Hot POS Stories from May: Mobile, Tableside Payment and Integration Drive Point of Sale
The point of sale is always a top concern for operators. According to HT’s Restaurant Technology Study, overall IT budgets are up in 2014, and will continue to increase through 2016. Within the next two years alone, 35% of restaurants plan to replace their POS. Another recent report revealed that mobile and online revenue is expected to triple in the next five years. With stats like that it’s little wonder that the marketplace is teeming with new solutions from vendors and new investments for operators. In case you missed them the first time, here are a few of the top newsmakers from May in the POS space.
Speed and Sleek Design Inspire POS Upgrade for Steakhouse
Fogo de ChÃo recently installed PAR POS terminals at its new flagship Brazilian steakhouse in New York City. Fogo de ChÃo (fo-go-de'e-shoun) is an authentic Brazilian Steakhouse with 24 locations in the U.S. and nine locations in Brazil. Fogo de ChÃo has selected the PAR EverServ® 7000 POS hardware family as the standard POS for all new store openings and replacements or upgrades at existing stores in the U.S. Fogo de ChÃo initially deployed the EverServ 7000 terminals for its new flagship restaurant in New York, which opened on December 19, 2013. EverServ 7200 terminals are used at the server stations and EverServ 7700 Low Profile terminals are used at the hostess station for seating guests and taking reservations.
Paytronix Upgrades Mobile, Social and Messaging Features of Restaurant Rewards Platform
Paytronix Systems, Inc. has announced major enhancements to the mobile and messaging aspects of its loyalty platform. These enhancements make it easier for restaurants and retailers to reach, understand and engage their guests on smartphones. With mobile devices quickly becoming guests preferred way of interacting with brands, Paytronix continues to enhance its advanced mobile "chassis" compatible with the latest iOS7 and Android 1 platforms. The mobile apps can be branded for each restaurant as is or used as a base for a completely customized app.
Mobility and Guest Experience Drive New Release from Micros
MICROS Systems, Inc. is debuting its new MICROS mTablet E-Series and the new MICROS Engagement feature at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show taking place in Chicago, May 17-20, 2014. These newest MICROS innovations allow staff members to perform multiple activities from one device, including making guest interactions extraordinary, while providing advanced capabilities that will significantly raise the bar on modern point of sale systems.
Restaurant Saves Thousands in Overtime and Cuts Wait Times in Half with Mobile POS Upgrade
“Smokey” John Reaves opened Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que and Home Cooking in Dallas in 1976. Since then, this family-owned and operated restaurant has developed a reputation for great food, great service and a commitment to giving back to the community. Today the business is managed by John’s sons, Brent and Juan, who wanted to upgrade the point-of-sale system (POS) as part of a larger renovation project.
Lavu Partners with Epson to Drive Mobile POS Innovation
Epson America, Inc., a supplier of value-added Point of Sale (POS) solutions, and Lavu, Inc., makers of Lavu iPad POS for restaurants, have announced at the National Restaurant Association Show (NRA) that they are joining forces to bring smarter, more flexible iPad POS solutions to restaurant operators of all sizes. Lavu is the first Epson partner to adopt the Epson OmniLink™ i-Series all-in-one smart solution for receipt printing and peripheral device management for its iPad POS. In addition, Lavu will also leverage Epson’s market-leading TM-T88V and TM-U220B printers for receipt and kitchen printing. The two global market leaders are working together to deliver a cutting-edge solution that offers restaurant operators a trusted and innovative migration path to tablet POS.
Partnership Allows Hotel Guests to Pay with Bitcoins
BitPay is partnering with REVPAR GURU to offer GuestLeader, the world’s first and only Bitcoin compatible booking engine. Bitcoin is an open-source peer-to-peer payment system. Small hotels to large international hotel chains can accept bitcoin quickly and easily as a form a payment through REVPAR GURU. With this financial technology, hotel properties have the ability to reach new customers in emerging markets as bitcoins are a borderless digital currency. Using REVPAR GURU’s GuestLeader booking engine, guests can select Bitcoins as the method of payment during checkout.
Pay-at-the-Table Tech Snags Operator Innovator of Year Honor for Dickie Brennan's
Dickie Brennan’s Restaurants has been named Operator Innovator of the Year by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) for its use of the RAIL at its New Orleans-based restaurants. Dickie Brennan’s and Viableware were one of three finalists in the Technology category that were nominated for the award and were honored live at the annual NRA Show (May 17-20) in Chicago.
Focus POS Integrates with Red Book Connect's HotSchedules
Focus POS, a provider of restaurant point of sale software, has announced an integration with Red Book Connect’s HotSchedules web-based labor management platform. When integrated with Focus POS software, the HotSchedules platform allows cloud-based communications, advanced sales forecasting and scheduling management to promote workflows that are more productive and profitable. It delivers value to restaurants through a streamlined scheduling process, reduced controllable labor costs and improved employee retention, as well as more accurate recordkeeping.
Operator of Old Country and HomeTown Buffets Opts in for Future Tableside Ordering
Ovation Brands, operator of Old Country Buffet®, HomeTown® Buffet and Ryan's® brands, has selected MICROS cloud-based Simphony™ along with MICROS iCare™ Gift and Loyalty solution for all of its 337 locations. The solution, which supports the Ovation Brands mobile strategy for future table-side ordering and line management, is hosted in MICROS’ Data Center. The roll-out of MICROS Simphony began in April 2014 and is scheduled to conclude in the fall. The roll-out of MICROS iCare will follow.
POS Upgrade Helps Revive Bar's Business
Focus POS, a provider of restaurant point of sale software, donated software solutions to the Wildcatter Saloon in an episode of Spike TV’s Bar Rescue. Formerly known as Bryant’s Ice House, the Wildcatter Saloon in Katy, TX garnered a poor reputation due it its limited menu, uninviting exterior and unruly guests. In the food truck parked on the property, unprepared food was kept frozen, making cooking times longer and food less appetizing. The bar had complaints about long wait times and tickets lined up at the food truck.
Research Predicts Restaurant Mobile and Online Revenue Will Triple Within Five Years
The new Datacomm Research study takes an in-depth look at how restaurant chains are using websites, social media, mobile apps, and self-service tablets to deliver superior customer experiences. The report examines dozens of the top restaurant chains, identifying some of the best and worst examples of how they are using consumer-facing connected technology. The authors make specific recommendations about using digital marketing tools to increase sales, customer retention, and operating efficiency.
Burger King Franchisee Improves Workforce Efficiency & Service with Tech
Karali Ltd., one of the largest Burger King franchises in the U.K., has chosen NCR software and hardware solutions to help improve customer experience and the efficiency of its business across its 56 restaurants. Selected for its strong U.K. presence and innovative solutions, NCR will provide Karali with its latest NCR Aloha hospitality software suite, as well as NCR Pulse Real-Time and NCR Restaurant Guard to provide the latest SaaS-based mobile analytics engines. NCR has also deployed hardware that includes the NCR P1230 point-of-sale (POS) and a kitchen management system.
EMV Migration Forum Expects Major Increase in U.S. Chip Adoption in Next Year
U.S. EMV chip adoption is poised for exponential growth in the next year from today’s estimated 17 to 20 million EMV chip cards and millions of EMV-capable terminals and ATMs, some of which already accept EMV chip cards, the EMV Migration Forum announced at its March meeting. The Forum also provided in-depth briefings on the significant progress in working through technical challenges relating to EMV debit implementation, resulting in an industry stakeholder-supported debit technical solution framework.
Speed and Sleek Design Inspire POS Upgrade for Steakhouse
Fogo de ChÃo recently installed PAR POS terminals at its new flagship Brazilian steakhouse in New York City. Fogo de ChÃo (fo-go-de'e-shoun) is an authentic Brazilian Steakhouse with 24 locations in the U.S. and nine locations in Brazil. Fogo de ChÃo has selected the PAR EverServ® 7000 POS hardware family as the standard POS for all new store openings and replacements or upgrades at existing stores in the U.S. Fogo de ChÃo initially deployed the EverServ 7000 terminals for its new flagship restaurant in New York, which opened on December 19, 2013. EverServ 7200 terminals are used at the server stations and EverServ 7700 Low Profile terminals are used at the hostess station for seating guests and taking reservations.
Paytronix Upgrades Mobile, Social and Messaging Features of Restaurant Rewards Platform
Paytronix Systems, Inc. has announced major enhancements to the mobile and messaging aspects of its loyalty platform. These enhancements make it easier for restaurants and retailers to reach, understand and engage their guests on smartphones. With mobile devices quickly becoming guests preferred way of interacting with brands, Paytronix continues to enhance its advanced mobile "chassis" compatible with the latest iOS7 and Android 1 platforms. The mobile apps can be branded for each restaurant as is or used as a base for a completely customized app.
Mobility and Guest Experience Drive New Release from Micros
MICROS Systems, Inc. is debuting its new MICROS mTablet E-Series and the new MICROS Engagement feature at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show taking place in Chicago, May 17-20, 2014. These newest MICROS innovations allow staff members to perform multiple activities from one device, including making guest interactions extraordinary, while providing advanced capabilities that will significantly raise the bar on modern point of sale systems.
Restaurant Saves Thousands in Overtime and Cuts Wait Times in Half with Mobile POS Upgrade
“Smokey” John Reaves opened Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que and Home Cooking in Dallas in 1976. Since then, this family-owned and operated restaurant has developed a reputation for great food, great service and a commitment to giving back to the community. Today the business is managed by John’s sons, Brent and Juan, who wanted to upgrade the point-of-sale system (POS) as part of a larger renovation project.
Lavu Partners with Epson to Drive Mobile POS Innovation
Epson America, Inc., a supplier of value-added Point of Sale (POS) solutions, and Lavu, Inc., makers of Lavu iPad POS for restaurants, have announced at the National Restaurant Association Show (NRA) that they are joining forces to bring smarter, more flexible iPad POS solutions to restaurant operators of all sizes. Lavu is the first Epson partner to adopt the Epson OmniLink™ i-Series all-in-one smart solution for receipt printing and peripheral device management for its iPad POS. In addition, Lavu will also leverage Epson’s market-leading TM-T88V and TM-U220B printers for receipt and kitchen printing. The two global market leaders are working together to deliver a cutting-edge solution that offers restaurant operators a trusted and innovative migration path to tablet POS.
Partnership Allows Hotel Guests to Pay with Bitcoins
BitPay is partnering with REVPAR GURU to offer GuestLeader, the world’s first and only Bitcoin compatible booking engine. Bitcoin is an open-source peer-to-peer payment system. Small hotels to large international hotel chains can accept bitcoin quickly and easily as a form a payment through REVPAR GURU. With this financial technology, hotel properties have the ability to reach new customers in emerging markets as bitcoins are a borderless digital currency. Using REVPAR GURU’s GuestLeader booking engine, guests can select Bitcoins as the method of payment during checkout.
Pay-at-the-Table Tech Snags Operator Innovator of Year Honor for Dickie Brennan's
Dickie Brennan’s Restaurants has been named Operator Innovator of the Year by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) for its use of the RAIL at its New Orleans-based restaurants. Dickie Brennan’s and Viableware were one of three finalists in the Technology category that were nominated for the award and were honored live at the annual NRA Show (May 17-20) in Chicago.
Focus POS Integrates with Red Book Connect's HotSchedules
Focus POS, a provider of restaurant point of sale software, has announced an integration with Red Book Connect’s HotSchedules web-based labor management platform. When integrated with Focus POS software, the HotSchedules platform allows cloud-based communications, advanced sales forecasting and scheduling management to promote workflows that are more productive and profitable. It delivers value to restaurants through a streamlined scheduling process, reduced controllable labor costs and improved employee retention, as well as more accurate recordkeeping.
Operator of Old Country and HomeTown Buffets Opts in for Future Tableside Ordering
Ovation Brands, operator of Old Country Buffet®, HomeTown® Buffet and Ryan's® brands, has selected MICROS cloud-based Simphony™ along with MICROS iCare™ Gift and Loyalty solution for all of its 337 locations. The solution, which supports the Ovation Brands mobile strategy for future table-side ordering and line management, is hosted in MICROS’ Data Center. The roll-out of MICROS Simphony began in April 2014 and is scheduled to conclude in the fall. The roll-out of MICROS iCare will follow.
POS Upgrade Helps Revive Bar's Business
Focus POS, a provider of restaurant point of sale software, donated software solutions to the Wildcatter Saloon in an episode of Spike TV’s Bar Rescue. Formerly known as Bryant’s Ice House, the Wildcatter Saloon in Katy, TX garnered a poor reputation due it its limited menu, uninviting exterior and unruly guests. In the food truck parked on the property, unprepared food was kept frozen, making cooking times longer and food less appetizing. The bar had complaints about long wait times and tickets lined up at the food truck.
Research Predicts Restaurant Mobile and Online Revenue Will Triple Within Five Years
The new Datacomm Research study takes an in-depth look at how restaurant chains are using websites, social media, mobile apps, and self-service tablets to deliver superior customer experiences. The report examines dozens of the top restaurant chains, identifying some of the best and worst examples of how they are using consumer-facing connected technology. The authors make specific recommendations about using digital marketing tools to increase sales, customer retention, and operating efficiency.
Burger King Franchisee Improves Workforce Efficiency & Service with Tech
Karali Ltd., one of the largest Burger King franchises in the U.K., has chosen NCR software and hardware solutions to help improve customer experience and the efficiency of its business across its 56 restaurants. Selected for its strong U.K. presence and innovative solutions, NCR will provide Karali with its latest NCR Aloha hospitality software suite, as well as NCR Pulse Real-Time and NCR Restaurant Guard to provide the latest SaaS-based mobile analytics engines. NCR has also deployed hardware that includes the NCR P1230 point-of-sale (POS) and a kitchen management system.
EMV Migration Forum Expects Major Increase in U.S. Chip Adoption in Next Year
U.S. EMV chip adoption is poised for exponential growth in the next year from today’s estimated 17 to 20 million EMV chip cards and millions of EMV-capable terminals and ATMs, some of which already accept EMV chip cards, the EMV Migration Forum announced at its March meeting. The Forum also provided in-depth briefings on the significant progress in working through technical challenges relating to EMV debit implementation, resulting in an industry stakeholder-supported debit technical solution framework.