Eating out is set undergo a digital revolution – with 70% of restaurants due to accept mobile phone payments in 2015.
Fast food chains are currently the main place where mobile is accepted as payment, with many restaurants still relying on cash.
But the number of restaurants with mobileelectronic-point-of-sale (EPoS) is predicted to soar with 68% of restaurants planning to accept the payment next year, according to a study by Hospitality Technology magazine.
Fast food restaurants currently lead the mobile payment adoption rates with all other restaurant types expected to follow soon. Tableside EPoS for ordering and payments are also both expected to triple to 42 per cent and 44 per cent respectively by 2015.
Meanwhile hotels are seeing similar EPoS technology scenarios with the biggest growth area being the use of mobile tablet devices for check-in and check-out. By 2015 the adoption of this technology is expected to quadruple to reach 64 per cent.
According to Hospitality Technology magazine: ‘Mobile is at the heart of every restaurant’s CET strategy and is playing a vital role in how guests engage with their favourite restaurants. Customers want to be empowered, and mobile is their vehicle of choice because it offers convenience, connectivity, and easy access to information to assist with purchase decisions.’
Dan Brown owner of EPOS.CO.UK a specialist in electronic-point-of-sale technology for retail and hospitality said: ‘We’re currently experiencing a surge of interest in both mobile and table-top technology from businesses looking for a cost effective and smart way to serve their customers.’
The latest hospitality companies to invest in mobile and tableside EPoS include restaurant chain YO! that claimed to raise service efficiency and improve its payment process for customers through a mobile payment solution.
Restaurant waiting staff can capture and track orders electronically, and also raise bills on the spot when requested by the customer. According to the mobile EPoS provider, Omnico: ‘This handheld device-based software puts full EPoS capabilities at staff’s fingertips.
‘Order accuracy and efficiency have been boosted, the payment process transformed, and the YO! Sushi dining experience has gained a new service edge.’
Pizza Hut meanwhile is a trialling an interactive table that allows guests to build and order their pizza using a table-top touchscreen. After sending the order, customers can also play games at the interactive tables while they wait for their pizza.
