A major update is rolling out at a popular fast-casual restaurant chain that will change how customers dine at nearly 500 locations.
Flynn Group, one of the largest franchise operators, has entered into a new partnership with Ziosk, adding Ziosk’s z Mini tablets with DigiSite Smart Table technology that allows customers to order and pay at the table “while maximizing team member productivity,” the companies announced this week.
The new pay-at-the-table technology has been added to more than 460 Applebee’s locations, according to an official announcement.
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With approximately 20,000 tables now equipped with tablets, customers can utilize a more independent approach with its programmed “self-ordering capabilities” that let a group put in for appetizers or more drinks with a few swipes. Paying (and splitting) the bill has also moved directly to the tablets.
The restaurant group said it made these changes to support team members while also meeting “guest expectations for elevated convenience.” So, yes, Applebee’s will still have waitstaff. It’s just that customers can now order another round using the tablet instead of having to wait for their server to come back.
And just to be clear, not every Applebee’s location in the U.S. is adopting the use of Ziosk tablets (there are about 1,500 currently), just the 500 or so owned by Flynn Group.
“Ziosk’s technology seamlessly complements the handheld tablets we currently have in place, creating a comprehensive digital hospitality experience in our restaurants,” said Flynn Applebee’s president Dan Krebsbach in a statement. “Giving guests control over when to order more items or pay their bill, all while our servers remain at the ready and equipped with handhelds for additional service, allows us to simultaneously meet guests’ expectations for elevated convenience while ensuring every team member feels supported.”
The new tablets will also serve as a way for Applebee’s to spotlight seasonal specials and other promotions, along with providing options to pay or split the bill in addition to premium (a.k.a not free) entertainment options for guests.
“In today’s challenging labor environment, this is a game changer,” Krebsbach added. “We couldn’t imagine a better experience than having Ziosk on the table.”
Along with Applebee’s, Flynn Group owns and operates more than 2,700 businesses in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand, including Arby’s, Taco Bell, Panera, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s and Planet Fitness franchises–many of which have also made a point to make customer service more efficient with recent changes, like utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) at drive-thrus.
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