Last week, I got to go to the NRA show, restaurants not guns. I got more than a few odd looks from people when I mentioned where I was heading. The industry show is HUGE and showcases everything and anything you can imagine from opening a restaurant to pre-packaged foods sold in various grocery stores. You also have large name brands like Coke, Pepsi and Hormel showcasing new product and flavors. Last year, Coke rolled out their new machine that is touch-screen enabled, very cool.
This year aside from the variety of food trucks, I was surprised to see the "technology" section be as big as it was. Typically, you would see the same Point-of-Sale vendors extolling their latest version which wasn't always THAT amazing. The traditional POS is a very expensive but it hasn't impacted large change for the industry. Now it seems the software developer's innovators of the world have realized there is a better "wheel" to be made.
With the American public being comfortable with touch screen technology and the cost of that coming down considerably menus, ordering and even paying are becoming more virtual. The goal isn't to remove the server from the process but make the server better while providing some better oversight by management. The back end logistics has even improved where some of the systems can provide incredible inventory controls.
The second company, DeNorma, is out of California. Run by two brothers, they've been operating as a software development firm for a number of years. The DeNorma tablet resembles an iPad but at a much cheaper cost to the restaurant. They seemed more focused on mid-size restaurants with some chains showing interest. Because of their software development background, their restaurant/hotel client is only constrained by their own imagination. They even have the possibility to incorporate social networking, video conferencing with other tables and even other restaurants using their software across the country. Dad can pay for their kid's dinner in another city - but you'll have to show some face time before.
Neither company has any clients locally yet, but I told them to let me know when they do so I can check out the process. I'm excited to see real technology that is secure, and cutting edge coming to the market. The old dinosaurs of the market better get creative or they may be gone not only because of their high cost but their lack of innovation.
Having said all of that, I think this new step in technology will cure the "dash and dine" friend from skipping out early because they have no cash. You can split the bill tableside - forcing them to FINALLY pay their way and not forget the tip and tax!
Joe Campagna is the Chicago Food Snob. A former restaurant General Manager, Server and Chef you can find him on twitter @chifoodsnob. You can reach him through email at chicagofoodsnob@hotmail.com. Joe is retained as a compensated blogger by Pei Wei Asian Diner.
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Source: http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-food-snob/2011/05/nra-show-round-up.html
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