Restaurants are going beyond traditional customer service by embracing the digital era
It seems as though almost everything we do these days is somehow connected to our phone, tablet, or computer—so it’s no surprise that restaurants are jumping on the digital bandwagon. Not only does incorporating technology keep these eateries relevant in today’s society, but it’s also a great way to offer additional convenience and value to the consumer. The following are Chicago companies making some out-of-the-ordinary waves.
Loyalty Program at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
Loyalty programs and consumer rewards aren’t new concepts to LEYE. This hospitality group has long been in the business of frequent diner perks; but now, you can say goodbye to punch cards and mail brochures. Introducing LettuceEats—a restaurant concierge you can keep in your pocket. From this mobile app platform, diners have access to more than 120 LEYE restaurants, plus the ability to make reservations, search for locations nearby, earn and access redeemable points, manage transaction history, and purchase gift cards.
“We continue to push ourselves to make sure we are making the guest experience as seamless as possible and translate our culture of caring and hospitality that Lettuce values to a digital platform,” says LEYE CMO, Jennifer Bell.
Online Meal Delivery at Eat Purely
If you have little motivation (or time) to prepare well-balanced meals, then why not get healthy eats delivered to your doorstep via Eat Purely’s online delivery service? Customers can order from Eat Purely’s app or website for delivery within about 20 minutes or schedule and order up to seven days in advance—which makes it easier than ever to plan a healthy week of eating! All of the meals are made fresh and the rotating menu (covering a range of dietary preferences) changes twice a week. Lunch is offered from 11am-2pm, Monday-Friday and dinner is offered from 4-9pm Sunday-Friday.
Interactive Kiosks at Aster Hall
Chicagoans can now get the best of all of the Hogsalt Hospitality restaurants under one roof at the newly opened Aster Hall. Simply step up to one of the interactive electronic kiosks and order eats from favorites like Small Cheval and Green Street Smoked Meats, as well as new concepts like the sea fare-focused Boardwalk Seafood Co. and Chinese takeout-inspired Lost Lily’s.
The user-friendly screens show photos of each menu item so it’s easier to choose your meal. After paying via credit card, you’ll receive a receipt that indicates from which vault you should pick up your food. The main goal of the kiosks is to provide a streamlined ordering experience with less wait time.
Loyalty Program at LYFE Kitchen
LYFE Loyalty is an app-based program that allows guests to earn cash back on every dollar spent on delicious and healthy LYFE Kitchen fare. Simply download the LYFE Kitchen App and create an account—you’ll immediately earn a free tasty flatbread just for signing up! You’ll score one point for every dollar spent. Fifty points equals $5 of free food and 100 points gets you $10. Birthday bonuses and other specialty offers are rewarded to loyalty members.
Note that orders placed online will automatically accrue points, too. If you order in the restaurant, simply scan the receipt bar-code into the app to earn points on those dollars.
Online Ordering at Cupitol
Cupitol launched its own online ordering service back in January 2017 to make it easier for customers to quickly pick up orders at their Evanston or Streeterville locations (Streeterville also delivers.) There are designated “quick pick” areas in the restaurants and you can order up to 24 hours in advance. Everything from fluffy omelets for breakfast to skirt steak for dinner is on offer, and if you’re watching your waistline, take note of the nutrition facts listed next to several of the menu items.
Online Wine Club at The Press Room
The Press Room in the West Loop recently launched an interactive wine club to provide locals with a fun way to try new wines. Unlike other wine clubs, The Fourth Estate starts with an online questionnaire so that Sommelier Anton Valkov and The Press Room team can build a profile matching taste preference and price.
When you pick up your wine of the month at the restaurant, you may want to bring a friend or two as you’ll automatically score a 20% discount on all bottles, as well as access to exclusive wines, wine dinners, and events with visiting winemakers.
Bake This! Game at West Town Bakery
Earning rewards at this West Town favorite is easy and fun! All you need to do is download the Bake This! game for free and practice your sprinkle shooting skills. In this proprietary, arcade-style mobile game, you’re a cake ball firing your sprinkle blasters at enemy pastries as you move from level to level, collecting points, defeating bosses, and meeting other delicious friends along the way. Evolve your avatar to a three-tiered cake and share your progress online with other West Town Bakery patrons.
High score earners can cash in points for real in-house rewards, such as discounts on your bill, cake balls, packaged goods, and more. Redeem points for each month’s rewards by following West Town Bakery on social media.
By Rebecca Taras
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