partnering with Merz Apothecary, Chicago’s 141-year-old mom and pop health and cosmetics shop, for same-day delivery. It’s an unlikely partnership, but Amazon is trying to get a foothold in Ulta Beauty’s market share. Amazon has tried to dip its toes in the beauty business unsuccessfully; it will need to scale up to make partnerships with independent beauty stores and products profitable.
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