NEXTEP SYSTEMS and MRI, a digital signage and self-service hardware manufacturer, have launched a new line of touchscreen drive-thru kiosks for the QSR and fast casual foodservice segments.
The companies developed the second-generation line of drive-thru kiosks after several successful pilot deployments with Subway franchises throughout the United States. Subway franchisee Rob Woodward, who operates locations in Colorado and Nebraska, says increased sales helped the store quickly realize an ROI on the kiosk system:
Investing in drive-thru self-serve technology has helped us increase our sales and differentiate our customer service from the competition. Customers love the easy-to-use and frustration-free self-service ordering experience. In an industry driven by measurable sales and customer satisfaction, the rapid payback we've experience shows that the systems play a significant role in helping out drive-thru operations thrive.
NEXTEP says that several Subway locations are scheduled to integrate the new line of drive-thru kiosks. The company says the solutions' features include:
A 32-inch, sunlight-readable, interactive touchscreen designed for optimum viewing ability.
An ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness level, depending on the brightness of the surroundings.
A special screen feature called Display Positioning System (DPS) that displays the information right where the driver touches the screen, keeping the interaction at eye level.
A proximity sensor that detects an approaching vehicle and displays a welcome screen and voice prompt, so the device is ready to accept orders as soon as the car or truck pulls up.
A barcode scanner and credit-card reader that enable payment as soon as food is ordered.
A webcam option that allows restaurant staff to view the customer placing the order.
A thermal-management system, which can be used in all outdoor environments and operates in temperatures from -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
NEXTEP SYSTEMS, a provider of touchscreen ordering kiosks and digital menu board solutions, today announced the launch of its Casino Express self-order system at Boomer's Café in the Boomtown Casino Hotel in Bossier City, La.
Dan Condon, director of information technology for Boomtown Casino, says the facility chose to work with NEXTEP because of its experience in the casino space:
As we sought to adopt technology that would increase our efficiency, the expertise of NEXTEP SYSTEMS and the extent of its work with casino environments convinced us they were the right supplier for us. We believe NEXTEP will have a tremendous positive impact on both our revenue and customer satisfaction. With the system now in place, we expect our average order size to increase, customer wait times to decrease and that we will be able to provide better overall service to our guests during peak periods.
Using the Casino Express solution, restaurant customers can order meals directly from the touchscreen and pay for their selections using credit cards, debit cards or casino comp credit.
Tedeschi Food Shops, a convenience store chain with nearly 200 locations in the Northeast United States, will deploy Blockbuster Express DVD-rental kiosks chain-wide, according to a report from Convenience Store/Petroleum, a magazine that covers the c-store segment.
Tedeschi already has the Blockbuster Express units, developed by NCR Corp., in 89 of its stores and plans to deploy 27 more by the end of October. The chain says it expects installation to be completed by the end of the year.
NEXTEP SYSTEMS has announced the deployment of its Casino Express touchscreen buffet-entry kiosks at Casino Queen, in East St. Louis, Ill., and The Rivers, in Pittsburg.
According to a news release from NEXTEP, casino guests use the kiosks to enter the number of diners in their party and prepay for their buffet meals with cash, credit, debit or casino loyalty credit. The kiosks then issue a receipt the guests use to gain entry to the buffet. The kiosk also offers the casino an optional reservation module to incorporate.
Jeff Breazeale, NEXTEP's sales director, says casino dining establishments are particularly well-suited to deploy kiosk solutions:
Casino foodservice represents an ideal candidate for self-service. Casino dining concepts have high traffic, long hours of operation and relatively high labor costs, resulting in a three- to six-month payback period.
NEXTEP says Casino Queen deployed three of the Casino Express kiosks at its Market Street Buffet, while The Rivers installed four of the devices at its Grand View Buffet.
Incentient, a Jericho, N.Y.-based transaction-services provider, has announced the launch of its SmartCellar touchscreen self-service device at New York City's SD26 restaurant.
According to a news release from Incentient, the SmartCellar is a wireless, handheld device that gives restaurant patrons access to an establishment's wine list, allowing them to search for wine by price, grape, year, country, region, characteristics, appellation and more.
SD26's owner, Tony May, says the restaurant chose the SmartCellar solution to complement its unique wine offerings:
At SD26, the electronic wine list will allow our customers to easily and intuitively navigate our expansive collection of more than 10,000 bottles. SD26's innovative approach to wine selection and SmartCellar's customizable wine program makes finding the perfect wine for every meal more enjoyable and accessible for all wine lovers.
Incentient says the SmartCellar features automatic inventory updates and multilingual capabilities and can be customized to match any operation's look and feel.
Quick Chek, a chain of fresh food stores in New England, has announced a pilot installation of self-checkout lanes in one of its Phillipsburg, N.J., locations. The self-checkout terminals, which the store has dubbed the "Quick Chek Fast Lanes," are manufactured by NCR Corp. and began operating in the store Aug. 26.
Maria Fidelibus, vice president of technology for Quick Check, says the brand wanted to expand on its reputation for customer service:
Along with being held in high regard for our wide array of fresh food products and famed fresh coffee program, Quick Chek customers also know us for the high level of personalized service we offer. Our new "Quick Chek Fast Lane" pilot program is intended as an extension of that solid customer service offering, and we are thrilled to partner with NCR in this industry-pioneering initiative.
Quick Chek is a family-operated brand and has 120 locations in New Jersey and southern New York.
IRVINE, Calif. — Just Enjoy LLC has announced the launch of its new mobile dining application and service, JUST ENJOY Social Dining. Just Enjoy’s mission is to provide restaurant owners a platform for managing their business, launching targeted promotions and reducing operating costs while being easy to integrate into an existing POS system and giving consumers the opportunity to take control of their dining experience.
"People have been using mobile technology to make reservations and online ordering for some time now," said Juan Guevara, co-founder and president of Just Enjoy. "But all these applications really do is either get you to the door and say goodbye or greet you and take your order — all without ever getting to really know you or your preferences. With JUST ENJOY it’s like having a good friend that knows you, facilitates your visit to the restaurant and more importantly stays with you to ensure you enjoy the occasion."
The JUST ENJOY application remembers user preferences and is continuously learning and categorizing likes and dislikes across restaurants using the JUST ENJOY service. "This helps eliminate typical dining frustrations such as figuring out what to order, comparing prices or even service errors," said co-founder and CTO Yuriy Kumanov. "Customers will also have the ability to share their dining history, preferences and reviews on JustEnjoy.com, creating a new social media platform for restaurant patrons."
The complete family of JUST ENJOY products is offered to full-service and fast-service restaurants, casinos and resorts as a subscription-based solution to help them enhance their patrons' customer experience and expand the venue offerings via games and other interactive customer entertainment. JUST ENJOY is also a management tool for managers and operators, giving them detailed real-time information on customer preferences and providing a platform for targeted marketing.
Troy, Mich.-based NEXTEP SYSTEMS has announced that Baesler's Market in Terra Haute, Ind., has deployed NEXTEP's Deli 1-2-3 touchscreen self-order kiosk system. According to a news release from NEXTEP, the Deli 1-2-3 system incorporates two freestanding self-order kiosks, an order status monitor and order display system.
NEXTEP, which also provides self-order systems for the restaurant industry, has seen more interest in self-order technology from the grocery segment, says president and cofounder Tommy Woycik:
These implementations for Baesler's Market delis reflect a growing demand for NEXTEP SYSTEMS' technology from grocery operations all across America. NEXTEP solutions are enabling grocers to improve productivity, eliminate potential customer walk-aways, and increase revenue and up-sell opportunities within the deli environment.
Baesler's president and owner Bob Baesler says the store has seen increased revenue and more efficiency since the deployment:
The size of average orders in our deli has increased, and our customer service in the deli is also growing and improving, thanks to our NEXTEP ordering system. Our deli customers like using the self-order kiosks, and the system allows them to get their shopping done much quicker, which is a real plus.
NEXTEP also has deployed its self-service solutions at several metro Detroit retail locations.
ADUSA, a Lombard, Ill.-based self-order kiosk provider, has announced the deployment of its S4G Fresh Foods kiosks at Angelo Caputo's Fresh Market, a small grocery chain also based in Illinois.
Robertino Presta, chief executive of Angelo Caputo's, says the brand chose to deploy a second round of Fresh Foods kiosks after a positive customer reaction to its initial installation:
The response to the kiosk in our Naperville (Illinois) store has been excellent, so we've decided to offer the technology to our customers at additional stores.
According to a news release from ADUSA, grocery customers can use the Fresh Foods kiosks to order a full range of items in the fresh foods section of Angelo Caputo's, including meats and cheeses and prepared salads, entrees and side dishes.
ADUSA, a self-order kiosk provider, has announced that Schnuck Markets Inc., owner and operators of more than 200 grocery stores and pharmacies, is adding to its fleet of ADUSA's S4G Fresh Foods kiosks. According to a news release from ADUSA, Schnuck installed the kiosks in its new St. Louis store, Culinaria, which opened last month.
Larry Maggio, director of marketing services for Schnuck Markets, says shoppers have responded positively to the Fresh Foods ordering kiosks deployed in its other stores:
A growing number of our customers are using the kiosks to place their orders, and the response continues to be very positive. They are really taking advantage of the added convenience and the easy access to all of the products we offer in the fresh foods and made-to-order areas of our store.
Lynchburg, Va.’s Liberty University has announced the launch of self-order kiosks in three of its campus dining locations, just in time for the start of the school year.
"LU Dining is introducing Webfood, a Web-based ordering service. Complete with touchscreens, card readers and receipt printers, Webfood kiosks take orders and act as cashiers, which will decrease lines for customers. Kiosk orders are transmitted to dining staff, who can begin preparing the meals immediately. The system boasts that a full meal can be ordered in 10 seconds or less."
The university says students also can use the Webfood kiosk to view nutritional information, meal deals and favorite orders, and that school dining administrators can use the platform to edit menu items and prices and track trends and customer feedback. The university plans to eventually expand the service to include online ordering, so students can order a meal from any computer and pick it up at their convenience.
TEMPE, Ariz. — Phoenix Kiosk Inc. is pleased to announce the completion of a joint venture with the Arizona Beef Council to create a kiosk solution that focuses on education, nutrition, retail and foodservice promotion at the Pheonix Zoo.
“The Arizona Beef Council project allowed us to demonstrate several areas of expertise, including outdoor technology deployment, software development and interactive marketing content development,” said Alan Work, president and chief executive of Phoenix Kiosk Inc. “Marketing the health benefits of beef products using educational games is another great example of the nearly limitless possibilities of self-service kiosks and their application.”
According to a news release, the Arizona Beef Council partnered with Phoenix Kiosk to produce both the hardware and software for the project. The end result was the installation of two Pravannt wall-mounted kiosk units in the Phoenix Zoo Harmony Farm to promote education to children. The kiosks allow children to interactively receive education about the zoo’s animals while navigating through the many different animated games created by Phoenix Kiosk.
“Working hand-in-hand with Phoenix Kiosk enabled us to market creatively and directly to the people we want to reach,” said Anna M. Aja, director of public relations and marketing for the Arizona Beef Council. “This was my first experience with interactive marketing technologies, and Phoenix Kiosk helped to make the process very easy and the final product very effective.”
SAN DIEGO — EMN8 Inc., a developer of consumer self-service order and payment systems for quick-service restaurants, has installed self-order kiosks at a Tulsa, Okla.-based Arby’s franchise, United States Beef Corp. (U.S. Beef). EMN8’s solution brings an interactive ordering experience to the consumer and integrates with the operator’s POS system for real-time, high-volume order processing.
“One of U.S. Beef’s key strategies is providing a superior customer experience,” said Jeff Turner, U.S. Beef’s senior director of information technology. “The EMN8 kiosk delivers on this strategy through an engaging customer self-service option. An additional technical aspect to our decision is a solution that fully integrates with our existing Radiant POS. EMN8’s experience, technology, and focus on integration ensured success in delivering an exceptional customer self-service experience."
PADERBORN, Germany — Wincor Nixdorf has signed an agreement with NETTO Marken-Discount, a subsidiary of leading German food retailer EDEKA, to equip NETTO’s stores with 1,500 reverse vending machines. The deal makes Wincor Nixdorf NETTO’s primary supplier of reverse vending. According to a news release, the rollout already has begun and should be finished by the end of 2010.
“With this contract, the majority of the volume of reverse vending that has been tendered in Germany in recent months has gone to Wincor Nixdorf. This represents a positive development of the business in line with our expectations," said Dr. Herbert Machill, who is responsible at Wincor Nixdorf for business with retailers worldwide.
NETTO has ordered the Revendo 9000 system, which is suitable for all types of empty containers and will be used for the return of bottles and beverage crates. In addition, the Revendo system meets NETTO’s specific requirements, owing to its flexible and customizable background technology. Rigorous use of standard technology makes service work easier and also ensures high availability.
NETTO operates solely in Germany with a network of about 3,800 stores, more than 50,000 employees and sales of some 10 billion euros.
PADERBORN, Germany — Wincor Nixdorf has concluded a framework agreement with leading German food retailer Edeka to equip some of the group’s stores with reverse vending machines. The recently signed contract with Edeka comprises a total of 600 systems to be used for the return of one-way and refillable containers. The contract is due to run for two years.
The order also comprises a wide range of technology in the rear section, including compactors, as well as services such as installation, start-up and service packs. The 600 systems will be installed both in subsidiary-based operations associated with Edeka’s regional companies and in the group’s independent retail stores.
With some 12,000 stores and expected sales of around 43 billion euros in 2009, the EDEKA Group is the number one food retailer in Germany. Its core business areas include the full product range business conducted by independent EDEKA merchants as well as the discount segment. In total, the company has around 280,000 employees.
SYLVAN LAKE, Alberta — TacoTime, a Kahala Corp. quick-serve restaurant concept with more than 350 locations around the world, recently installed NEXTEP touchscreen self-order kiosks at its newly-opened Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada, location.
The restaurant chain, which specializes in freshly prepared Mexican fare, installed two NEXTEP countertop self order kiosks and immediately witnessed increased revenue, according to a news release.
The countertop kiosks, located at the front of the ordering area, enable customers to easily and quickly order without assistance.
NEXTEP also was able to seamlessly integrate with TacoTime’s Speedline POS solution.
CHICAGO — Wow Bao, a Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurant concept, has selected NEXTEP Systems to provide touchscreen ordering kiosks for its State and Lake location in Chicago. Two self-order kiosks will offer order and payment options at the restaurant. Wow Bao menu offerings include Asian-influenced steamed buns, broths, salads and specialty sodas and teas.
"We're fortunate to be working with the most popular, busiest and (most) innovative top brand," said Tommy Woycik, president of NEXTEP, in a news release. "Wow Bao's self-order kiosk implementation demonstrates their commitment to providing excellent customer service using 21st-century technology."
TROY, Mich. -- Two more airports have deployed kiosk and digital menu board technology from NEXTEP SYSTEMS, according to a news release.
Logan International Airport in Boston and Philadelphia International Airport have added NEXTEP solutions.
"Both Boston and Philadelphia airports have moved toward the 21st century standard of providing busy air travelers with less time constraints and innovative visuals, allowing NEXTEP to enlarge our install base," said Tommy Woycik, president of NEXTEP SYSTEMS. "Not only do the self-order kiosks and digital menu boards increase revenue for the establishments, they offer better customer service."
Jet Rock Bar and Grill, located within Philadelphia International Airport in Terminals B, D and F, has implemented NEXTEP's touchscreen self-order kiosks for faster customer service for travelers. The kiosks eliminate long lines and facilitate the rapid fulfillment of food and beverages orders - a must for the demands on today's traveling public.
Earl of Sandwich, located in Boston Logan International Airport, will install NEXTEP's solution for digital menu boards at their location within Terminal E. Digital menu boards enable Earl of Sandwich to use dynamic messaging with greater impact, advertise daily specials and target their promotions directly to busy travelers.
NEXTEP was able to provide seamless integration with MICROS 9700 POS. Earl of Sandwich and Jet Rock owners are able to make pricing changes and have them immediately reflect on their digital menu boards and self-order kiosks.
NEXTEP solutions have also been deployed in JFK International Airport, Reagan National and Detroit Metro.
Nation's Restaurant News: Time is money, so the adage goes. That's especially true when a slow-moving line at the service counter of a quick-service restaurant exacts a toll in customer walk-offs and lost sales. But some operators say they are successfully busting lines and boosting throughput — and increasing average checks to boot — by inviting patrons to use self-service kiosks in the dining room to order their meals. Now, executives from three restaurants are sounding off on the value that self-service technology brings to their bottom lines.
The (San Jose, Calif) Mercury News: If there's one word to describe Specialty's Cafe & Bakery, the recent addition to downtown San Jose's casual dining scene, it would be "fresh," according to one critic. Patrons can step up to one of the snazzy flat-screen monitors, make their selections from the abundant menu, click on "edit" to add or remove ingredients (more on that in a minute), swipe their credit card, grab their receipt, pocket a pager and — bam! — their order's up.
Silicon.com: Colonal Sanders has tried self-service and, if customer response is any indicator, it's finger-lickin' good. A KFC franchise in North Wales began trialing self-service kiosks in Aug. 2008. Customers can evade long lines by ordering and paying for their meal at the kiosks. The user interface for the kiosks, provided by YESpay, has boosted the average order size from £5.83 (U.S. $8.01) to £7.93 (U.S. $10.90). Roughly 15 percent of the franchise's business takes place at the kiosks.
POSEN, Ill. -- Corporate Safe Specialists is upgrading its MenuSOS kiosk software platform to support more applications, including .net framework 3.05, Windows Presentation and Communication Foundations (WPF and WCF) and SQL Express.
Corporate Safe Specialists kiosk solutions are designed to help small- and medium-sized businesses quickly implement self-service systems with a lower initial investment. MenuSOS is offered as an enhancement to the CSS kiosk platform, which, according to a news release, is the only kiosk system to accept credit/debit cards and cash, validate and count currency, and store it directly to a business rated safe. Notes are deposited directly into a business rated safe and CSS kiosk security can be made ready for armored car pick-up.
MenuSOS offers rapid self-configuration through a scripted, user-friendly process that non-technical users can complete within a few hours. Restaurant and retail establishments would then have a working kiosk platform that would provide benefits to both the business ower and customers.
According to the release, customers will now have the ability to order and pay for products and services through a touchscreen interface. The design objective for the user interface was a superior customer experience that shed associations with order entry via a personal computer.
Business owners are able to service a greater number of customers without hiring additional staff. The MenuSOS will also enable small business owners to offer their customers the self-service options that have become increasingly popular at larger competitors. The MenuSOS module can also be used as a digital chalkboard to communicate daily specials and other information to customers.
CINCINNATI — Electronic Art, an interactive agency specializing in custom kiosk software, kiosk hardware and integrated Web sites, will be providing services for two new clients, Adplex and Engagement Health.
According to a news release, Electronic Art is creating a kiosk for one of Adplex's retail food clients as part of its customer loyalty program that allows account management and in-store printing of rewards. Based in Houston, Adplex is a strategic marketing solutions company with a focus on customer relationships and communication that drive measurable value.
In addition, Electronic Art has signed Engagement Health, of Westchester, Ill., as a client. Electronic Art will provide kiosk software applications to be used in corporate wellness programs that reduce healthcare costs for both the employee and the corporation. The kiosks incorporate specialty hardware for measurement of blood pressure, weight and other unique data items to help employees monitor their progress towards healthy living.
DALLAS — TableTop Media LLC announced the national availability of Ziosk, the company's next-generation interactive tabletop device, according to a news release.
Increased labor and food costs, lower check averages, reduced traffic and expensive paper promotions with low success rates are starving the restaurant industry economically, according to some. Ziosk delivers a dynamic, pay-on-demand experience with a menu of financially benefiting capabilities. In addition to Ziosk's core features (split check, touch tip, email or print receipt capabilities, real-time surveys, movie trailers and ticket purchase), the new product offers increased battery life, order entry, sound, dynamic content scheduling and a 3D graphics capable interface.
The technology was tested at the Cozymel's Mexican Grill chain in Texas and immediately demonstrated the consumer fascination with media-rich, touchscreen technology and convenience at the table. Leveraging the "pay on-demand" and digital promotional capabilities, Cozymel's has increased the average check at lunch by seven percent and 14 percent at dinner. Following the successful six-month pilot with more than 20,000 successful check outs, Cozymel's will begin deploying Ziosk to its other restaurant locations before the holiday season.
By shaving, on average, 10 minutes off the check presenting, processing and closing out process, a casual restaurant like Cozymel's is also able to increase its lunch and dinner capacity. Additionally, the "pay on-demand" feature has armed servers with the ability to field more tables, reducing labor costs by 16 percent. Those same servers are experiencing a 15 percent lift in tips per shift with the potential of a 30 percent lift thanks to the increase in tables.
Enhanced Product Features include:
Increased Battery Life: Ziosk operates with 18-plus hours of battery power, enabling restaurants to operate the complete day without service interruptions.
PCI Compliant: Ziosk is fully compliant with all Payment Card Industry Payment Application Data Security Standards (PCI PA-DSS) requirements.
Ruggedized and Spill Resistant: Ziosk was designed for the restaurant environment, and is both spill resistant and drop tested for hard surfaces.
Customizable Table Configurations: Ziosk offers multiple mounting options, vertical or horizontal in custom designed condiment holders or wall mounts.
Dynamic Content Scheduling: This patent-pending feature enables Ziosk to display relevant content at specific periods of the dining cycle by day part. Therefore, lunch specific promotions will be shown just during lunch prior to placing the order or just during the meal.
Training and HR: Ziosk offers restaurant employees the opportunity to login to view vacation and paycheck information, training programs, videos from management and other servers, enter internal blog information or participate in internal programs and competitions.
"Cozymel's proved the model across a number of fronts — higher check averages, increased customer frequency and table turns, positive customer feedback, menu up selling and financial comfort in transacting independent of a server," said Shawn Gentry, chief operating officer and president of TableTop Media. "Despite the current economic environment, we are very pleased with the level of interest among national chains to explore the technology across all category segments. The fact is, Ziosk goes way beyond security and convenience for guests, and it adds dollars to the pockets of restaurateurs and their employees. It's a win-win."
Mediacaster Magazine: Petro-Canada will deploy customer self-service food ordering technology and drive-through point-of-sale kiosk solutions in its c-stores. Working with Radiant Systems, the new platform will provide consumers with high-quality food and coffee as well as traditional fuel and convenience offerings.
AFP: Ceviche is the first self-service wine bar in Washington and believed to be one of very few in the entire United States. It features wines and food from Latin America or with a Spanish accent. Before Lana Shekim does the week's shopping, she likes to stop off at the self-service place in her Washington neighborhood for a top-up. "The primary thing for me is, it's in the neighborhood, across the street from the supermarket, and it's easy," she told AFP as she inserted a green card with a microchip into a slot above one of three self-service units, each of which contains eight bottles of wine.
James Bickers is the editor of Retail Customer Experience, a sister site of SelfService.org. To submit a comment about this story, e-mail .
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Fliers departing John F. Kennedy International Airport in October will experience a re-opened terminal featuring 250 touchscreen kiosks and 26 arrival and departure gates.
The kiosks from Nextep allow gate-bound travelers to choose food and drink items from multiple vendors and combine them into one order. The buyer swipes a payment card — with an option to add gratuity — and delivery to the gate is scheduled, along with estimated arrival time.
The program is part of Terminal 5's "T5 Experience," which aims to make dining at the airport something travelers will look forward to.
"The initiative also includes a focus on improved food quality, with local ingredients and a 'farmer's market'-type ambiance," said Nextep's Tommy Wojick.
New York Post: For those who can't be bothered with blending their own grapes, the new high-tech wine bar Clo offers a novel approach to sipping and swirling. Located on the fourth floor of the Time Warner Center, the walled-in kiosk features a 32-seat communal table with a digital wine list projected onto it. With the touch of a finger — or in the case of one writer, repeated stabs — you can search some 100 wines by color, grape, region and price (half-glass pours start at $3 and quickly go up from there).
Progressive Grocer: Giant Eagle Inc. has deployed more than 30 intelligent self-service ordering systems in more than 30 of its GetGo c-stores that are expected reduce lines and wait times by allowing customers to place orders directly at the sandwich counter. The IBM-powered AnyPlace Kiosk that Giant Eagle is now using relies on NextChoice's NextWave self-service software suite, which unifies customer ordering and payment with the collection and management of transaction data and preferences.
The (Raleigh, N.C.) News & Observer: Inamo, a restaurant in central London's Soho section, allows diners to order their own food directly from their tables, literally. Using a mouse pad that turns tables into giant computer screens, diners can order from an illustrated menu, pay their bills, summon taxis, play interactive games with fellow diners, view their food being prepared and even change the look of their tables.
The Irish Independent: Tim Hortons, the coffee and doughnut chain with self-service kiosks in Ireland, has reported growth in Canada and the United States. The chain, which is involved in a joint venture with food group IAWS, said second-quarter profit rose as it opened more restaurants and charged higher prices. Internationally, the company said the number of Tim Hortons sites in Ireland and the U.K. has expanded to 213 licensed locations, comprised primarily of self-serve kiosks.
The (Douglas, Ariz.) Daily Dispatch: What kind of effect does NEXTEP Systems' Deli Express kiosk have on the customer experience? Quite a big one, according to Stephanie Nelson, a regular contributor to "Good Morning America." Nelson recently featured the kiosks in one of her online columns.
Video Business: MOD Systems and Domino’s Pizza are in talks to give consumers the opportunity to have their pizza and movie delivered by the same person, according to participants at Wednesday’s Entertainment Supply Chain Academy. MOD Systems has been testing music manufacturing-on-demand to CD and/or portable device through kiosk installations at Best Buy. But retailers, including pizza chain Domino’s, see value in offering impulse-produced DVDs as a new revenue stream. The idea is that a Domino’s customer could order a pizza plus a movie of their choice and both would be churned out at the storefront for home delivery.
The Detroit (Mich.) Free Press: Nino Salvaggio, a specialty grocer best known for its fresh produce and imported gourmet foods, is applying fast-food restaurant technology to its deli department to reduce the other thing it's known for — long lines. The kiosks are at the front of the store so as customers come in they can order their sliced meats and cheeses. They can pick up their order 10 minutes later in the deli.
Blip.tv: In a visit to Nino Salvaggio's grocery in Clinton Township, Michigan, Cathy, host of "Cooking with Cathy," uses NEXTEP SYSTEMS’ Deli Express kiosk. Nino’s store manager, Frank Nicolella, shows Cathy how to order her turkey and cheese, and then pick it up at the deli counter in 10 minutes.
DALLAS — TableTop Media LLC has announced a wireless, interactive tabletop device with next-generation pay-on-demand capabilities. The company plans to display the device in the Microsoft Booth at FS/TEC, an international trade show focused on technology for the foodservice industry.
TableTop Media’s device has three main features: split check, touch tip and email or print receipt capabilities.
Using the solution, the company says restaurant operators will receive key benefits.
Dynamic Content Delivery – Increase consumer interaction via digital promotions at relevant times with measurable results.
Real-Time Feedback – Boost customer loyalty by empowering guests and alerting managers if certain conditions are met.
Infotainment – Engage and entertain guests while enhancing the overall dining experience with information, movie trailers and ticket purchasing.
TableTop Media’s solution has been installed at Cozymel’s Mexican Grill in its Grapevine, Texas, location for the past three months.
The Puget Sound (Seattle, Wash.) Business Journal: Starbucks Corp. is experimenting with selling espresso drinks from a machine, sans barista. The company, through its Seattle's Best Coffee label, has teamed up with Coinstar Inc. and a small Bellevue company, Concordia Coffee Co. Inc., on automated, self-serve espresso kiosks in grocery stores in eight states. The machines grind their own beans and crank out lattes, mochas, chai teas, hot chocolates and drip coffees. There are 86 machines installed in Albertson's stores and other groceries in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland and Tennessee.
JAPAN — McDonalds now lets Japanese customers pay for their Big Macs and Happy Meals with their mobile phones. After nearly a year in development, McDonalds Japan has announced the deployment of its e-wallet coupon and payment system, using Felica and NTT DoComo RFID readers.
Under the so-called Kazasu Kuupon (no contact coupon) program, DoCoMo subscribers are supposed to download an application and register on McDonalds Japan’s mobile Web site first. They will then receive digital vouchers on their mobile phones, which when tapped against an RFID reader placed at McDonalds counters will redeem the coupons. The McDonald's tally will show up on the clients’ next DoCoMo phone bill.
Moreover, customers can also pay food orders via their mobile phones, provided they are enrolled in DoCoMo’s mobile e-wallet system “iD.”
The Japan-only technology is currently being tested in 175 McDonalds Tokyo stores as of May 20. The company plans to rapidly expand the program to a total of 3,800 retail shops by 2009.
DALLAS — TableTop Media has unveiled its wireless, interactive tabletop device with pay-on-demand capabilities.
TableTop Media delivers a pay-at-the-table device with three distinct features: split check, touch tip and email or print receipt capabilities. Unlike traditional pay-at-the-table products, the solution places control in the guests’ hands to pay at their convenience.
TableTop Media’s solution has been installed at Cozymel’s Mexican Grill in its Grapevine, Texas location for the past three months.
The solution is built upon the Microsoft Windows Embedded CE operating system and the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework and uses additional Microsoft technologies including Microsoft Windows Server 2005, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and Internet Information Services 6.0.
The (Richmond, Va.) Times-Dispatch: Customers at two Richmond-area Hardee's restaurants can use touchscreen kiosks to order and pay for their food. The kiosks are part of a test for franchise operator Boddie-Noell to see whether customer service improves. "It is really all about speed of service, ordering accurately and giving customers another way to get their order quicker," said Jerry Allsbrook, senior vice president of marketing for Boddie-Noell, the largest Hardee's franchisee in the U.S. It operates 346 restaurants in four states, including Virginia.
(Tampa Bay, Fla.) Channel 10: A high-end sports bar in downtown Atlanta has installed beer taps at the table. Stats Sports Bar has built beer taps into some of the tables in the bar, giving patrons the option to serve themselves. The tables have two built-in taps. They still need waitresses to check customers' ID's. Otherwise, it's pour your own. Customers are charged 25 cents an ounce for every drop, and that includes the foam. The taps automatically shut off after about 3 pitchers worth.
The Raw Feed: Japan's TEC has created a restaurant table with a built-in 3-D LCD screen. The table, called the Tobidasu Menu, lets you browse food choices. The piece de resistance is that you can select each item on the touchscreen table for full-size, 3-D view. The table shows what your food will look like sitting in front of you. The table even performs a few wacky tricks — for example, you can place a hamburger bun on the table and when you lift it up again there will be a 3-D digital burger underneath.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Boddie-Noell Enterprises, the largest Hardee’s franchise operator in the United States with 345 restaurants in four states, and EMN8, a provider of self-service systems for quick-service restaurants, has announced the introduction of EMN8 kiosks in BNE Hardee’s locations.
According to a news release, a three restaurant pilot is underway that will test the level of guest adoption of the technology and improvement in speed of customer service. EMN8’s self-service software features a user-friendly interface that allows Hardee’s customers to order their food quickly and easily. The menu presents products, suggestions and options in such a manner as to influence customers’ decisions at the point of purchase, increasing average ticket and menu awareness.
LOS ANGELES — Using a new interactive wine-retailing solution from runtriz, and touchscreen technology from SeePoint Technology, wine shops, tasting rooms and bars can expand their offerings. Wine by runtriz, a touchscreen kiosk, allows consumers to learn about different regions, get recommendations, view ratings and order.
The interactive system allows consumers to order and checkout without requiring any additional retailer staff or personnel. Not only can customers view wine listings by variety, vintage year or price, the runtriz solution also lets consumers search the world by region. The kiosk uses 3D animated graphics- developed by designers from the National Geographic Channel. Just touch anywhere on the map and the system will take you to that country’s wine regions while pulling retailer’s stock right on the screen. Customers looking for a Bordeaux can simply touch France on the map or scroll through Australia for a new Syrah, for example.
Wine by runtriz is certified to run on all of SeePoint’s kiosk systems. The solution can be housed in a free-standing model, on a countertop or the All-in-One VESA mounting kiosk system. All SeePoint systems are secure kiosk systems with integrated processing unit and touchscreen monitor. Their small footprint units can be mounted in various locations, including poles, wall-mounted or desktop.
(Bangkok, Thailand) The Nation: Before gaining entry to a pub, one has to display an identification card. However, the next time just your finger will do. A new technology using a fingerprint scan has been developed to help verify the age of pub patrons. The technology has been launched by Diageo Moet Hennessy, a leading importer and distributor of premium alcoholic beverages, which was formerly known as Riche Monde. The project involved establishing fingerprint scan kiosks at the gates of popular pubs. The kiosk will be used by pubs to verify that their patrons' age is above 20 - the legal requirement to enter a pub in Thailand.
The (New Jersey) Star-Ledger: The restaurant industry may soon allow customers to order their food and pay for it without ever needing a waiter. Call it digital dining, self-service, the inevitable confluence of technology and gastronomy that can speed service, reduce ordering errors and better secure your precious credit card information in one of the few remaining environments in which your card leaves your control.
Progressive Grocer: Stew Leonard's has rolled out a deli self-order kiosk from Lombard, Ill.-based ADUSA Inc., provider of self-ordering solutions for grocery supermarkets, restaurants and foodservice operations, in its Yonkers, N.Y. store. The kiosks will allow customers to self-order the full range of items available at the service deli, among them meats, cheeses, party trays, and, eventually, sandwiches — reducing, or completely eliminating, the time that a customer has to spend waiting in line.
CBS 2 HDTV: Ever find yourself unable to get the attention of a waiter? That may be a problem of the past thanks to new tableside touchscreens. The technology is being used at uWink, the latest offering from the founder of Chuck E. Cheese. The company said the new system is providing faster service, fewer mistakes and fewer interruptions.
DAYTON, Ohio — Retailers who have deployed NCR Corp.'s FastLane self-checkout kiosks can extend FastLane's capabilities to shoppers in other parts of the store, thanks to a new solution from NCR called NCR FastLane Order and Pay.
According to a news release, FastLane Order and Pay is designed to address a variety of self-service opportunities within a store — such as a deli or bakery section or an in-store food-service operation. In addition to food stores, it also can be deployed in general merchandise, convenience or other retail formats.
"With this solution, retailers can leverage their NCR FastLane investment by migrating additional transactions to self-service," said Mike Webster, NCR vice president for self-service solutions. "Because their customers will already be familiar with NCR self-checkout, they can use NCR FastLane Order and Pay with ease and confidence."
Introduced initially in Europe, NCR FastLane Order and Pay has been deployed in Italy by leading retailer Auchan, which operates supermarkets and hypermarkets across Europe. It also has been installed by one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America.
NCR FastLane Order and Pay features the familiar NCR FastLane interface without the scan and bag functionality. The touchscreen presents shoppers with a pre-set menu appropriate to its location in the store.
After entering choices, a consumer can use NCR FastLane Order and Pay to pay with cash, debit card or credit card and receive a receipt that he hands to a store associate before picking up his purchase.
NCR FastLane Order and Pay makes its North American trade show debut Jan. 13-16 at the National Retail Federation's Annual Convention & Expo in New York.
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp., in partnership with ViVOtech, has introduced a suite of contactless payment terminals for the point of sale. These solutions enable mobile and contactless payment at a variety of customer touch points, including retail checkout, restaurant drive-thru and the diner’s table.
Demonstrations of the new technology will take place Jan. 13-16 during the National Retail Foundation's Annual Convention & Expo in New York.
“NCR’s unparalleled experience in payment transactions, combined with ViVOtech’s expertise in contactless technology, provides retailers with the latest contactless payment options and a platform for future near field communication applications,” said Greg Egan, NCR vice president for Retail Assisted Service Solutions. “This line of NCR RealPOS contactless readers is designed to help merchants achieve a successful contactless and mobile payments program, and provide a new level of service to their customers.”
BOSTON - Modiv Media, a retail interactive media delivery solutions provider, has announced that its Modiv DeliVision, a deli-queue optimization solution that also features self-service ordering and coordinated media, has processed more than 7 million orders since it first was deployed at stores in 2006. The deli kiosk currently is deployed in more than 150 stores and across seven states, including Stop & Shop grocery stores.
Modiv DeliVision combines queue optimization, self-service deli ordering and coordinated, targeted media to enhance the shopper's deli experience. Modiv DeliVision enables customers to place their deli order, tells the customer when the order will be filled, and offers targeted, relevant offers. This helps retailers reduce line abandonment and "tickets not served," improve deli operations and increase deli sales.
"Using Modiv DeliVision, Stop & Shop can now provide a new way for customers to shop," said Christine Dorman, senior vice president, Operational and Strategic Initiatives & Support Services for Stop & Shop. "DeliVision gives us an opportunity to enhance customer satisfaction and increase our efficiency."
Retailers and manufacturers also use the DeliVision to leverage brand awareness by coordinating their offers and advertisements on the touchscreen self-service kiosk, the deli department's overhead electronic display monitor, as well as the printed-coupon tickets from the kiosk and the queue ticket dispenser.
"Besides an increase in deli trips, we are also seeing a trend that shoppers purchase more items per trip when they use the Modiv DeliVision kiosk as compared to ordering in person at the deli counter,"� said Robert Wesley, president and CEO of Modiv Media. "Because shoppers do not need to wait to give their deli order, they are more likely to order additional items and can quickly fulfill their own customized orders, including specific brand, weight or cut. Convenience and speed are key elements to Modiv DeliVision's millions-order success."
TROY, Mich. - NEXTEP Systems has announced two additional casinos that selected the company's Casino Express self-order kiosk technology for their food and beverage ordering.
Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, Calif., installed the self-order system, which allows its guests, primarily those in the poker room, to order from The Sport Page Pub & Grill menu and have the food delivered. Guests can pay with credit, debit or Cache Club loyalty cards. All orders are sent to the existing MICROS 9700 POS system for fulfillment and consolidated reporting.
The IP Casino Resort Spa on the Mississippi Gulf Coast installed self-order kiosks at the Back Bay Buffet. Customers will have the option of paying with cash, credit, debit, IP Rewards, coupons and room charges. All transactions will be sent to the existing MICROS 9700 POS system for consolidated configuration and reporting.
service chains and their franchisees are experimenting like never before with self-service menu kiosks as they look to sell more food and cut labor costs. Pilot projects are under way at as many as 10 chains, according to the companies who sell the technology.
"I think the fast food industry is headed in that direction," said Valerie Killifer, editor of QSR Web, "but it's been a slow moving process."
The Harvard Crimson: Dining halls are now serving up nutrition information on a high-tech array of glowing flat-screen monitors that cost them thousands of dollars. Harvard University Dining Services installed 13 42-inch flat-panel plasma television monitors and 14 free-standing electronic kiosks into the 13 dining halls across campus last summer.
NewsOK.com: Over the past year, Star Chasers Oklahoma, the statewide local franchiser of Carl's Jr., has installed touchscreen kiosks in 31 of its 39 restaurants in Oklahoma and Wichita Falls, Texas, making it one of the few quick-service restaurant chains in the country to use the self-service model at a franchisee or corporate level.
Slashfood.com: Ice cream out of a vending machine isn't totally innovative · we've seen things like packaged ice cream bars, popsicles and "drumstick"-types before. However, Moo Bella has taken ice cream enjoyment one step further by dispensing freshly scooped ice cream in 12 different flavors, with three different mix-ins. That means you can create a custom flavor for yourself from a touchscreen kiosk.
EXTON, Pa. · IDS Menus, a division of International Display Systems Inc., has announced the recent successful installation of its digital menu board system for South Coast Winery Restaurant, located in Orange County, Calif. South Coast Winery Restaurant's sister property is South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, located in Temecula, California. Founded in 2002, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is a luxury destination for fine wine, gourmet dining, spa facilities, private villas and more.
Eight LCD screens were installed in the breakfast and lunch areas of the restaurant. IDS Menus was called upon by South Coast to provide a state-of-the art menu display with user-friendly content management tools. With their foodservice marketing expertise and the help of the South Coast staff, IDS' designers created a mix of menu layouts and full screen promotional video.
ABC News: When it comes to air travel for most Americans, low cost means no frills. But billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson hopes to change that. He's betting that the bells and whistles on a new plane, created exclusively for Virgin America, will make the airline America's choice. One of the best frills, he says, is allowing passengers to order food via a touchscreen personal entertainment system.
ABERDEEN, N.C. · Meridian Kiosks announced they have teamed with Tyco Electronics' Elo TouchSystems to provide self-service ordering stations in restaurants and convenience stores.
According to a news release, the first units have been deployed at a number of locations throughout the Midwest.
"The desire for self-service options in restaurants is growing daily as improved accuracy of orders and speed of service are beneficial to both restaurant owners and their customers,"� said Bill Nulf, director of sales for Elo TouchSystems products.
Many of Meridian Kiosks' standard kiosks can be used in restaurant settings and branded to fit the environment. The kiosks can accept credit and debit card payments as well as checks, bills and coins. Overhead signage/displays and dynamic menus are available options.
The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer: Hamburger chain Wendy's is searching for its next great burger recipe. As part of its 25-city "Great Taste Tour," Wendy's has set up computer kiosks for customers to create the perfect burger.
Computerworld Malaysia: The Sakae Sushi chain of restaurants in Kuala Lumpur has installed IBM touchscreen kiosks to replace the chain's older interactive menu systems. Patrons can now place orders directly with the kitchen at the kiosks.
MINNEAPOLIS · Chief Manufacturing announced the launch of its Cinematic Series of automated mounting solutions. The line includes swing-arm mounts, flat panel and projector lifts, and table stands.
The Cinematic series offers programmable viewing angles and fine-tuned viewing adjustments. The CM1 Automated Swing Arm Mount can extend a screen from the wall and rotate it to the desired angle. The CM2 Automated Pop-Up Lift raises and lowers screens up to 61 inches and 200 lbs., and the CM3 Automated Swivel Table Stand is a tabletop solution with a free-standing base and integrated IR sensor.
The Associated Press: Pay-at-the-table systems are popular in Europe and other parts of the world, but they haven't yet caught on in the United States, largely because equipment makers haven't been able to point to a reason why restaurateurs should invest in the gear. Manufacturers now see an opportunity. A rise in the number of "skimming" scams, in which waiters use hand-held computers to quietly record customers' credit card information and sell it, is creating a sense of urgency. The concern is pushing managers to speed the flow of diners during peak hours.
SAN JOSE, Calif. · VeriFone Holdings Inc. announced that Cara, the largest operator of full service restaurants in Canada, has selected the ON THE SPOT pay at the table system designed exclusively for the hospitality industry.
The ON THE SPOT system is designed to improve security for restaurant patrons and cut down on the increasingly common problem of credit card fraud. It has two main platforms. One allows at-the-table, curb or point of delivery payment for full-service family, casual and fine dining restaurants. The other is designed for use at drive-thru windows. At Cara, ON THE SPOT will integrate into their existing MICROS point-of-sale system.
ON THE SPOT allows patrons to hold on to their card during the payment process to cut down on "skimming" and identity theft. TransUnion estimates that 70 percent of all skimming takes place in the restaurant environment. The payment system also uses special encryption and other security features to protect the financial data transacted over a restaurant's Wi-Fi network.
Cara owns many of Canada's most popular restaurant concepts with stores totaling over 800, including the Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, Kelsey's, Montana's Cookhouse and Milestone's Grill & Bar brands.
RFID Journal: City Pizza in West Palm Beach, Fla., is letting patrons take ordering into their own hands. Using an RFID-enabled card at a self-service kiosk, users pay for their pizzas with credit cards, and the technology allows the restaurant to monitor orders by requiring employees to log into the POS system using RFID-enabled wristbands. The system, installed a month ago, has reduced internal theft and allowed customers to leave whenever they choose.
Letsgodigital.com: VeriFone Holdings has released the iOrder Food Service Kiosk, a self-service station designed for quick-serve restaurant and convenience-store food-service operations. iOrder works with VeriFone's Sapphire site controller, and Ruby and Topaz POS systems.
Techworld: The next big trend in restaurant technology might be the replacement of existing POS systems with open architecture devices that are extensible. For instance, unstaffed order stations can be configured as self-service kiosks, complete with card-swipe readers. These have been popular at a deli chain that's doing a pilot because customers can customize orders and ensure they're right.
ARLINGTON, Texas · The Pinnacle Corp. launched its self-service kiosk solution, Palm.kiosk, powered by Xpedient. The company partnered with Xpedient to capitalize on its expertise in the self-service kiosk industry within the convenience store market, the company said in a press release.
"We are pleased to introduce Palm.kiosk to the market," said Denise Lewis, palm POS solution manager. "Palm.kiosk will strengthen Pinnacle's food service offering and allow a platform to launch other kiosk-based functionality in the future using Xpedient's proven technology. This product is already established in the c-store marketplace making it a great addition to Pinnacle's broad product line."
Pinnacle Corp. will re-brand Xpedient's kiosk to market, sell and support the product as a Pinnacle product under the name Palm.kiosk.
Xpedient currently has over 200 foodservice kiosks installed in retail locations throughout the market, including key clients MAPCO Mart and Thorntons Inc.
The self-service kiosk is an extension of Pinnacle's Palm POS, adding even more integration convenience to their solutions offerings for current and future Pinnacle clients, the company said.
Palm.kiosk will be offered on multiple hardware platforms including Ultimate Technologies, NCR, Pro-Tech and Meridian, and will support all basic QSR requirements of the convenience store industry, according to the company.
Initially, Palm.kiosk will include foodservice order operation capabilities, but will be expanded to include additional functionality in the near future.
Currently, the kiosk offers integrated bump bar, kitchen video and consumer video systems, simple to use graphics-based corporate office authoring tools, remote support tools, and automated communication mechanisms to distribute setup and change information to store kiosk locations.
Retailers will also have the option of fitting their Palm.kiosk units with custom graphics to provide another mode of advertising and communication to their customers at the self-service kiosk.
Boston.com: The Legal Sea Foods restaurant chain is introducing hand-held devices that let customers pay at their tables. The move comes in response to growing concern about credit-card fraud and as a way to cut down on the time customers wait for bills.
In its forecast for 2007, the National Restaurant Association named self-service technology its No. 2 trend to watch for full-service restaurants.
According to NRA's report, "2007 Restaurant Industry Forcast," full-service patrons appear ready to embrace added self-service options. The report says that 46 percent of Americans are likely to use customer-activated ordering and payment terminals.
But restaurant operators may not be ready to deliver. According to the NRA, just 3 percent of casual-dining operators and 4 percent of fine-dining owners offer self-service payment options.
In addition, the association found that younger patrons are more likely to use self-service. The report says 71 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds and 64 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds prefer self-service terminals.
Hudson Riehle, senior vice president for the NRA, said restaurant sales are expected to surpass $500 billion in 2007. In a new interview on PodCast Grill, Riehle talks about how self-service technology will impact the industry.
ATLANTA · Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, a division of AFC Enterprises Inc., announced the opening of a new fast-casual hybrid concept, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. The restaurant expands upon Popeyes' rich history and entices guests with a variety of authentic Cajun and Creole flavors, while offering the convenience of a quick-serve restaurant.
"With Popeyes' heritage and culinary experience, we wanted to create a restaurant that would allow our guests to further immerse themselves in the rich culture of New Orleans and provide them with the variety they crave · in the menu, in the atmosphere and even in the ordering process," said Ken Keymer, president and chief executive of Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits. "From the expanded menu to the atmosphere to the aromas, flavors and images, we hope our new restaurant provides our guests with that 'little something extra' the Cajuns call Lagniappe."
The first Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen location opens on December 12, 2006, at 7050 Jimmy Carter Blvd. in Norcross, Ga. A second restaurant, in Fayetteville, Ga., is planned for early 2007.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen will offer innovative ordering methods, enabling guests to place orders at new, in-restaurant self-service ordering kiosks and call ahead for car-side "To Geaux," along with traditional in-restaurant front-counter service and drive-thru ordering. In addition to these ordering options, the restaurant will feature the Cajun Connection, free wireless Internet connectivity, for guests dining at the restaurant.
San Diego Business Journal: A San Diego Jack in the Box has deployed self-ordering kiosks by EMN8. Experts believe the ordering kiosks will become standard fixtures at quick service restaurants within four years.
RestaurantNewsResource.com: Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese, has opened his first uWink bistro in Woodland Hills, Calif. The restaurant is centered on self-service ordering, with touchscreens located at each table. Use of the touchscreen for ordering makes possible the real-time monitoring of consumption trends, the display of relevant advertising (deals with Red Bull, Evian and Stockholm Vodka have already been announced), and personalized recommendations based on analysis of users' order history.
Based on the amount of food or drink that is ordered, patrons receive a number of credits that can be used to play video games on the monitors at their tables. Other media that will be accessible from the tabletop screens include trivia quizzes, horoscopes, movie trailers, music videos, comedy skits, and magic tricks. The company's philosophy is to foster "social gaming" and activities in which customers can participate as a group as opposed to the normal arcade setup, where people split up and play different games (i.e. Dave & Buster's).
BURR RIDGE, Ill. · Targeted media company TAP.tv marked its expansion into the quick-serve-restaurant segment through a multimedia installation with leading McDonald's operator JDD Investments Inc.
Using proprietary set-top box technology, TAP.tv went live Aug. 14, with a multiscreen installation at JDD's signature McDonald's store in Chicago.
Designed to build patron loyalty and enhance the McDonald's in-store experience, the TAP.tv installation leverages the company's ability to deliver a variety of content to any type of video display, targeted to conform to McDonald's day-part communication needs.
Components of the installation include:
8 foot, multiscreen "VideoBar." Mounted above the ordering counter, the proprietary configuration delivers multimedia messaging in support of store marketing events, menu suggestions and promotional offers.
On-demand "KidVid" display. Located in the McDonald's Playplace, the 50-inch display presents a variety of kid-oriented content, activated by patrons via a McDonald's themed touchpanel kiosk.
Playplace-mounted "PartyCam." Activated via the kids' kiosk, the feature allows patrons to "see themselves on TV." It will also be used to digitally capture family parties.
Multimedia presentation screens. Multiple 42-inch plasma screens, mounted throughout the McDonald's dining area, present a variety of day-part appropriate promotional material as well as content provided by TAP.tv's Content Division. Content includes news, music videos and action sports features which can be selected by patrons via cell phone text messaging.
Naples (Fla.) News: There are 44 Subways using touchscreen kiosks for ordering across the United States, and they're becoming available in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia as well. Dave Hubbard, chief marketing officer for Pro-Tech, the Atlanta-based manufacturer of the systems, said more are in the works. The company also is talking to other chains about using the kiosks, including Arby's and Burger King.
Chain Store Age: Burger King's slogan, "Have it Your Way," invites consumers to order their burgers just the way they like them · whether that be with or without tomatoes. But in practice, getting a food order as specified is more like playing the lottery. Sometimes you're lucky; other times you have to pull out that unwanted tomato. Self-service technology could make such consumer headaches a problem of the past, while helping free up staff for better and faster customer service. The era of self-ordering is here, at last.
AUSTIN, Texas · "World's Greatest Hamburgers" maker Fuddruckers is about to become one of the first known restaurant chains to use interactive kiosks in its kitchens. The restaurant chain plans to improve the efficiency of meal preparation and food order delivery with the IBM technology.
According to a news release, Fuddruckers' proprietary recipes and food preparation methods will be distributed to 125 secure, ultra-compact IBM Anyplace Kiosks in all of its corporate-owned restaurants' kitchens. This will replace paper-based procedures and recipe manuals, and will allow the restaurant chain to provide accurate and up-to-date food preparation instructions and recipes at a single source.
Fuddruckers will provide its general managers and cooks with easy access to recipes, via touchscreen panels and Recipeviewer software from Custom Business Solutions Inc. The restaurant chain also is using 125 new IBM SurePOS 500 systems to record customer orders. The new systems will be able to run the entire POSitouch suite that includes point of sale, enterprise reporting, employee scheduling, inventory, food costing and forecasting software applications.
CNNmoney.com recently interviewed ADUSA president Juan Perez for a special report on restaurant and deli kiosks, one area of specialty for ADUSA. According to CNN the QSR, quick-service restaurant, could soon become an SSR: self-service restaurant.
Wincor Nixdorf is driving forward the internationalization of its store software TP.net and has developed a version for the Russian market together with its Russian partner IT Service Retail & Banking, which is based in Moscow. IT Service is presenting the software at CeBIT in Hall 1, stand J 24 in a version that has been especially adapted to Russian requirements including Russian fiscal law.
"The Russian market is of crucial importance to us", said Dr. Johann Isaak, who heads up Wincor Nixdorf's representative office in Moscow. On the one hand, numerous western European retailers are continuing to expand into Russia and are requesting software that can be implemented internationally. On the other hand, the large Russian retailers are greatly expanding their store networks and require solutions that reduce complexity and costs and can be adapted easily to specific requirements.
"TP.net fulfills Russian trading requirements", said Michael Mostovoy, IT Service's managing director. "The technological concept of TP.net has proven itself in Europe and can be implemented in a variety of retail formats with characteristics such as faster installability, numerous functions and central administration." IT Service Retail and Banking employs people specialized in automating areas such as sales, post offices and banks. Among its clients are major international and Russian companies such as Metro Cash & Carry, real,- Hypermarket, Castorama, Daily Foods, Aeroflot, The Post of Russia and many others.
With TP.net, Wincor Nixdorf has developed a software product that meets the strategic demands of international retail. TP.net is based on standard technology such as XML, the peripheral control concept OPOS or the development standard Microsoft .NET. In addition, the solution offers a comprehensive range of functions. These characteristics enable TP.net to be implemented in many different store systems and guarantee the support of innovative checkout concepts.
Friday, January 20, 2006 - NEXTEP SYSTEMS of Troy, Michigan announced a new Online Ordering solution for restaurants, tightly integrated with its popular Self Order Kiosk solution. Online Ordering allows customers to pre-order meals for pick up at the restaurant of their choice. Instead of providing a web form interface, NEXTEP offers the same rich, graphical user interface that it provides on its self order kiosks.
Additional benefits of the NEXTEP approach include centralized administration, centralized reporting, a consistent customer experience, and lower total cost of ownership.
NEXTEP SYSTEMS is a leading provider of Automated Ordering and Digital Signage solutions, most notably to SUBWAY® restaurants. More on NEXTEP SYSTEMS at www.nextepsystems.com or contact Rick Wibel at 866-654-8730 x112.
"Being a member of the DSA allows us to stay at the forefront of the retail self-service industry offerings. We are able to work alongside other deployers and share ideas and experiences."
Kari Blankenship
Retail Programs Manager Cabela's Inc.
MINNEAPOLIS · Chief Manufacturing announced the launch of its Cinematic Series of automated mounting solutions. The line includes swing-arm mounts, flat panel and projector lifts, and table stands.
Friday, January 20, 2006 - NEXTEP SYSTEMS of Troy, Michigan announced a new Online Ordering solution for restaurants, tightly integrated with its popular Self Order Kiosk solution. Online Ordering allows customers to pre-order meals for pick up at the restaurant of their choice. Instead of providing a web form interface, NEXTEP offers the same rich, graphical user interface that it provides on its self order kiosks.
