ICONIC casual dining restaurant Applebee’s revealed that a major change has been launched at 460 of its locations.
Foodies will see a new system for how they pay for their meals as the shakeup rolls out.
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Applebee’s, one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, is mostly franchise-owned.
The largest Applebee’s franchisee is Flynn Group, which operates over 460 locations across 23 states.
In an effort to improve the customer experience, the franchisee has launched pay-at-the-table technology from Ziosk at its hundreds of Applebee’s restaurants.
Over 20,000 Applebee’s tables now feature Ziosk’s z Mini tablets with DigiSite Smart Table technology, which permit diners to order and pay at the table.
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The tablets can be easily moved between tables, as their spatial location software automatically syncs to the corresponding guest check.
“Ziosk’s technology seamlessly complements the handheld tablets we currently have in place, creating a comprehensive digital hospitality experience in our restaurants,” Flynn Applebee’s president Dan Krebsbach said 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.
“In today’s challenging labor environment, this is a game changer.”
The new partnership helps to boost team member productivity, the companies said, which is crucial considering current economic conditions.
Full-service employment levels were 4.5% below pre-pandemic levels last month, per federal data released last week.
TRUSTY TECH
The main appeal of the Ziosk z Mini tablets that Flynn Group has rolled out at Applebee’s is cutting down wait time by allowing diners to pay and order.
“Eliminating the wait for guests is key to driving revenue and guest satisfaction,” Ziosk chief revenue and growth officer Raymond Howard said in a statement.
“We’re empowering guests to order apps, desserts, reorder drinks and pay when they’re ready – letting them dine how they want.”
The tablets, however, have additional benefits – they also help to amplify the customer experience by providing games and entertainment.
What is Flynn Group?
Founded in 1999, Flynn Group is the world’s largest franchise operator and third largest operator of restaurants in the US, after Starbucks and Chipotle.
The franchisee owns and operates over 2,700 restaurants across several iconic brands, including:
- Applebee’s
- Arby’s
- Taco Bell
- Panera
- Pizza Hut
- Wendy’s
Flynn Group’s presence spans 44 US states as well as Australia and New Zealand.
The franchisee makes over $4.7 billion in annual sales and employs more than 75,000 people.
Moreover, the tablets are a way for Applebee’s to share targeted promotions.
“Having a tablet cycling through promotions on the table is maximizing profits by delivering the right message at the right time to convert upsells,” said Howard.
The tablets also help with cause-marketing messaging.
For example, the technology helped to boost awareness of Flynn Applebee’s partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
Thanks to the tablets, guest donations for pediatric cancer research from July to September 2024 were tripled.
As Applebee’s rolls out its new dining tech, other restaurant chains have major changes underway.
For example, a beloved chicken chain “better than Popeyes & KFC” is set to open up its 500th location – and 10 more are on the way.
Plus, Arby’s has launched a brand new nuggets “upgrade” – but diners blast it “looks like burnt leftovers.”