IN THE dynamic world of the food service industry, embracing innovation isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity for staying competitive and relevant. One such game-changing innovation is the adoption of digital ordering kiosks.
Restaurants such as KFC and McDonald's have introduced the system in many parts of the country and, recently, Ocean Basket is also trialling it at its Rosebank, Johannesburg, location.
If successful, it will be rolled out across the restaurant’s network, enhancing diners’ experience and operational efficiencies.
Chief executive officer Grace Harding said: “Convenience is key. The self-service kiosks cater to walk-in guests seeking a quick meal, whether it's a lunchtime ‘grab-and-go’ takeaway for the office or a convenient dinner option on the way home, the kiosks are designed to meet the needs of busy people.”
If you did not know, kiosks are those fancy machines that let customers order food without interacting with a human being.
While some may argue that this takes away the human element of dining out, it saves time, eliminates errors and provides a better overall dining experience.
Don’t believe us? Below, we break down the benefits of self-service kiosks for restaurants and how to use them.
Reduced wait times
Let’s face it, waiting in line sucks. Customers have to stand there, staring at the back of the person before them, trying not to drool on their shirts.
Not to mention how long it sometimes takes for cashiers to punch in orders. With kiosks, you can say goodbye to all of that.
Customers can just walk up to the machine, select their order, pay, and they are done. No more waiting in long lines when they could be enjoying their food.
Reduced errors
Running a restaurant is no joke. You’ve got orders piling up, queues out the door at times, and the constant challenge of human error. Plus, with labour costs being a major expense, any slip-up can upset customers and dent your takings.
Mishaps happen, and a wrong order can turn into a bit of a nightmare - a real fright for everyone involved.
Self-service kiosks in restaurants can help dodge these blunders by letting customers take charge of their orders, choosing exactly what they want without any miscommunication.
Improved hygiene standards
In a post-pandemic world, hygiene is a paramount concern for diners. Self-ordering kiosks minimise human-to-human contact, offering a safer, touch-free ordering option.
This commitment to safety can be a significant benefit for health-conscious customers, positioning your restaurant as a responsible and forward-thinking establishment.
Increased revenue
Kiosks can help restaurants increase their overall sales. By reducing waiting times and increasing order accuracy, restaurants can serve more customers in less time, increasing revenue margins.
The customisation options and upselling capabilities of kiosks can lead to customers spending more money on their orders.