Why Your Restaurant Needs an App

January 21, 2019

We know, you’re a restaurant owner, not a developer or programmer. Let other people worry about apps, you just want to run your restaurant!

The truth is if you want to have a successful establishment, you have to take advantage of the technology that brings people in. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be hard, and the upside can be enormous!

Here’s why your restaurant needs an app, and how it will benefit your commercial kitchen.

 

Build Your Brand With Loyalty Programs

One of the easiest and best way to use an app is to create a loyalty program with it. No more having to manually punch cards, figure out how to track points, and more. Instead, do everything electronically through the app!

This also gives you maximum flexibility with your program. You can have points redeemable for a variety of items, giving the customer a lot of choices without straining your commercial kitchen.

A loyalty program helps build your brand and gives customers a reason to come see you again and again.

 

Allow Ordering Ahead With a Restaurant App

People love speed and convenience, so why not give it to them with a restaurant app? Allowing folks to browse your menu at their convenience and order ahead is a get additional sales. Some folks will never come to your restaurant – or will only come occasionally – but they may order takeout regularly.

Making this an option with an app is an easy way to integrate these orders with the normal work for your commercial kitchen to ensure your kitchen equipment is used efficiently. The ordering systems can be integrated, and the time of pickup can be part of the order.

Encourage additional revenue with little additional overhead by having an app where customers can order ahead!

 

Advertise Specials and Use Location-Specific Targeting

Having an app allows you to reach out to your customers in two unique ways. First, you can have app notifications that let your users know that you have a special, coupon, or other great deal. You can even use a notification to simply remind customers that their favorite food is ready to be ordered!

You can also use geo-location and targeting and deliver specific pop-up ads to users phones when they are within a specific range of your restaurant. You wouldn’t want to overuse this feature, but a nudge to come visit you when they are already in the area can definitely improve your sales.

 

Allow Restaurant Reservations

If your restaurant takes reservations, you know that some events and holidays have the phone ringing off the hook. Why not make it much easier for your commercial kitchen and your staff by allowing reservations on the app?

Having a calendar that updates real-time and shows available slots saves time and hassle for everyone. It also cuts down on mistakes and helps avoid overbooking.

An app is a great way for everyone in a party to determine when they can get together and schedule the reservation – saving your staff from endless calls, callbacks, and moving reservations.

 

Your Commercial Kitchen Needs an App!

From ordering to loyalty to reservations, an app can benefit your commercial kitchen in many ways. Best of all, once you’ve got the foundation, you can add additional features as you decide to roll them out.

Test out deals, try new menu items, or even poll your customers about what they’d like to see. An app has endless possibilities!

As you grow you’ll probably need additional restaurant supplies and equipment. We’re here to help. From cooking equipment to smallwares, we can get you the quotes you need. Contact us today!

It’s a Toast: Why We Love the “Friends” Kitchen

It’s a Toast: Why We Love the “Friends” Kitchen

Welcome to our new series, “Roast and Toast!” Each month we’re going to feature one kitchen we love and one kitchen we hate. It can be from anywhere – a sitcom, a cooking show, a cartoon, a movie, or any other screen you’d see one on! We’re starting off with a toast...

read more
Ready to Open a Second Restaurant Location?

Ready to Open a Second Restaurant Location?

If your current restaurant is booming, it might be time to consider a second location. Congratulations on your current success – you’ve already beaten the odds! Opening a second location can be easier than your first one – you’ve already worked out a lot of the kinks....

read more
The One Product to Boost Convenience Store Sales

The One Product to Boost Convenience Store Sales

Is there one product that can single-handedly make or break the success of your convenience store? A lot of store owners would say no. When they look at their store, they see products coming from hot dish foodservice equipment, shelves, and a variety of categories...

read more
Restaurant Equipment Spotlight: Gas vs. Electric

Restaurant Equipment Spotlight: Gas vs. Electric

Does your Little Rock restaurant use gas or electric restaurant equipment? In all likelihood you made this decision a long time ago, but it’s one that can always be reconsidered. There are benefits to both. If you’re opening a new restaurant location, it’s vital to...

read more
Restaurant Equipment: Self-Ordering Technology

Restaurant Equipment: Self-Ordering Technology

One of the biggest challenges of running a restaurant is keeping up with all the technology and restaurant equipment that is available. You might have thought when you opened your location that you could run things basically the same way for decades.  While they may...

read more
Four Tips to Opening a Successful Restaurant

Four Tips to Opening a Successful Restaurant

Have you been dreaming about bringing your food expertise to the forefront of you life? Many people have thought about opening their own restaurant. Folks don’t follow through for a variety of reasons – money, fear, or simple inertia. You can be different, though. You...

read more
The Case for Timeless Restaurant Décor

The Case for Timeless Restaurant Décor

What’s the newest trend in restaurant décor? Evidently, people are loving “Millennial pink,” and they’re using it for everything. If you’re trying to keep up with what’s hot, you better get some new restaurant supplies right away! And remember, this isn’t just any...

read more
Deep Fry Safely & Efficiently

Deep Fry Safely & Efficiently

When it comes to kitchen equipment, knowing how to use it correctly is vital. Not only does it keep your employees safe, it ensures that the food comes out well and that your equipment last a long time in good condition. Using a deep fryer may seem pretty simple, and...

read more
Should You Buy Closeout Restaurant Supplies?

Should You Buy Closeout Restaurant Supplies?

As a restaurant owner, you, of course, want to save money in any way possible. Restaurant margins are known for being razor-thin, so every dollar counts. Because of this, you might be tempted when you see a closeout deal for restaurant supplies. After all, you can get...

read more
Choosing Environmentally Friendly Restaurant Supplies

Choosing Environmentally Friendly Restaurant Supplies

There’s been a lot of controversy recently about restaurant supplies and how they affect the environment. The current focus is on plastic straws, but the same conversation has been had about Styrofoam and a variety of other materials. Can you choose environmentally...

read more
Restaurant Supplies to Prepare Your Location for Spring

Restaurant Supplies to Prepare Your Location for Spring

In March you can begin to feel warmer weather around the corner here in Little Rock. After all, the groundhog didn’t see its shadow this year, so we’re in for an early spring, right? As you think about how to prepare your restaurant for spring, think about getting the...

read more
Proper Use of Cutting Boards

Proper Use of Cutting Boards

Food safety is vital to every restaurant – consistent inspections make sure of it!  Unfortunately, the day-to-day operations can sometimes mean that safety falls through the cracks. One thing that can get overlooked in a busy kitchen is the safe use of cutting boards....

read more
Four Myths About Food Trucks

Four Myths About Food Trucks

You probably know that the food truck industry is booming – it’s grown by 7.3% in the last five years and shows no signs of slowing down. That makes it an attractive industry for anyone interested in serving food – from established restaurants to new entrepreneurs....

read more