Why The “New Normal” Calls For a Contactless Mobile Guest Experience

contactless mobile guest experience

Digital Dining Adoption

The pandemic has pushed the restaurant industry’s adoption of technology. It’s now common to see people use their smartphones or other digital platforms when dining out. It’s important to note that everyone’s expectations have shifted as a result of Covid-19, therefore you can’t rely on the same procedures that you used before March 2020 if you want your business to succeed. 

According to Juniper Research, more than half (53 percent) of global transactions running through Point-of-Sale systems will be contactless within five years, compared to just 15 percent in 2020. It’s expected that contactless payments will triple to $6 trillion globally by 2024, up from approximately $2 trillion last year.

Create A Safe & Efficient Work Environment 

Contactless payments are a method of paying for goods or services without physically having to swipe a card, touch a screen, or hand it to another person. Due to the pandemic, businesses have prioritized eliminating physical contact points to provide a safe and healthy setting, which is why many of them have provided contactless payment solutions, such as “Tap-to-Pay”. Customers enjoy having a touchless payment experience with devices such as SkyTab by Shift4. SkyTab even accepts popular mobile wallets like Apple Pay & Google Pay. Thankfully, a more protected workplace is possible with mobile solutions.

contactless payments tap to pay

Maximize Resources and Cut Costs

Leveraging technology such as QR Order & Pay, guests can manage more processes themselves, such as ordering and paying. This type of software has also helped with another issue: the restaurant industry is facing a staffing shortage, so this tool allows restaurants to give high-quality service with fewer employees. “According to 89 percent of full-service restaurant owners, their present staffing levels are below average.” – National Restaurant Association. With the adoption of contactless technology, restaurants can boost productivity while keeping costs down. 

qr order and pay contactless

Increase Revenue Streams 

For eateries, online ordering is a must-have platform for survival. Businesses should be aware that third-party platforms contain a lot of hidden fees, and most customers prefer to order straight from the source when considering which route to take for online ordering. Have control over your revenue, branding, and data with RM Online Ordering. Did you know that the average online order is 20 to 30% larger than call-in orders? This makes it an excellent tool for upselling. Businesses can take advantage of the “new normal” by offering online ordering as a strategy to boost profitability.

online ordering contactless payments

When it comes to your business, which mobile tech fits best?

Consider the flow of your operations and note the areas where technology could be very helpful to your business. Think about the following questions when selecting what technology is suitable for your restaurant.

  • What’s your budget for incorporating technology, and what are your primary objectives?
  • In what ways will technology assist you in achieving your goals?
  • If tech issues arrive, how will they be handled? 
  • What insights do you already have about your customers and what do you still want to find out?
  • How does certain technology help with marketing?
  • How can this technology contribute to a great client experience?

We’d love to learn about your business’s needs and we’ll be pleased to answer any of your questions. By calling 407-365-1991, you can reach us at any time.

How Restaurants Can Provide Payment Flexibility To Guests

importance of payment flexibility

You dined at your favorite local eatery, and the food and beverages were excellent. However, when it comes time to pay for the dinner, you can’t manage to locate the server and inform them you’re ready to receive the bill. Even when you request a check, it seems to take an eternity for them to get it to you, and then you have to wait for them to take your card and process it. For the customer, this can be a tiresome procedure that might even ruin their dining experience. As a result, restaurants must provide payment flexibility to guests and allow them to pay in a variety of ways. This will streamline the workflow and make it easier for customers and restaurant employees. 

 

“A study revealed that 60% of people who have experienced a slow payment process have ruined their dining experience.”

 

Accept multiple types of payment.

It’s critical to make it simple for customers to pay using whatever method they like. The more payment options your business allows, the more convenient it will be. Traditional card swipe, EMV chip, NFC cards, mobile wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and WeChat Pay, and Alipay are all accepted by Shift4. Did you know that one of the most efficient methods to cut wait times is to accept numerous forms of payment?

flexible payments with skytab

Give access to pay at the table. 

In most countries, the use of table-side payment is already prevalent. In the U.S, almost all adults (70% of baby boomers and 72% of millennials) would prefer to pay at the table if they could. SkyTab is a powerful tool that will allow your business to offer the pay at the table service and deliver an unmatched experience to your customers. It also includes order entry from the table, which eliminates the need for trips to the POS system. 

Increase payment security. 

Allowing the customer to have control of their checkout procedure can alleviate concerns about a potentially insecure payment process. The consumer is no longer required to hand over their credit card to a server who then walks away with it. Customers will have peace of mind and a more secure dining experience as a result of this.

 

“A study conducted by Mastercard revealed that 79 percent of consumers globally are using contactless payments.”

 

Provide QR code pay. 

In restaurants, QR codes have become increasingly popular; many times, QR codes are placed on tables for guests to scan with their phones to access a digital menu. Another application of QR codes in restaurants is QR Order & Pay, which allows customers to examine the restaurant’s menu, place an order, and pay all from their phones. This provides guests more control over when services are provided and how bills are paid.

QR order and pay for flexibility

Offer online ordering.

With online ordering, restaurants can accept orders and payments from wherever their consumers are. RM Online Ordering accepts all major credit cards, as well as RM gift cards. For guests, purchasing online is faster and more convenient. According to restaurant researcher Peter Saleh, guests who place their own orders “tend to engage with the menu longer and spend 15% to 25% more.” Frequent client visits, greater check totals, and improved client conversion and loyalty are some advantages of online ordering. 

 

Ask guests their payment preference. 

Different generations may be wary of new technology or have difficulty implementing it. If your restaurant’s patrons are used to checking out on their own, you may wish to assist them or use the Standard Credit Card procedure to satisfy them. If you’re trying out new technologies, ask for feedback, especially if they’re a regular customer.

 

Are any of the above-mentioned payment methods something you’d want to try? We’d be happy to discuss which alternatives are best for your company. For further information, call 407-365-1991.

How to Increase Food Orders With Instagram

Increase food orders with instagram

 Increase Food Orders With Instagram – It’s All About The Visuals

According to the publication, Social Media Today, 30% of millennial diners actively avoid restaurants with a weak Instagram presence. That equates to potential lost revenue and means it’s more important than ever to create content that engages new followers and keeps in touch with your loyal customers.

Instagram is definitely the best social media platform for the restaurant industry; as it’s all about the visuals when it comes to your specialty food and beverage items. If you don’t already have an account, now is a great time to set one up and increase your brand awareness!

Here are a few ideas to post on your restaurant’s Instagram:

  • Show behind the scenes in the kitchen
  • Respond and create content out of online reviews
  • Share fan photos with your location tagged
  • Highlight your staff with an employee spotlight
  • Host a social media contest to reach new followers
  • Offer a discount promo code to entice customers to order such as “WELCOME10” for 10% off the order – ask us how to offer online discounts!

 

post behind the scenes on instagram

Drive sales with this online ordering tip:

Make sure you have your custom RMPOS Online Ordering link posted in your Instagram profile to capture sales immediately and drive business to your integrated Restaurant Manager POS Online Ordering site! Don’t have one? Let me know and we can get you set up with a shortened custom link.

instagram online ordering food

Remember, 70% of consumers say they’d rather order directly from the restaurant, preferring that their money goes straight to the restaurant and not a third party, like BiteSquad, GrubHub, etc.

Want to save time and use your built-in RMPOS social media scheduler and posting platform included with your Restaurant Manager POS System? Let me know, and I will help you get set up with that if you haven’t already done so in your Lighthouse portal.

Contact me with questions you may have to help boost your online presence and increase that Online Ordering revenue stream!

New Restaurant Menu Trends

upcoming menu trends

Menu Trends

Strategize and make new menu updates to position your restaurant for growth! Today we’re looking at industry menu trends and information to consider when updating your menu.

Streamlined Food Options

Recently, we’ve seen a shift to streamlined menu offerings and inventory. This trend has allowed operators to boost their profits. Tip: A great way to find out which menu items to keep or cut is to look at the data from your Point of Sale System to see which items are selling, the cost of the ingredients, etc. This gives restaurants the ability to offer quality over quantity when it comes to their menu.

QR Menus

Customers are now experiencing the option to sit down and scan a QR code on a restaurant table which directs them to an online menu. QR Menus are a great contactless and convenient option. With Shift4 QR Payments, customers can order and pay on their phones by scanning a QR Code. QR Menus also allow the restaurant to have more flexibility with updating their menu and not having to reprint physical menus.

QR Codes Menu Trends

Addition of Comfort Foods

The pandemic has been stressful, so naturally, more people gravitated towards comfort foods! Customers want the food they order to be predictable and something they know they will love. Studies show that people are not currently being as adventurous with their taste buds when it comes to ordering online.

High-Quality Photos & Descriptive Items

With everything being online and accessible, restaurants should make it a priority to have high-quality photos of their menu items and more descriptive details. People are more likely to buy when there’s a high-quality photo of the food rather than if there’s just text. Soon they’ll be craving every item they see!

Contact Us

Meadows Hospitality Systems is here to help your restaurant thrive. Contact us at 407-365-1991 to learn more about the Restaurant Manager POS System or QR Menu trends.

Take Advantage of QR Codes in Your Restaurant

how to use qr codes in restaurant

What is a QR Code

Once again, you may have noticed that QR codes are popping up! This technology spiked with American users in the year 2011 and is now being widely adopted by businesses & restaurants during the pandemic for a contactless experience. “QR Code” which stands for Quick Response Code, allows users to scan a black and white square label with their smartphone to open up a webpage containing information. 

What is a Qr Code

How to Scan a QR Code

In 2017, iPhone users could finally scan QR Codes directly with their cameras instead of using a specific QR Code reader app. Android users can now do the same which has allowed this technology to become popularized. 

Step 1: Open the Camera App like you would if you were taking a picture with the back-facing camera. 

Step 2: Point the camera at the desired QR Code, so it is in the viewfinder and a pop-up notification should appear asking if you’d like to open the link.

Step 3: Click on the notification to open up the desired web page containing the information from the QR Code. 

how to scan a qr code

How to Use QR Codes in Your Restaurant 

QR technology allows customers to view the restaurant’s menu, order their food, and even pay from their phones. Restaurant owners can expect to cut costs and labor by eliminating the traditional server and instead of having food runners or fewer servers on the floor. Imagine no longer needing to flag down a waitress and instead ordering a second round of drinks just with the touch of a button on your phone. 2020 has allowed for a new age of thinking & efficient restaurant solutions. The user’s dining experience has completely changed and will continue to do so. Take advantage of other benefits to QR codes by implementing a loyalty program or easy access for customers to leave a review. QR Codes are solving problems with ease and at low costs!

How to use qr codes in restaurant

Learn More About QR Order & Pay

Shift 4 is offering a contactless customer experience and a safe way for customers to order and pay. This QR Order & Pay experience includes a mobile-friendly menu with easy setup and management, orders sent directly to the POS system, and captures customer emails to build a marketing database. This solution is perfect for table service restaurants, quick service, retail, and hotels. Contact us at https://www.mhs-pos.com/contact-us to learn more. 

 

5 Ways to Attract and Retain More Guests to Your Restaurant

how to attract customers to your restaurant

Attract and Retain More Guests to Your Restaurant

Overall Experience

The customer experience has greatly changed, and restaurants still need to use these tips and tools to pivot as needed, while ensuring the focus is still always on the customer. Here are a few easy to implement solutions and a proven way of driving repeat visits and improving customer loyalty.

Adopt New Technology

The restaurant industry is known for being late-adopters of new technology. Adopting new technology is a massive way to get a leg up on the competition and to attract customers to your restaurant. It’s important for you to research the latest restaurant solutions and software and implement them. Also, look at other industries and see how they are making their guests more comfortable with technology. This includes contactless payments like Apple Pay, QR Codes for Ordering and Payments, as well as Online Ordering.

Invite Guests Back

People want to support local businesses. It’s important to welcome guests and tell them how appreciative of them you are to have their support and business. Offer them a coupon to dine in and fill seats, tell them how they can order online directly from you, keep guests informed about upcoming events like the wine night you’re hosting next week, and invite them back. Ask them to engage with you on social media for exclusive giveaways. It’s important to make their experience feel personal and for the customers to feel a connection with your brand.

Discuss What You Can Improve On

Not only should you constantly be discussing with your restaurant personnel how you can improve the service, but you should also ask guests their opinion. Let them know you’d love their feedback to improve and then reach out later when you’ve implemented the improvement!

Our Skytab Pay at The Table solution prompts customers to leave a review while they’re checking out, so management can thank them for the review before they leave the restaurant, or address their concern if they leave a low rating on SkyTab, as managers are notified immediately via a text message.

Hire the Right Staff

Hiring the right staff is so important. You want staff that will work hard and be committed, have great interactions with the customers, guide them through the menu, and upsell items while making conversation with the guests. The staff is part of the customers’ experience and will make a significant difference for the customer. Restaurants should shift to have the mindset of hiring quality servers, not just numerous servers. With restaurant technology like our QR Order from the Table that allows customers to order directly to the kitchen, there’s less need for a lot of servers on the same shift, a great way to cut labor costs! Staff is there to still do their job, but servers are no longer having to wait to take an order, put it into a POS system, and further communicate with the kitchen. The server’s time is freed up and they’re able to handle more tables at once while streamlining orders to the kitchen in a timely manner.

Do you want an ordering system that allows guests to view your menu, order, and pay all from their smartphones? Check out our QR Order and Pay solution from Shift4 Payments!

Contact Us

Try implementing at least one of these suggestions to help attract and retain more guests to your restaurant and let us know how they worked for you! Ready to upgrade your payment processing and technology solutions? Give us a call! Meadows Hospitality Systems at (407) 365-1991 or online at https://www.mhs-pos.com/contact-us.

Prevent Employee Theft with Security Cameras

security systems to prevent employee theft

Prevent Employee Theft with a POS System & Security Cameras

You’d like to believe that your employees are honest, hard-working, and loyal. No one wants to think badly of the people who work for them, people they see on a daily basis. It would be great if everyone in the world was honest and kind, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. While most of your employees are probably wonderful people, you can’t guarantee that all of them are. An interview or the few hours a day that you interact with them might not be enough to give you access to their true nature. That is why you need to be aware of how to prevent employee theft and provide the right security for your business.

While most restaurant owners and managers want to see the good in their employees, the statistics prove that not all restaurant employees are as honest as their bosses think they are.

The restaurant industry sees a total of 3 to 6 billion dollars in theft annually. A staggering 75% of restaurant employees have admitted to stealing from their employer at some point.

These statistics aren’t easy to hear or believe, but it’s a hard truth you must face. You shouldn’t constantly suspect your employees of dishonest behavior, but it’s nice to prepare yourself and protect your restaurant or bar just in case. Thankfully, you can easily prevent employee theft with a POS System & security cameras.  

Prevent Employee Theft With a POS System 

If you’re still using a cash register, you’re putting yourself at high risk for employee theft. A cash register is too easy to steal from. You can’t get an accurate read of what really goes on at your restaurant when you’re not there if you’re still using a simple cash register. Even if you notice money missing, an employee can pass it off as a simple accident or counting error. There’s no way to know if they’re telling the truth or if they’ve stolen from you. 

With a Point of Sale (POS) System, there’s a lot more accountability. Your POS System keeps track of employee hours and their actions, as well as recording each sale that’s made. You’ll have the ability to keep an eye on the restaurant when you’re away with helpful management tools and apps. This will give you peace of mind and discourage employees from trying to steal from you. 

When you’re able to track sales and the hours your employee is working, it’ll make it a lot harder for theft to be passed off as a simple mistake. This will make an employee think twice before skimming a few dollars, for fear of getting caught. It’s a nice system to have, just in case. This way, you can continue to think the best of your employees, but if they don’t live up to your thoughts of them, you’ll have proof of their misconduct. 

Prevent Employee Theft With Security Cameras

Another great way to make sure everything is happening as it should when you’re away is by using security cameras. When employees know they’re being watched, they’ll keep greedy hands to themselves and work harder. With the use of security cameras, you can look in on your employees from wherever you are by simply using your phone. 

There are several forms of theft that having security cameras in place can eliminate. 

One way that employees steal without actually pocketing cash is by filing fraudulent injury claims. This can be completely eliminated by installing security cameras. They can’t claim something happened when you have proof that it didn’t. You can protect yourself from false claims and hold everyone to a higher standard by simply letting them know that you can watch them when you’re away. 

Another common form of employee theft is the self-imposed break. If your employees are checking their phones instead of doing their jobs your restaurant suffers. With less productivity and less efficiency, you see fewer profits. Not to mention, your employees get overwhelmed later since their break made their tasks pile up on them. A lack of attention to customers, due to an employee checking their phone, is also very bad for business. Security cameras are an easy way to eliminate this problem. If you’re watching them, they’re far less likely to pull out their phone. 

Your employees might not pocket cash. Instead, they might steal food. Sometimes a stocked fridge is too much for an employee to resist. If they keep stealing or snacking every day, your restaurant profits will eventually suffer. Keeping a watchful eye over your kitchen can put an end to the stealing of food or unauthorized snacking. 

Hopefully, your employees are just as great as you think they are, but in case they’re not completely honest, it’s smart to protect yourself with products like a POS System and security cameras. They not only help prevent theft and provide security, but they create a more productive work environment. So, if you want to protect your restaurant or bar from theft, contact Meadows Hospitality Systems

Prevent Employee Theft POS & security

 

Why Restaurants Need Online Ordering

importance of online ordering

Adapting to New Ways

Make sure your restaurant is not missing out on the opportunity of providing online ordering for your customers. Now is the time to adapt to new ways, if you haven’t already. Make sure your restaurant is standing up against the competition. It’s time to go where your customers are, which is online.

Simple Ordering & Accuracy

Wait staff is no longer tied to the phone taking orders. Customers can place their own order online and check that it is correct, especially if they have customizations before they submit the order to the kitchen.

 

Bigger Orders & Convenience 

Customers will appreciate the convenience of the restaurant, having the menu listed online and with the prices attached. Online ordering provides the customer with the ability to review the menu and add what sounds good to them. There is a higher chance the customer will order more online versus over the phone.

Don’t Pay 3rd Parties & Keep the Profits

Restaurants are losing revenue when they use a 3rd party online ordering and delivery service. There are stacked fees for restaurants and they tend to pay out service fees, tax fees, marketing fees, subscription fees, adjustments, error charges, and more! Restaurants need to use free online ordering systems such as Restaurant Manager’s and keep their revenue. 

Customer Data & Loyalty

Online ordering makes it easier to collect customer data! When customers enter their check-out information such as their email address, the restaurant can ask for them to opt-in to marketing emails. The restaurants can send their customers updates on current events and deals. Reward & Loyalty points are easier to keep track of with the customers’ information being readily available. *Tip: Set up a coupon such as 20% off any order for loyalty members. This will help push for new sign-ups.

Get Started

Are you interested in learning more about online ordering options for your restaurant? We recommend Restaurant Manager’s Online Ordering System, which is integrated to the RM Point of sale system and prints directly to the kitchen. RM created their system to allow restaurants to drive more revenue to their business with an easy free set-up. 

Meadows Hospitality Systems wanted to inform local Florida restaurants on this free service so that restaurants aren’t being taken advantage of by 3rd party services. Also, restaurants who use RM System’s Online Ordering are receiving 15-20% more compared to phone orders! Restaurant Manager POS Customers can call Carl Meadows at 407-341-1503 for more information on RM Online Ordering. 

 Call us today for more information at 407-365-1991 or visit https://www.mhs-pos.com/contact-us/.

3 Important Reasons to Choose a Local POS

reasons to choose a local pos

Why you should choose a local POS service for your business.

  1. On-Site Service & Speed

Local point of sale customer service is very important since the majority of restaurant POS services only offer remote support. Choosing a local POS service can be particularly beneficial when you require on-site assistance immediately. Problems can be resolved faster and with accuracy. 

“Timing is everything in the restaurant business. Every second counts!” – Restaurant Manager Customer 

  1. Hands-On Training 

Local dealers can provide hands-on training so you and your employees know how to efficiently operate the POS technology. Easily schedule a session an in-person demonstration and the seller can answer all of your POS questions face-to-face. Don’t struggle to understand the complicated online presentations, instead be guided in-person.

  1. Personalized Experience  

A local POS salesperson will build a relationship with your business. You will appreciate knowing exactly who you are working with. They will come to your service location and evaluate your business needs. If you decide to choose a remote, bigger POS company to supply you it does not allow for a personalized experience. Instead, they will have a harder time differentiating your business and customizing the software to fit your needs.

Are you ready to get started with a local POS restaurant service? 

Meadows Hospitality Systems is a local expert Florida POS dealer that has been providing service for over 30 years. When customers are asked why they love working with MHS, it’s because they provide an unmatched service and the customer enjoys having a personal relationship with the team. Restaurants know exactly who they are doing business with! You can’t beat the speed factor of this business. MHS provides service ASAP! You no longer have to deal with other services who send a unit a few days after the problem starts with the expectancy you will set up the unit with a foreign call center. Reach Meadows Hospitality Systems, 24/7 – with help available even on weekends and holidays. Fill out the contact us form to learn more about MHS’s Shift4 Point of Sale Systems https://www.mhs-pos.com/contact-us/