UNITED STATES - The gap between shopping and dining will soon be bridged a bit more thanks to a new strategy implemented by Walmart. Reports state the grocer is establishing a brand-new dining experience for its guests, testing the concept first in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
As AOL unveiled, the grocery chain is setting up mini food halls which will offer shoppers the choice between eight different restaurants. Walmart’s new Quakertown location food hall comes complete with Mediterranean food from Yasas by Michael Symon, pizza made by chef Michele D’Amelio’s Alanza Pizza, and sweets from Magnolia Bakery and Milk Bar.
The source also noted that the new foodservice venture was created by Walmart’s former U.S. E-Commerce Chief Marc Lore, by way of his food delivery company Wonder Group. With the help of celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Wonder Group has made a name for itself as a way to introduce gourmet foods to those who may not be familiar. Wonder’s use of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, as well as its dedication to reducing waste by donating unused food to organizations like New York City’s City Harvest and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, has also bolstered its standing with consumers.
As it continues its foray into the food court game, joining the likes of retailers like Costco, Walmart plans to open 25 more mini food hall locations by the end of the year.
And ANUK will be here to report as this strategy takes root.
