By: Chelsey Sobkowiak Brittany Theilman Heather Veeneman

Some restaurants have recently taken the jump to incorporate digital ordering, whether they use iPad ordering kiosks at each table, smartphone apps for ordering ahead, and even e-checkout systems so the customer’s credit card never has to leave the table. IMPROVING THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY: DIGITAL ORDERING

. Using the iPad as a menu gives the customer….  The freedom to pay and order  Convenience with having plenty of options  Whatever the customer wants on their own time  No waiting on the server  No feeling of “being rushed by the server to decide.” This technology is the perfect solution to young customer’s needs of speedy service because of their hectic schedules!

The ability to swipe credit card through iPad offers customers--  Quicker service  Security from credit card “identity theft” and fraud.  Allows servers to swipe customer’s credit card and complete a transaction without removing the card from the customer’s sight  Ability for the customer to keep their personal information confidential.

Why is the iPad beneficial to the environment?  Less trees are axed down to create menus  Every menu will be electronic  Update the iPad restaurant menu at any time, at the push of a button  New technology and ability for customization of orders brings new attention to the restaurant, which in turn leads to greater revenue Digital ordering is just one of the things that can help save the world one step at a time.

. Stacked Located in Torrance, California GoGordon Ramsay’s Steak Located in Las Vegas rdon Ramsay’s Steak Located in Las Vegas Stacked has two locations in California and is set to open a third in October, it is one of many cafés now using technology — specifically iPads or other tablet computers — to serve customers. “With a selection of 450 wines on the wine list (the bottles are stored in five different locations), the restaurant needs iPads to keep up.” – Owner Steve Quenzer Stacked Located in Torrance, California

 Although the food industry is taking off with the use of iPads to improve customer service, here are some other businesses taking advantage of the iPad as well.  1. Zoom Room- A gym for dogs, uses iPads to run their registration process and their check-in/check-outs.  2. Auto Racing- Indy Car drivers use iPads during practice to visualize details and number of laps, etc.  3. San Francisco Art Exchange- The gallery uses an iPad to control a presentation of the artwork.

Why switch to digital Ordering?  No More Wasted Printing Costs & trees -With an iPad restaurant menu and ordering process, you never have to pay for printing costs again as well as being environmentally friendly by eliminating booklets to take orders on, paper menus, etc..  New Technology-From the point of view of the guest, it’s pretty exciting to order food from an iPad. They get to use a nifty tablet that is interactive and appealing. More attention brought to the restaurant means more customers and higher profit.  Customer Service, Wait Times- Your customer service benefits significantly with an iPad restaurant menu. This is because servers don’t have to take orders, and can focus more on customer service and very fast food. Even at the end of the meal the waiter is able to do a complete credit card transaction without removing the card from the customer’s sight.  Overall Sales- The combination of the customers freedom, fast pace and modern technology gives the average business with an iPad menu in use between 15-20% in sales increases during the first 90 days.  The iPad can be purchased from an Apple store near you, along with several other retailers that carry Apple products. However, here is a link to an article with tips on which iPad to purchase depending on your intended use of the product or specific price range:  How to Obtain an iPad & Which Version is For You How to Obtain an iPad & Which Version is For You  iPad Product Information from Apple Website iPad Product Information from Apple Website