The last few weeks have been extremely challenging for the F&B industry, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Exactly how and when restaurants, pubs, bars and coffee shops will reopen is still in debate. It seems clear that elements of social distancing will remain for months to come and restaurant businesses will need to adapt to this new norm. Businesses in the UK wanting to get off to the best possible start have already started to search for ways to adapt using new technology.
Many US merchants have been adapting in areas where they have been allowed greater flexibility. Some businesses such as coffee shops & juice bars we work with, who initially closed their doors to public access, have continued to achieve “pre-Covid 19” sales levels, simply by using In App Mobile Ordering, for Click & Collect and Curbside Pick Up.
As we’re coming into summer it should be easier for customers to select “pre order” to grab their coffee or their lunch and go for a walk or sit outside, while social distancing.
As lockdown measures are eased, social distancing will remain in some form. Many of the general public will still be cautious and will therefore gravitate to those businesses helping to protect them through sensible precautions. Technology can help play a major role in attracting customers back to your business through app-based pre ordering for pick-up, and in time, in-store ‘order to table’ and ‘pay at table’ solutions.
Charles Hall, CEO of Pepper, added
“We expect some in-store dining to start again before too long but with reduced capacity and protection measures to ensure social distancing. We believe that enabling features such as ‘order to table’ and ‘pay at table’ will provide a significant added level of reassurance and comfort to diners looking to minimize social contact yet enjoy an in-restaurant experience.”
In summary, technology can lend a helping hand during challenging times. Hospitality operators can use digital ordering capabilities to their advantage, not only to generate new income streams but to collect and own the customer data for loyalty and rewards.
When looking to invest into such in-app ordering technology for your business, it’s important to understand how each feature will impact sales and operations to ensure you find the right solution for your specific needs.
There are so many opportunities to stay ahead of the curve and provide a service to your customers, while filling a genuine customer need at this time.
Pepper offers advice and cost-effective ordering solutions for any businesses looking to increase sales and start contact-free collections for customers. Get in touch to arrange a call back here.