Fast Casual | PAR Technology https://partech.com/category/fast-casual/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:05:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://partech.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/par-new-favicon.svg Fast Casual | PAR Technology https://partech.com/category/fast-casual/ 32 32 Introducing PAR Gift: A Smarter Gift Card Solution for Businesses https://partech.com/2025/01/29/introducing-par-gift-a-smarter-gift-card-solution-for-businesses/ Wed, 29 Jan 2025 21:10:20 +0000 https://partech.com/?p=24841

Finding the perfect gift can often feel like a challenge—balancing thoughtfulness with practicality while ensuring it fits the occasion. Whether it’s celebrating a birthday, marking a holiday, or showing appreciation “just because,” people are always looking for meaningful ways to show they care. That’s where gift cards come in, offering a simple yet impactful solution. From being tucked into a greeting card to arriving digitally with a heartfelt message, these forms of gifts have become a popular choice for sharing gratitude, celebrating milestones, and brightening someone’s day.

But gift cards aren’t just about giving—they’re also a powerful tool for businesses to drive customer loyalty and boost revenue. In fact, gift cards have proven to be highly effective in deepening customer relationships and enhancing engagement, with 74% of consumers taking advantage of gift card loyalty incentives last year. Despite their potential, many traditional gift card programs have failed to fully capitalize on these benefits.

That’s where PAR steps in with the launch of its cutting-edge gift card solution, PAR Gift. Designed for restaurants and retailers, this solution reimagines gift card programs, blending ease, personalization, and scalability to drive meaningful results. With PAR Gift, businesses can transform traditional gift card programs into dynamic tools for building customer loyalty and achieving measurable success.

Combining ease of use, advanced features, and the flexibility modern businesses need, PAR Gift delivers:

By pairing these features with insights into evolving customer preferences, PAR Gift helps businesses unlock the untapped potential of gift card programs.

How PAR Gift Bridges the Gap Between Opportunity
and Growth

As the digital gift card market grows at an expected 15.8% annual rate through 2030, businesses equipped with PAR Gift are positioned to stay ahead of the curve. Research shows customers spend, on average, 61% more than the value of their gift card—yet many businesses lack the tools to fully capitalize on this behavior. PAR Gift bridges that gap with an innovative, practical, and scalable solution.

“Our customers are at the center of everything we do,” said Sal Nazir, General Manager of PAR Pay at PAR Technology. “With PAR Gift, we’re helping businesses deepen relationships and drive revenue growth by creating value for both the customer and the brand.”

With PAR Gift, stored value isn’t just about transactions—it’s a tool to foster loyalty, boost revenue, and deliver meaningful connections. Whether it’s a heartfelt gift for a loved one or a reason to return, PAR Gift turns every interaction into an opportunity for growth.

Ready to transform your gift card program?

Discover how PAR Gift can help your business boost loyalty, increase revenue, and deliver meaningful customer connections.
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Chaos, Kids, and the Calm of a Great Drive-Thru: How One Busy Parent Got Through Dinner Thanks to PAR Clear https://partech.com/2024/12/17/chaos-kids-and-the-calm-of-a-great-drive-thru-how-one-busy-parent-got-through-dinner-thanks-to-par-clear/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:14:48 +0000 https://partech.com/?p=24465

Picture this: It’s the end of a long day, and you’re juggling work, dinner, and getting the kids to soccer practice on time. The drive-thru is the quickest option, but it’s rarely easy – especially with the kids competing for the last juice box, and the clock ticking toward practice. In those moments, every second counts, and what should be simple can quickly turn chaotic. But what if the drive-thru could soothe the chaos instead of adding to it?

Let’s step into these parents’ shoes and see how PAR Clear transformed an evening from hectic to effortless.

You’re a parent, and you’re a master at juggling. But tonight, everything’s colliding. The kids are hungry, soccer practice starts in 20 minutes, and traffic hasn’t let up since you left the office. Everyone’s tired, cranky, and your to-do list is a mile long – the last thing you want is a drive-thru run that feels like just another challenge.

You pull up, bracing for the worst. The kids are fighting over the last juice box, someone’s shouting about forgotten cleats, and meanwhile, you’re just hoping you won’t have to shout into a scratchy speaker ten times to get dinner sorted.

But then something unexpected happens. You’re greeted by a warm, clear voice that instantly makes you feel at ease. They can hear you, even over the noise in the back seat. You place your order – no “Could you repeat that?” or garbled replies. Just a smooth back-and-forth. You’re heard, understood, and taken care of.

Why PAR Clear Makes the Difference

So, what changed? The drive-thru employee isn’t just “reading an order back” – they’re delivering an experience that helps your guests catch a breath. With PAR Clear’s advanced communication system, every word comes through precisely, even cutting through the after-school chaos. No repeating orders or shushed kiddos. Your team catches every detail, and suddenly, your guest is in control. Dinner is handled. No missed orders, no static-filled delays – and in minutes, they’re on their way with exactly what everyone wanted.

It might seem like a small thing, but when the day’s chaos is at its peak, a seamless drive-thru experience isn’t just convenient; it’s a moment of relief.

From Hassle to Help: Why a Clear Drive-Thru Experience Matters

Imagine if you’d spent those five minutes shouting into the speaker, trying to reorder over the cries from the back seat, wondering if your order would even come out right. Those tiny frictions add up, turning the drive-thru into yet another stressor.

PAR Clear changes all that with crystal-clear audio, an intuitive design that feels like a conversation, and a setup that’s designed to create ease – for both employees and customers.

When your guest drives up, PAR Clear does more than just pass through the order; it cuts through the noise, literally and figuratively. It’s about delivering dinner without hassle, giving your guest a little peace in the process, and making the drive-thru experience something you can actually rely on, no matter how chaotic life gets.

Why Upgrading to PAR Clear is Essential for Owners and Operators

This story isn’t just a reminder of a drive-thru experience done well; it’s a wake-up call for owners and operators. Here’s the truth: the difference between a guest driving away happy and one leaving frustrated is in the tech. And it’s not just one car – it’s every customer in line, every employee working efficiently, and ultimately, the reputation of your business.

Outdated communication systems can’t keep up with today’s demands. In those peak moments, you want your drive-thru to be a stress reliever, not an added stressor. An upgrade to PAR Clear isn’t just nice to have – it’s an investment in customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and brand loyalty.

With PAR Clear’s advanced audio clarity and noise-canceling capabilities, your team catches every detail of an order the first time, even in high-noise situations. You’re reducing mistakes, speeding up service times, and making each interaction as smooth as possible, even during the busiest hours.

The Drive-Thru That Helps You, Not Hinders You

Here’s to the moms, dads, caretakers, and anyone else who just needs their drive-thru experience to work. With PAR Clear, the noise of a busy night doesn’t have to stand in the way of a smooth, reliable dinner run. Your guests are met with a friendly voice that’s ready for them – through cranky kids, forgotten cleats and everything else that a multi-tasking life throws their way.

Sometimes, the difference between a good night and a rough one isn’t just what’s for dinner. It’s a drive-thru experience actually designed with the guest in mind.

Ready to elevate your drive-thru experience?

With PAR Clear, you’re not just upgrading technology – you’re upgrading your customers’ experience. Make your drive-thru the reliable, welcoming space it should be. Contact us for a demo today and discover the difference PAR Clear brings to your brand.
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Is It Time for a New Drive-Thru Communication System? Here’s How to Know https://partech.com/2024/12/12/is-it-time-for-a-new-drive-thru-communication-system-heres-how-to-know/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 13:30:56 +0000 https://partech.com/?p=24440

In the fast-paced world of drive-thru service, every second counts, and every customer counts even more. Yet, despite your best efforts, outdated communication systems can silently sabotage your hard work. From muffled conversations to garbled orders, an aging headset can cause longer wait times, frustration, and even lost revenue.

So, how can you tell when it’s time to switch up your drive-thru communication system? Here’s a guide to recognizing the red flags that means it’s time to invest in a modern headset like the PAR Clear, a communication system that’s built to elevate your drive-thru to meet the demands of 2024 and beyond.

Your Wait Times Keep Climbing – and They Feel Impossible to Fix

According to the latest data in the 2024 Drive-Thru Report, the average wait time at the drive-thru has increased by 10 seconds over the past year across major brands. While that may sound small, those seconds add up. For every minute a customer spends waiting in line, their experience loses value, and your business loses potential revenue.

Your Wait Times Keep Climbing – and They Feel Impossible to Fix

But longer wait times are often just the visible symptom of a deeper issue. Old communication systems can be a major cause of delays. Imagine this common scenario: a customer’s order isn’t coming through clearly, so they must repeat it multiple times. Meanwhile, the line behind them is growing. Your employees are trying their best, but the outdated system just isn’t cutting it.

PAR Clear is designed to tackle these exact frustrations. With unparalleled audio clarity, it eliminates the need for repeated orders and ensures your team hears every word the first time. Gone are the days of “Can you repeat that?” – replaced with smooth, efficient service that meets today’s speed demands. Think of it as reclaiming those lost seconds one clear conversation at a time.

You’re Seeing Missed Orders and Customer Frustration Spike

Bad audio doesn’t just slow things down; it also leads to errors. A garbled order here or a missed item there may seem minor but consider this: according to the drive-thru report, 43% of customers say they would consider switching to a competitor after multiple errors with their drive-thru orders. That’s nearly half of your customer base potentially walking away after just a few negative experiences.

In today’s competitive market, one bad experience is all it takes for a customer to decide to go elsewhere. And with customers increasingly prioritizing convenience, the stakes for getting each order right have never been higher. Traditional headsets may be letting you down by missing nuances in voice commands or distorting sounds, which leads to frustration on both sides of the speaker.

PAR Clear offers an innovative solution to this problem. With advanced sound technology that picks up even subtle voice tones, every order is transmitted with clarity. This isn’t just clearer sound – it’s precision in every interaction. That precision translates into fewer mistakes, smoother service, and ultimately, happier customers who don’t have to second-guess their drive-thru experience.

Training Costs Are Eating Away at Your Budget – and Staff Turnover Is on the Rise

Training is a significant investment for any business, and the 2024 Drive-Thru Report backs this up, revealing that 58% of operators list high training costs as one of their primary challenges. When team members are grappling with a clunky, outdated communication system, training sessions take longer, more follow-ups are needed, and staff quickly feel frustrated. And with increased turnover, this cycle keeps repeating.

58%

of operators list high training costs as one of their primary challenges

Investing in a new communication system, like PAR Clear, doesn’t just improve the customer experience; it makes life easier for your staff. Its user-friendly design means team members can get up to speed quickly and handle peak times with ease. No longer is your crew wrestling with unclear audio, static-filled headsets, or repetitive orders. Instead, they’re able to focus on delivering efficient service with minimal frustration – which can lead to higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover.

When staff feel confident about the tools they’re using, they’re not only more productive, they’re also happier. Reducing the friction caused by outdated equipment can be a big step toward building a positive work environment. With PAR Clear, you’re investing not just in technology but in your team’s well-being, too.

You’re Missing Out on Valuable Customer Insights and Analytics

In 2024, data is as valuable as speed. Many modern drive-thru systems, like PAR Clear, now come with the added advantage of integration capabilities for customer insights and analytics. Understanding order trends, average service times, and bottlenecks can be crucial for streamlining operations and spotting areas for improvement. Traditional systems, however, often lack these tools, meaning you’re missing out on information that could help you grow.

With PAR Clear, you gain a communication system that does more than just transmit sound – it provides a gateway to deeper business insights. You’ll have the option to integrate with data tools that track everything from average wait times to peak ordering hours. Imagine being able to make strategic adjustments based on real-time data instead of guesswork. It’s the difference between knowing and hoping.

Take Charge of Your Drive-Thru Experience with PAR Clear

PAR Clear Headset

There comes a time when every business must re-evaluate its technology. When your communication system is holding you back – causing longer wait times, missed orders, increased training costs, or a lack of valuable insights – it’s a sign to invest in something better.

PAR Clear is here to help you take control of your drive-thru’s potential. It’s not just an upgrade; it’s a comprehensive solution designed to meet the needs of today’s fast-paced drive-thru operations. With crystal-clear audio, an intuitive design, and advanced data integration, you’re not just keeping up – you’re staying ahead.

The future of your drive-thru begins with a simple decision: to continue with outdated, unreliable systems or to embrace the clear difference that PAR Clear brings. Say goodbye to communication hiccups, misheard orders, and unnecessary delays. With PAR Clear, you’re building a drive-thru experience that keeps customers coming back, again and again.
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A Look Back at FSTEC 2024: Tech Trends That Are Shaping the Future of Foodservice https://partech.com/2024/09/24/a-look-back-at-fstec-2024-tech-trends-that-are-shaping-the-future-of-foodservice/ Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:26:04 +0000 https://partech.com/?p=23848

We just got back from FSTEC 2024 and the future of restaurants is looking pretty exciting. This year’s conference brought together leaders in the food service industry, serving up the latest and greatest in restaurant tech. From the power of Artificial Intelligence to innovations in payment solutions, this year’s event wasn’t just a tech show—it was a peek into how tomorrow’s restaurants will run smoother, faster, and smarter.

Here’s a look at what we saw at FSTEC 2024:

The Rise of AI in Operations

A major theme throughout the conference was the continued rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in restaurant operations. Conversations centered around AI dominated the floor, highlighting its crucial role in streamlining inventory management, optimizing labor strategies, or enhancing customer service. It was clear that AI is at the forefront of innovation and here to stay.

AI is increasingly being leveraged to enhance back-office inventory management. AI platforms provide real-time insights and enable automated inventory counts, empowering restaurants to optimize workflows and improve customer engagement. The ability to access precise data reduces human error and increases efficiency, allowing managers to make informed decisions faster.

AI is also playing a crucial role in enhancing customer-facing solutions in the drive-thru. Recently, QSR brands have started implementing AI-powered ordering tools in the drive-thru, to improve order accuracy, upselling, and speed of service. This integration not only speeds up drive-thru operations but also enhances the overall customer experience.

Automated systems are stepping in to fill the gaps, allowing staff to focus on providing exceptional service while back and front-end processes run smoother and faster than ever before. As these AI-driven solutions become more prevalent, the potential for increased operational efficiency and customer satisfaction continues to grow, further solidifying AI’s role in the industry’s future.

2

There’s a Growing Demand for Digital and Contactless Payments

Payments have always been a focal point at FSTEC, but this year it was clear that the future is entirely digital. The conversation around digital wallets, mobile and contactless payments, and embedded payment systems dominated the floor. Restaurants are moving beyond traditional payment systems, with many operators now adopting flexible, integrated payment solutions that are built specifically for the restaurant industry.

Contactless payments are leading this shift, providing a seamless and convenient way for customers to complete transactions. Not only are these systems convenient, but they are also enhancing security, streamlining transactions, and offering new ways to engage with customers through loyalty tie-ins. As more restaurants embrace digital and contactless payments, the entire customer journey, from ordering to paying, will be more frictionless than ever before.

3

Technology’s Impact Goes Beyond Operations

As impactful as technology is on restaurant operations, its influence on the customer and employee experience is just as significant. PAR CEO, Savneet Singh, alongside Jeff Caplan, Senior Vice President and CIO at Hooters of America, and Sean Thompson, VP of IT at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, explored this theme during a panel discussion at FSTEC. The consensus was clear: technology has the power to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. However, it should remain in the background, enhancing, but never overshadowing the human elements of dining.

As Jeff Caplan put it, “Within our business, if you are running around because you’ve had hacks [or] network downtime, you can’t do all the fun stuff. So, the first thing you do is get your foundation down and make sure that you have good data. Make sure you have safe and secure data, and you don’t have to spend as much time running around playing defense.” With these basics secured, operators can stop worrying about disruptions and start focusing on enhancing service and providing great experiences.

PAR CEO, Savneet Singh, alongside Jeff Caplan, Senior Vice President and CIO at Hooters of America, and Sean Thompson, VP of IT at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

At Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, flexibility is key. Thompson explained that their goal is to empower guests to order and interact with the brand in whichever way suits them best. “You can order it in a restaurant. You can order it digitally, you can earn it, you can redeem it. All of these things just happen all together, just like a good DJ makes everything work,” said Thompson. By allowing technology to operate seamlessly behind the scenes, Freddy’s can focus on creating smooth, memorable experiences for every guest.

Laying a strong foundation and integrating solutions that operate seamlessly in the background allows restaurants to elevate both operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. The right balance between technology and human interaction is what will ultimately drive success in today’s evolving dining landscape.

As we wrapped up our time at FSTEC 2024, one thing was certain—restaurants are on the brink of a transformation, and technology is at the heart of it all. It is clear that the future is here, and it’s full of possibilities for those ready to embrace change. Whether you are an operator looking to streamline your business or a tech enthusiast curious about what’s next, FSTEC 2024 proved that the intersection of food and technology has never been more exciting.

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A Digital Revolution: How Digital Wallets are Changing the Payments Game https://partech.com/2024/07/31/a-digital-revolution-how-digital-wallets-are-changing-the-payments-game/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:42:00 +0000 https://partech.com/?p=23500

Consumers today have become what some might call “tech zombies”, constantly connected and craving the convenience and efficiency that digital solutions offer. To meet this shift in consumer preferences, brands must adapt by delivering seamless and effective digital experiences to ensure long-term success in today’s competitive market.

Digital wallets are at the forefront of this change, accounting for 50% of global e-commerce spend. As consumers increasingly rely on technology, digital wallet solutions are poised to emerge as the preferred payment method. Currently, 53% of consumers utilize digital wallets more often than traditional payment methods like cash, and experts predict they will overtake plastic cards by 2030.

53%

53% of consumers utilize digital wallets more often than traditional payment methods

50%

of global e-commerce spend.

How Digital Wallets Work

These solutions enable consumers to securely store multiple payment methods on their mobile devices in one place and complete transactions with just a few clicks or taps. The convenience, efficiency, and security of digital wallets go beyond just payments; they also offer a seamless integration with loyalty programs, ticketing services, and even public transportation systems. With digital wallets, consumers can access a wide range of services with a single tap, streamlining their daily interactions and enhancing overall experiences.

Digital Wallets are the New Norm

According to Sal Nazir, General Manager of PAR Technology’s PAR Payments division,
“Consumer payment options continue to evolve at a rapid pace. Digital wallets represent the next chapter of innovation where creating seamless transactions, better security, and more personalized and empowering experiences will differentiate your brand. Companies investing in this area will ensure they are supporting their customer's needs for convenience while driving operational efficiencies and improved ROI.”

With 51% of consumers saying they would no longer shop with a merchant that does not accept digital wallet payments, brands must implement them to cater to the needs of these new tech-savvy guests. By embracing this technology, businesses can meet current customer expectations, enhance their overall shopping experience, and foster loyalty:

Convenience is King

Convenience is King
The impressive surge in digital wallet users is primarily due to the unmatched convenience they offer consumers. These digital solutions have revolutionized how consumers complete transactions by providing a streamlined and seamless in-store payment experience. Digital wallets enable guests to store multiple cards and complete transactions on their mobile devices, eliminating the hassle of rummaging through pockets or purses for cash or physical cards. This not only speeds up the checkout process but also significantly enhances customer experiences by reducing wait times, removing friction, and minimizing physical contact – a feature that has become especially valuable in a post-pandemic world.

Create Secure Checkout Experiences

Ensuring a secure checkout process is paramount to the customer experience. There are more cyber threats today than ever before, and fortifying your payment process is crucial to your brand’s trust and reputation. According to recent reports, 52 million American consumers had fraudulent charges on their credit or debit cards in 2023. By implementing digital wallet payments, your brand is also implementing advanced security features such as encryption and tokenization that fully protect transactions. These robust security measures safeguard sensitive customer payment information, significantly reducing the risk of fraud and providing shoppers with peace of mind when making digital wallet payments. Moreover, these security measures comply with regulatory payment requirements and reduce chargebacks and fraud-related losses. The enhanced security measures digital wallets provide brands ultimately help them provide a smoother, more reliable checkout process.

Foster Customer Loyalty

Foster Customer Loyalty
Another benefit of digital wallets is their seamless integration with loyalty programs. These solutions remove the barrier of entry to a brand’s loyalty program and enable guests to effortlessly join, earn, and redeem from their mobile devices. By leveraging digital wallets for loyalty, brands can:
Digital wallets have transformed the payments landscape, offering consumers the convenience and security they demand. By embracing digital wallets, your brand can meet current customer expectations and lay the foundation for long-term success in an increasingly digital world.
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Congratulations to PAR Customers: 2024 Fast Casual Movers and Shakers Honorees https://partech.com/2024/05/24/congratulations-to-par-customers-2024-fast-casual-movers-and-shakers-honorees/ Fri, 24 May 2024 18:51:08 +0000 https://partech.com/?p=23428
Fast Casual recently unveiled its annual Top Movers and Shakers in the restaurant industry. The 75 brands and 25 executives recognized in this year’s report have demonstrated remarkable innovation, nimbleness, and creativity in overcoming challenges and achieving success. These industry leaders have set new benchmarks, showcasing their ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and market trends. PAR is incredibly proud to announce that 14 of these outstanding brands leverage Brink POS, Data Central, or PAR Pay. Additionally, 4 of these brands’ esteemed executives were also featured in the report. Whether through technological advancements, growth achievements, or exceptional customer experiences, these brands and executives have distinguished themselves as true pioneers in the fast-casual sector:
PAR Brink POS
PAR Data Central
PAR Pay
Big Chicken topped this year’s Movers and Shakers list, with CEO Josh Halpern also being recognized as one of the top 25 executives. In 2023, the brand doubled in size, expanding its presence in the Nevada, Washington, Texas, and Arizona markets.
PAR Brink POS
PAR Pay
Over the past two years, Slim Chickens drastically improved restaurant growth by 70% and has increased systemwide revenue growth by 35%. The brand launched its 250th location last year and now has stores in 10 different markets.
PAR Brink POS
2023 was a historic year for Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. The brand opened 26 locations and accelerated its growth in the Canadian markets. Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers also opened its first location in an MLB stadium at St. Louis Cardinal’s Busch Stadium and plans to launch a new restaurant design featuring a drive-thru, two pick-up windows, a digital bagging station, a designated digital pickup area near the entrance with a custard pick-up freezer, and a shared expo counter.
PAR Brink POS
PAR Pay
Last year, Fazoli’s launched its first airport location at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, marking the brand’s return to the Phoenix market. Moreover, Fazoli’s returned to the Orlando market and announced the opening of a new location in Puerto Rico. The brand anticipates launching 12 locations across the United States in 2024.
PAR Brink POS
PAR Pay
With roughly 1,000 locations across the United States, Sweetgreen is dedicated to its mission of bringing healthy food to as many communities as possible. Last year, the brand focused on technology designed to increase accuracy, consistency, and productivity, enabling team members to focus on guests and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Ann Flanagan, Head of Field Operations at Sweetgreen, was also recognized as a Top 25 executive in this year’s report.
PAR Brink POS
With roughly 1,000 locations across the United States, Sweetgreen is dedicated to its mission of bringing healthy food to as many communities as possible. Last year, the brand focused on technology designed to increase accuracy, consistency, and productivity, enabling team members to focus on guests and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Ann Flanagan, Head of Field Operations at Sweetgreen, was also recognized as a Top 25 executive in this year’s report.
PAR Brink POS
PAR Pay
Over the past few years, California Tortilla has reinvented itself with “ACE”, its new service model that provides guests with better order accuracy and more choice over their meals. Currently with 31 locations, the brand anticipates launching an additional 3 in 2024. Stacey Kane, Fractional CMO of California Tortilla and Garden Catering, was also recognized as one of the top 25 executives from this year’s report.
PAR Brink POS
Over the past few years, Mo’Bettahs launched 24 new locations across seven states. In 2023, the brand focused on reinforcing its operations across all locations and markets, enhancing training programs, expanding its leadership team, and launching revenue-boosting add-on menu items. Additionally, Mo’Bettahs celebrated the milestone of opening its 50th location at the end of last year.
PAR Brink POS
Last year, Mooyah Burgers, Fries, and Shakes was voted as the gold winner in the Dallas Morning News People’s Choice Award for Best Burger in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, making it a back-to-back win. The brand was also recognized in Steritech’s Excellence in Food Safety and Franchise Times’ Top 400 list. Additionally, in 2023, Mooyah, Burgers, Fries, and Shakes had 36 locations achieve $1 million in sales.
PAR Brink POS
Garden Catering has major expansion plans for 2024. The brand will launch a sub-brand for non-traditional retail spaces, which will be tested in a 10,000-seat outdoor music venue, as well as two to three outposts at the Westville Music Bowl in New Haven.
PAR Brink POS
PAR Data Central
PAR Pay

In 2023, Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop opened 7 new locations, entered the Arizona market, and broke the $1 million AUV for the first time. Over the past 3 years, the brand has increased same-store sales by 62%, with its technology playing a major role in this achievement.

PAR Brink POS
Last year, The Original ChopShop focused on growth and employee retention. The brand’s average salaried tenure is now 2.5 years, and one-third of hourly staff members stay for at least 2.5 years. The Original ChopShop anticipates launching 7 locations across the United States in 2024.
PAR Brink POS
PAR Pay

With an overarching goal of sourcing quality ingredients and offering items at an affordable price, MAD Greens is dedicated to making healthy eating fun and approachable to all. Under the leadership of Darden Coors, who was also recognized on the Top 25 executives list, the brand has tripled in size and expanded to the Arizona, Colorado, and Texas markets. In 2024, the brand plans to sign its first set of franchise groups with 20 units open or in development.

PAR Brink POS
PAR Pay

2023 was a very successful year for Duck Donuts. The brand launched 33 new locations and is anticipating another 35 domestic and 10 international locations to open in 2024.

Congratulations to all on a well-earned recognition!

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A “Stop Food Waste Day” Special: Curbing Food Waste with PAR Data Central https://partech.com/2024/04/24/a-stop-food-waste-day-special-curbing-food-waste-with-par-data-central/ Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:07:46 +0000 https://partech.com/?p=23362

As we celebrate “Stop Food Waste Day 2024”, restaurant brands across the nation are actively seeking innovative ways to reduce waste across their operations. Food waste stands out as one of the most significant challenges in the restaurant industry, presenting operators with a crucial obstacle to overcome. Per a Move For Hunger report, restaurant brands in the United States alone generate roughly 22 to 33 billion pounds of food waste each year.

22 to 33B

pounds of
waste each year

Although food waste seemingly comes with the territory of operating a successful enterprise restaurant, owners and operators can leverage tried and true technology like back-office management solutions to mitigate its negative effects. In fact, reports indicate every dollar spent on these solutions achieves approximately 8 dollars in cost savings.

$1 spent on back-office solutions = $8 in cost savings

Back-office management solutions like PAR Data Central are essential to combating and limiting food waste at your restaurant. PAR Data Central is a maintenance-free back-office management solution that provides restaurant brands with essential capabilities – like food and inventory management, forecasting, and enterprise reporting – needed for curbing this challenge. By leveraging PAR Data Central, restaurant brands can produce fresher, safer, and faster food as well as create higher-margin food experiences with less waste.

Here is how PAR Data Central can help your restaurant brand support this year’s “Stop Food Waste Day”:

Leverage Inventory Insights

Having a comprehensive view of inventory is crucial to reducing food waste. PAR Data Central provides restaurant brands with user-friendly inventory management tools accessible on any device that help operators ensure accuracy, save time, increase profit margins, and combat food waste. With PAR Data Central’s inventory management tools, restaurant brands can track stock levels from the instant it is delivered to the restaurant through preparation. By tracking inventory levels from delivery through preparation, operators can truly understand what they have left, what is needed, and when new inventory stock is required.

Actionable Enterprise Reporting

Curbing food waste in your restaurant this “Stop Food Waste Day” also requires having access to reports that provide insights on inventory and resolutions to potential problems. PAR Data Central harmonizes complex datasets like inventory, supply chain, POS sales, and more to provide owners and operators with a comprehensive view of inventory. This ultimately provides restaurants with better visibility across their operations, deeper insights, and smarter planning. Operators can leverage these reports as well as PAR Data Central’s Food Prep Sheets to understand how much stock is required each day, ultimately preventing over-prepping. PAR Data Central’s comprehensive reports on inventory, preparation, and delivery provide restaurants with the insights needed to improve operations, drive efficiencies, and effectively manage food waste.

Drive Consistency with Forecasting, Predictive Ordering, and Recipe Management

Another essential PAR Data Central feature that empowers restaurant brands to curb food waste is its forecasting capabilities. PAR Data Central’s forecasting capabilities ensure restaurant brands never have to worry about over-ordering stock. Operators can order the perfect amount of inventory for every delivery in coordination with historical consumption, sales forecasts, vendor delivery schedules, thaw and prep times, and ingredient-level tracking. This capability automatically determines inventory needs, suggests adjustments, and integrates with vendors to fulfill all orders. Additionally, as menu items are prepared and sold to customers, inventory levels automatically adjust in coordination with the ingredients used from the chosen menu item. This ensures that forecasted inventory levels are accurate at all times and saves operators valuable time and money.

Reducing food waste is crucial for the success of your restaurant, and leveraging back-office solutions like PAR Data Central can make a significant difference. This “Stop Food Waste Day”, take proactive measures to minimize waste with PAR Data Central. By harnessing its powerful capabilities, your restaurant brand can operate prosperously while handling food waste with the utmost importance.

Interested in learning more about how PAR Data Central can help your restaurant minimize food waste? Visit us at PAR Data Central or Request a Demo!
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Tips and Tricks for Success: Managing Multiple Locations with a Back Office Solution https://partech.com/2024/04/18/tips-and-tricks-for-success-managing-multiple-locations-with-a-back-office-solution/ Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:23:14 +0000 https://partech.com/?p=23326

Effectively managing multiple locations is one of the most challenging tasks for multi-unit restaurant brands. From staying up to date on customer preferences and market demands to combating logistical hurdles like staffing, inventory, and reporting, each location has its own set of unique responsibilities owners and operators must tackle. The number of responsibilities required to manage and maintain a consistent experience across every location can be extremely overwhelming, making success seem like an impossible feat. However, by leveraging the right technology, restaurant brands with multiple locations can overcome these obstacles, streamline operations, and optimize efficiencies.

Back office solutions, like PAR Data Central, are essential systems owners and operators can leverage to effectively manage numerous locations. PAR Data Central, a maintenance-free back office solution, provides a single source of truth for multi-unit restaurants, harmonizing complex datasets like payroll, inventory, supply chain, and more to unlock better visibility across operations, deeper insights, and smarter planning. By harnessing this back office solutions enterprise reporting, labor, and food management suite, multi-unit restaurant brands can set up each location for success. Let’s take a deep dive into some of PAR Data Central’s powerful capabilities that help multi-unit restaurants find success.

Enterprise Reporting

Leveraging data to have a comprehensive understanding of every location is crucial for multi-unit restaurant brands. With a holistic view of operations, owners and operators can gain a complete understanding of customer demand and behavior as well as uncover current trends and areas for operational improvement. In fact, recent reports indicate data has been playing a pivotal role in driving food strategies for independent and full-service restaurants. According to Nation’s Restaurant News Market Leader Survey, 48% of operators cited menu price changes and menu additions or subtractions after analyzing their data.

By leveraging PAR Data Central, restaurant brands with multiple locations can consolidate their data into one enterprise operational platform delivering one database for all users, brands, and locations, from corporate down to the store level. Owners and operators can focus on the metrics that truly matter and unlock automated data aggregation, configurable reports, and Co-pilot alerts to better understand operations in real-time. Additionally, PAR Data Central’s mobile-friendly reporting tracks store performance data, forecasts demand for high-traffic events, and delivers reliable actionable insights that can be accessed anywhere at any time.

Easy Labor Management & Scheduling

With a vast quantity of employees across operations, ensuring every location has the perfect number of staff members for any given shift is a major obstacle to overcome. However, with PAR Data Central’s labor management and scheduling capabilities, multi-unit restaurant brands can easily manage employees across locations, concepts, and shifts. Owners and operators can minimize labor downtime with flexible forecasting by shift and job duties as well as maximize employee productivity, incentivize retention, and lower labor costs with scheduling intelligence. PAR Data Central’s powerful labor forecasting model enables restaurant brands with multiple locations to optimize staffing based on historical data and current demands, ensuring each location is appropriately staffed at all times.

Optimized Food & Inventory Management

Having complete control over inventory, recipes, menus, and costs is paramount for multi-unit restaurant brands. Leveraging PAR Data Central provides a cross-location master view of recipes, menus, and costs, ensuring restaurant brands with multiple locations can maintain consistent offerings across every store. Restaurant brands can optimize food costs with accurate food cost variance, menu engineering, theft prevention tools, and supply chain accountability. Moreover, by leveraging PAR Data Central’s Food Prep Sheets, restaurant brands can have full clarity into what inventory is needed throughout operations, ultimately leading to fresher food and less food waste across every location.

For restaurant owners and operators with multiple locations, utilizing a back office solution like PAR Data Central is key to effective multi-unit management. By harnessing PAR Data Central’s powerful capabilities, restaurants can address rising supply and labor costs, improve efficiency, and streamline operations. Don’t let multi-unit management be a burden on your operations. Take control with PAR Data Central and set each location up for success.

Interested in learning more about how PAR Data Central can help you manage your various restaurant locations? Visit us at PAR Data Central or request a demo!
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From Chaos to Control: How PAR POS™ Transforms the Daily Grind for Restaurant Staff https://partech.com/2024/01/17/from-chaos-to-control-how-par-brink-pos-transforms-the-daily-grind-for-restaurant-staff/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:00:04 +0000 https://partech.com/?p=22734

In today’s restaurant landscape, where new technology and flashy trends vie for attention, a fundamental truth remains: human connection is the bedrock of truly remarkable guest experiences. As Brett Schulman, CEO of Cava and a valued PAR customer, aptly said in a recent QSR article, “the people who deliver great service every day, in every restaurant, every shift” are what set winning concepts apart. Well-trained, motivated, and engaged employees are the architects of genuine hospitality, crafting seamless operations, top-notch service, and a welcoming atmosphere that inspires loyalty and repeat business.

However, the industry faces a harsh reality: high staff turnover. According to a National Restaurant Association survey, nearly 62% of restaurant operators lacked the personnel to meet customer needs in 2023. This revolving door of employees disrupts operations, leaving knowledge gaps and requiring constant re-training. The impact is significant: increased training costs, compromised service quality and consistency, and ultimately, a dampened bottom line.

In this tight labor landscape, prioritizing the staff experience is crucial. Restaurants need to invest in technology that empowers their employees. The POS system – pulsing with omnichannel orders, data, and the constant churn of a busy day – holds immense potential to transform the staff experience. Streamlining operations, automating tasks, and minimizing errors frees staff from stress, allows faster service, and equips them for success. By creating a smoother experience with the right POS, you’ll see the rewards in efficient operations, happier staff, and delighted guests. For this, choose a complete POS partner – powerful tools, scalable tech, purposeful customer-focused innovation, and trusted allyship.

PAR POS™: Designed for Staff Success

PAR POS™, a leading cloud-based POS system, addresses staff-centric needs head-on. Built with meaningful innovation that prioritizes user needs and experience, PAR POS™ empowers your team from day one. Its flexible design and powerful functionality ease morning rushes, dinner crowds, and everything in between, reducing friction and making work less stressful.

Let’s explore some of PAR POS™’s fantastic capabilities specifically designed to address common employee pain points ultimately making their jobs easier, more efficient, and more rewarding.

  • Resilient In-Store: In the hectic restaurant setting, a few things stress staff like a malfunctioning POS. PAR POS™ is designed to ensure that employees never lose access to their POS in-store, even in high-demand situations or technical disruptions. Even if the primary register stumbles, a dedicated backup seamlessly steps in, running independent of the internet and the cloud. This ensures that staff can focus on what they do best – delivering exceptional service – without the stress of tech meltdowns.
  • Configured To Staff Comfort: Take the guesswork out of the POS setup with flexible configurations and easy-to-customize screens. PAR bends to your restaurant, not the other way around. From out-of-the-box templates to custom menus and workflows, PAR POS™ fits your desired brand and processes. Staff learn in 30 minutes, not days, thanks to the intuitive interface and familiar feel. Less clicking, less training, and less stress ensures happy staff – it’s a PAR POS™ thing.
  • Easy Order Management: Sleek order preview panels let staff see up to 8 orders at once on the menu screen, allowing them to scan, validate, and process orders in seconds. No switching screens, hunting for details, or order confusion. Plus, PAR POS™’s tablet-optimized drag & drop lets you shuffle orders on the fly. Easily manage the flow by moving orders, saving spots, and keeping everything organized with a single swipe. PAR POS™ ensures your team always stays in control.
  • Stress-free Pick-Ups: The Bag Chit feature consolidates all crucial order details onto one receipt, providing staff with a clear and concise overview of each guest’s to-go order. This eliminates the risk of order mix-ups and establishes a smooth pick-up process for both employees and guests, ultimately reducing stress and frustration for all.
  • Charitable Giving Made Easy: PAR POS™’s Round Up for Charity functionality lets guests seamlessly support their favorite charities with a single tap at checkout, without the need for cashier prompting. It transforms potentially awkward moments between the guest and cashier into pressure-free, positive interactions. With manual prompting out the door, checkouts flow faster, making everyone happy.
  • No More Payday Panic: PAR POS™ automates pay rate changes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and workplace equity. No more manual scheduling or calculations. Operators gain insights into future labor costs and can synchronize adjustments for all employees fairly. Freed from administrative tasks, managers can focus on strategic initiatives and better support their staff.

Investing in a staff-friendly POS system like PAR POS™ is more than just a purchase; it’s a strategic move. Empowering your team with the right tools and support leads to a ripple effect: happier employees, smoother operations, and ultimately, better bottom line. It’s a win-win that keeps your business thriving for years to come.

Visit us at PAR POS™ or request a demo today!

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What Makes a Pizza POS? https://partech.com/2023/09/22/what-makes-a-pizza-pos/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 21:39:10 +0000 https://partech.com/?p=21602

Pizza is a dish held close to almost every American’s heart. It is a quick, easy, and delicious go-to meal for most families, with an estimated 93% of Americans eating a slice at least once a month. And in certain cities around the country where pizza is in the spotlight, like Chicago and New York, the number of regular pizza eaters can certainly be much higher. In the United States alone, pizza is a $45.1B industry, and that metric is only expected to grow as consumers continue to crave a slice of the pie. 

Contrary to popular belief, pizza restaurants are not just another subcategory of the restaurant industry. In fact, it actually has quite a few distinctive features when it comes to leveraging technology and providing unique consumer experiences. Given the recent surge in customization in restaurants, having a tech stack that’s able to handle modifications and substitutions is more important than ever before—and pizza is no exception. Pizza historically has more nuances and modifications to the order than any other restaurant dish. This makes it essential for any pizza parlor to sport a point-of-sale (POS) system that’s more than up for the task, ensuring that customers can grab that flawless slice to their liking pronto! PAR Technology’s PixelPoint POS is proven to step up to the plate, handling every kind of pizza that comes its way, making it an ideal fit for all forms of eateries, whether it’s a big chain or a standalone joint that whips up its own dough!

But what makes PixelPoint POS the ideal choice for any pizza restaurant? Let’s break it down:

  1. Customizable Pizza Builder: The ideal pizza POS must be able to build personalized pizza pies catered to consumers’ requests while assigning the right price tag to it. A POS system that can customize guests ’ pizzas to their liking ensures they can personalize their pizza size, crust type, cheese selection, an array of toppings, and any other request they may have. 
  2. Split toppings and half-and-half orders: The ability to split toppings and accommodate half-and-half orders is crucial. Split orders enable customers to choose different toppings on each half of their pizza, while half-and-half orders allow customers to combine two pre-made pizza recipes on one pie. It is important that your pizza POS allows for splits and half-and-half orders to allow customers flexibility. 
  3. Specials and Combos: Imagine a family pizza night without those delightful breadsticks or a sweet dessert on the side – it just wouldn’t be the same! Combos not only serve as a welcoming invitation for diners but can also act as a clever strategy to boost pizza sales. In fact, larger pizza chains often sweeten the deal by bundling sides or beverages with a pizza order. For managing such enticing combinations, your POS must seamlessly factor in special pricing, coupons, and discounts at the checkout stage. After all, it’s these little touches that keep both customers and profits rolling in!
  4. Online Ordering and Delivery: The bread and butter, or the sauce and cheese, of pizza operations are online ordering and delivery services. According to the US Department of Agriculture, 59% of Americans choose to eat pizza in their homes rather than dine out at pizza restaurants. This makes online ordering and delivery options or integrations an absolute essential for any pizza brand’s POS system. 
  5. Customer Database: Whether it’s a sprawling enterprise or the cozy mom-and-pop pizzeria just around the corner, any pizza POS has the power to boost efficiency and customer frequency by utilizing a customer database. Leveraging a customer database serves two purposes: 1. For delivery and re-orders, operators can trim down time by streamlining the process, thus enhancing overall operations., 2. The brand can go the extra mile in cherishing and retaining customers with a range of customer management features. These include order history tracking, customer profiles, and the capability to dispatch targeted promotions or tailor-made offers. Incorporating such features will not only enhance business operations but will also add that extra layer of personalization that keeps customers coming back for more slices of your pizza goodness.

Whether you’re eyeing expansion for your operations or aiming to streamline sales and labor tracking, PixelPoint has all the ingredients a pizza restaurant could possibly desire. 

If you’re looking to upgrade to PAR’s Pizza POS, or are interested in learning more, visit us at PixelPoint or schedule a demo today!

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Fresh Kitchen Increases Speed of Service and Order Accuracy with Brink POS® https://partech.com/2022/09/21/fresh-kitchen-increases-speed-of-service-and-order-accuracy-with-brink-pos/ Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:29:31 +0000 https://partech.com/?p=7584

In 2021, Fresh Kitchen turned to PAR Technology to deploy a configurable
point-of-sale system that could accommodate both cloud-based and on-
premises ordering—and enable customers to complete their orders in under
60 seconds.

Part of the Ciccio Restaurant Group, Fresh Kitchen is a modern, fast-casual
dining concept offering premium gluten-free, non-dairy, vegan-friendly
bowls and homemade sauces, as well as pressed juices, homemade
teas, and agua frescas without added refined sugars. With 12 locations
throughout the Tampa, Orlando, and South Florida markets, Fresh Kitchen
plans to expand throughout the state of Florida over the next several years.

According to Daniel Meretsky, Vice President and Head of Technology, Fresh
Kitchen “wanted to have the ability to have a Near Field Communication
(NFC) payment option that allows PARPay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and
other payment opportunities, but wouldn’t lock them in to any single card
processor.” Additionally, they wanted a point-of-sale system that could be
deployed quickly, at scale, without compromising quality.


“We wanted to ensure that the system was always on the forefront of
integrations with loyalty solutions and third parties,” said Meretsky. “One
that offered multiple levels of team members’ security and has a very
stable platform. We did an RFP with several companies and PAR came
out to be the one that met all the requirements that we wanted. When we
showcased it to a few of our other C-suite executives they really enjoyed the
PAR Brink POS ® experience.


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