Mobile order-ahead buzz catches Starbucks off guard

Portland

FOR some time now, restaurant chains have been adding mobile order-ahead options, betting they'd be popular with their customers. But even they were caught off guard with just how big of a hit the technology is turning out to be.

TGI Friday's Inc mixed up orders, and Starbucks Corp struggled with overcrowding that scared off regular walk-in customers. And that's likely just the beginning for a technology that's only starting to catch on.

Resea…