Karen Byrd
Papers
3
Total Citations
110
H-Index
3
About
Dr. Karen Byrd is a leading researcher in hospitality and foodservice management, with a focus on the intersection of technology, consumer behavior, and service operations. Her work critically examines how emerging innovations—particularly robotics and automation—reshape dining experiences, both on- and off-premise. Dr. Byrd’s most cited paper, “Robot vs human: expectations, performances and gaps in off-premise restaurant service modes” (2021, 99 citations), is a seminal study that identifies key gaps between consumer expectations and actual performance of food delivery robots, pioneering research in this rapidly growing sector. She has also explored the impact of health crises on dining, as in “Masks, gloves, or robots? Factors influencing consumers’ health risk perceptions and behavioral intentions of in-restaurant dining” (2024, 8 citations), and applied practical problem-solving in her case study “Busiest Store in a Cramped Space: Can a Ghost Kitchen Optimize Coffee Shop Efficiency?” (2024, 3 citations). Dr. Byrd’s work is highly influential for both academics and industry practitioners, providing actionable insights into service efficiency, risk perception, and the human-robot interface. Her research continues to shape how the hospitality industry adapts to technological disruption and evolving consumer demands.
Research Focus
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