Sunday’s digital payment technology saves 12 minutes per table and per server, leading to increased productivity and revenue, co-founder and CEO Victor Lugger told MCA’s Hostech Conference yesterday.
The dedicated tech solution received $100m in funding and has been adopted by more than 5,000 brands in the one year since its inception.
It aims to optimise customer and staff experiences by speeding up the payment process, Lugger describing it as the “PayPal of restaurants”.
He described how the operator-focussed solution aimed to improve the guest experience by saving them having to wait to pay their bill.
“When our restaurants are full, everything’s going fine. When they’re not full, I’m in trouble,” he said.
“The best way to have full restaurants is give my guests a good experience.
“If I have to have a QR code on the table, is there a chance I can use it to give my guests a good experience?”
Lugger discussed the need to update the process of paying through a credit card machine, citing increased uptake of technology post-pandemic.
“It’s the easiest product to sell. More top line, more bottom line, more tips, and it’s cheaper than a credit card machine.”
Lugger reported an increase in tipping and more favourable customer reviews after the introduction of the app, stating that revenue for the Big Mamma Group is 20% higher than before the pandemic.
He also reported positive response to the technology, claiming that it does not take away from the hospitality experience.
“It’s been 10 years since we get out of an Uber cab and we don’t pay…the technology’s there,” he said.
“Do you have a less interesting relationship with your cab driver? No.”
Lugger emphasised the need for the sector to proactively use technology, citing the hospitality experience as the defining factor that sets dine-in apart from delivery.
“If it’s about feeding people, we’re going to lose that battle. Delivery, Ocado, etc – they’re going to win that battle. If you’re ever going to a restaurant, it’s about interaction with staff. It’s a sector of service.”
In addition to ordering and paying, he predicted that QR codes will be used to check into restaurants in the future.
