Tech solutions for hospitality businesses

While there has been success of home-grown back-of-house food safety apps like Chomp and iMonitor, the willingness of restaurateurs to use technology front-of-house is hindered to a certain extent by the different markets across New Zealand, in addition to the volumes required when investing in technology. But that’s not to say it doesn’t happen.

Josh Emett’s Hawker & Roll was one of six new eateries to open in Sylvia Park, Mount Wellington last year. The fast-casual spin off, and sister restaurant to Madam Woo, was the first restaurant in New Zealand to use a dedicated order-ahead app created by Melbourne-based tech company LOKE.

Using a mobile device, Hawker & Roll customers can order ahead, pay using LOKE’s fully-integrated and secure digital wallet, and then collect their order from a special takeaway window. Those with the app also automatically join Hawker & Roll’s loyalty program, making them eligible for discounts, bonus offers and giveaways.

Mayfare Group Ltd, the parent company behind Hawker & Roll – as well as Rata in Queenstown and Madam Woo restaurants in Queenstown, Takapuna, Dunedin, Hamilton and Christchurch – has a history of early adoption when it comes to technology. It was one of the first to implement digital gift cards across each of its restaurants, uses a cloud-based POS system, and has a fully integrated learning management software in place for staff training.

Not only will the technology from LOKE eliminate wait times, it also minimises wage costs and takes pressure off front-of-house staff during busy periods.

On demand delivery service LazyAz, founded by Aryaman Taore in 2016, has partnered with 142 restaurants at last count, in addition to cafes, supermarkets, liquor stores, pharmacies, flower and gift stores, and promises to deliver in less than an hour.

The food and beverage offering range from coffee and cookies, to Asian eateries, burger joints and pies. LazyAz say it is making more than 5000 deliveries a month with a network of 50 drivers across Auckland.

And as far back as 2015, staff at One Tree Grill restaurant, in Epsom, have been giving patrons an iPad where they can order from a range of pictures of menu items matched with wine pairings.