Retail Foodservice Roundup: California Pizza Kitchen kiosks, 7 Brew grocery debut and more

Pizza from a vending machine?

What a time to be alive.  

California Pizza Kitchen announced a partnership with retail tech firm T-ROC Global to deploy up to 1,000 CPK-branded kiosks over the next three years to hospitals, hotels, airports, offices, colleges & universities, sports stadiums and more.  

The high-tech vending machines can create a hot, fresh CPK pizza in about 90 seconds using TurboChef pizza ovens, the companies said.  

And the kiosks are expected to sell more than just pizza, with a menu that also includes several varieties of mac and cheese, Kung Pao and Bolognese Spaghetti and, for dessert, the chain’s signature Butter Cake.  

CPK currently has automated retail machines in several airports, with plans to add more than a dozen on college campuses by the end of the year.  

T-ROC will deploy, replenish and maintain the CPK machines via its infrastructure of warehouses, drivers and technicians around the country, the company said.  

“For decades, CPK has been dedicated to meeting consumers wherever they are, whether through our global restaurant network, airport and non-traditional locations, off-site events or the local grocery store where we’ve been a leading premium pizza brand for 25 years,” said Michael Beacham, president of California Pizza Kitchen Global. “Our automated retail strategy, now accelerated through a partnership with T-ROC, introduces CPK to entirely new occasions and venues where consumers desire quality food on the go.” 

7 Brew heads to the grocery store

One of the country’s fastest-growing beverage concepts is hitting grocery shelves.  

Following a limited test of its ready-to-drink products, 7 Brew is launching canned coffee and five branded energy drinks at thousands of Walmart stores.  

The launch will include Blondie Chilled Espresso Breve Beverage, Brunette Brownie Chilled Espresso Mocha Beverage and Banana Bread Chilled Espresso Breve Beverage, as well as energy drinks in Original and Sugar-Free flavors.  

Not even a decade old, 7 Brew has added hundreds of locations in recent years, growing to more than 800 drive-thru beverage stands in 38 states.  

IDDBA names a new president and CEO

Industry veteran Paul Ziemnisky is the new president and CEO of the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA). 

Ziemnisky comes to the association after five years as group EVP for Wellness, Innovation and Business Development at Dairy Management Inc., a nonprofit trade group. He also led innovation for brands including Kraft Natural Cheese, Velvetta, Tombstone and DiGiorno.  

7-Eleven wants to be a Labor Day party destination

Convenience giant 7-Eleven is going head-to-head with restaurants with its latest batch of promotions.  

The retailer’s Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost dining brands are offering big-batch deals for Labor Day weekend.  

Laredo is selling $10 half-gallon margaritas, wine-based frozen drinks in Classic, Lime, Strawberry and Strawberry Lime Swirl.  

And chicken concept Raise the Roost is selling a $25 Nugget Party Pack with 24 chicken nuggets, a choice of two large sides, four biscuits, dipping sauces and deep-fried hand pies.