Article
Industry gears up for NRA show
The restaurant industry’s biggest show of the year is kicking off Saturday when tens of thousands of restaurant operators and vendors meet in Chicago for the NRA event.
May 15, 2015 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
The restaurant industry's biggest show of the year is kicking off Saturday when tens of thousands of restaurant operators and vendors meet in Chicago. The National Restaurant Association‘s annual show will take over McCormick Place convention center for the next four days and will be packed with educational sessions, demonstrations and exhibitors.
While attendees certainly hit the show to learn about a variety of topics, including hiring, sustainability, millennials, franchising, marketing and technology to name a few, many spend most of their time walking the show floor in hopes of seeing all of the latest technology and new products that may help them run their businesses. Since it's nearly impossible for one person to visit each exhibitor, we've compiled a list of just a few of the companies that will showcase new offerings at the show.
Digital signage
BrightSignand WANDwill showcase their new digital menu board solution that combine's WAND's cloud-based, QSR-specific software and restaurant management expertise and BrightSign's digital menu board player solution, according to a company press release.
"Digital menu boards must work all of the time, period," said Dave Perrill, president of WAND Corporation. "BrightSign and WAND share a deep understanding of how important uptime is to restaurant operations. This isn't simply an advertising vehicle - the content on the menu board directly impacts revenue."
See it at booth 6067.
The Strategic Technology Alliance for Restaurant and Trade (START) will debut its digital signage and merchandising solutions, according to a company release. The company's solutions provide:
- Turnkey digital signage and mobile solutions for QSR, Fast Casual, FSR or other foodservice outlets
- Single-source and complete project management of advanced technology, implementation, ongoing management and support
- Reduction in total cost of digital signage systems by eliminating multiple markups, and coordination on program components
- Ongoing content development and centralized content management
- Digital signage enabling client compliance with FDA requirements
- User training to maximize return on investment
See it at booth 6659.
POS systems
Square, a mobile payments provider, is rolling out several new business tools at the NRA in its effort to woo restaurants. According to a company press release:
- Open Tickets gives business owners the flexibility to open a customer's tab, add items and close them out at any time.
- Whisk is a new integrated app that provides powerful inventory tracking at the ingredient level, helping business owners make smarter business decisions. Business owners now know exactly how much of their ingredients they're selling and how much it costs their business without complex reports and calculators.
- Dining Options and Split Tender: This tool makes it easy to check out customers, split the bill and properly communicate orders to your kitchen, according to the release.
See it at booth 5659.
Revel Systems and Intuit QuickBooks Onlinewill demo their integrated iPad POS. The solution enables restaurants to automatically sync sales, payments, inventory, CRM and payroll data to QuickBooks Online, said Eric Dunn, Intuit's senior vice president for payments and commerce solutions, in a company press release.
"Restaurant and foodservice owners are increasingly looking to apply technology to modernize and differentiate their establishments. QuickBooks Point of Sale for Restaurants, powered by Revel Systems helps businesses provide faster and more efficient service, streamline operations and ultimately grow their businesses," he said. "Intuit teaming up with Revel gives food service businesses confidence that they can deliver a great diner experience, while also having an up-to-date, accurate picture of their books and cash flow, without manual data entry."
Additionally, Revel's booth will feature demonstration kiosks highlighting POS systems for restaurant implementations including:
Frozen yogurt shops: The Revel Frozen Yogurt POS integrates directly with a food-safe scale, ensuring profitability and avoiding fees. Users can track stock levels for toppings in real-time with inventory management tools and use the CRM feature to record customer preferences and buying habits, Dunn said. Revel's loyalty programs allow users to reward and retain new and existing customers.
- QSR: The Quick Service POS is built for speed, efficiency and security, with the ability to process orders 14 percent faster than legacy POS systems. Revel's Always On Mode keeps business running even in the event of a power outage, and business data is 100 percent secure with Revel's PCI-compliant hardware and industry-leading encryption, Dunn said.
- Bars: The Revel System Bar POS ensures that single location businesses are operating at their best. Specific features such as bar tab management and split bill capability provide quicker service, while ingredient-level inventory controls allow businesses to track the exact amount of alcohol poured, a feature proven to save managers four hours per week on restocking, according to the release.
- Pizzerias: The Revel Pizza Restaurant POS ensures deliveries are made on time with the delivery management offering that includes driver tracking and detailed order statuses, Dunn said. Inventory management allows users to track individual ingredients in real-time for restocking at the right level.
- Tablesideordering: With Revel's Tableside Ordering module, servers can approach customers and process orders tableside, providing faster service. Orders can be taken directly from the table so servers do not have to go back and forth between the main terminal and the kitchen, Dunn said.
See it at booth 5638.
Customer management solutions
Waitlist Me'snew app will be on display through partnerships with BrightSign and Clover, according to a company press release. With BrightSign, a provider of digital signage players, restaurants can now display a public view of their waitlist on their digital signage, so it is easy for customers to check their place in line without needing to bother the hostess, said Brian Hutchins, head of Waitlist Me Product and Marketing. The flexibility of the BrightSign integration lets restaurants fully customize the look and feel of their waitlist so it looks like a natural extension of their menu board or other digital signage.
Cloveris another Waitlist Me partner that will have new things to show off at this year's NRA Show. The Clover Mobile device allows businesses to add customers to the waitlist right at the door as well as allowing status updates to be made from other parts of the store or restaurant.
"Clover is at the forefront of creating better and more elegant POS hardware and solutions for businesses, and has a robust App Store for third-party developers," Hutchins said. "Because of the deeper integration Clover allows, Waitlist Me is able to offer more efficient tools for businesses and better experiences for their customers on the Clover platform."
Waitlist Me just recently announced its API earlier this year with Enplug as the first partner, and has several more projects in progress.
"We want to help improve wait experiences everywhere, and integrations with companies like BrightSign and Clover highlight the power of the Waitlist Me platform," said Hutchins. "By extending our robust waitlist management features and best-in-class text and phone notification infrastructure to work in other products, we can solve a wider set of needs together than with our service alone."
See it at booth 6067.
Long Range Systemsis featuring four new tech solutions/updates at NRA for restaurants. They include:
The Next Generation Guest Pager: The new guest pager has a modern, ergonomic design and customizable LED light colors and intensity, vibration intensity and digital numbering, according to a company press release. Also, this pager talks back, sending the transmitter confirmation of being in range and receiving notification.
- Table Tracker: LRS' Table Tracker solution uses technology that directs food runners straight to where a guest is sitting to deliver their order. The system also provides real-time tracking of order times and analytics on that back end. New this year, reporting tools allow restaurants to set benchmarks and compare performance across locations, day parts and staff.
- On Cue for Restaurants: Complete Guest Management System: LRS is also debuting an updated version of On Cue for Restaurants, its complete waitlist management system. New in version 2.0 is the integration with Table Updater, a handheld device that allows staff to update table status from across the restaurant. Also new is the ability to sync the app with up to three iPads in a single location, according to the release.
- Digital Guest Feedback: LRS's tablet-based guest survey tool, Check Point, allows restaurants to collect feedback from guests in real time and will send managers an instant text or pager notification if a customer records a negative response. This feature enables the restaurant to address any customer issues before the guest leaves and Yelps or tweets their displeasure, according to the release.
See it at booth 3854.
Employee management
PeachWorks, formerly WhenToManage, a provider of restaurant cloud platforms, will reveal new applications for the Peach Platform and show restaurant owners and operators what they can do with eight additional hours found in a standard week, which is the average savings time reported from existing PeachWorks customers, according to a company press release.
"We are excited to be here again with several new apps to showcase," stated Mark Symonds, CEO of PeachWorks. "Our research tells us that PeachWork's platform of back-office apps can save restaurant operators up to eight extra hours of time in their work week. Our goal is to make applications that are simpler, smarter and faster for restaurants to use."
See it at booth 6459.
HotSchedules, a global software-as-a-service provider for the restaurant, retail and hospitality industries, will show off its app for Apple Watch. The HotSchedules smartphone app, which is relied upon by over 1 million people in the restaurant and retail industries to update them on their work schedules, can now receive notifications on Apple Watch using the new app, according to a company press release. Shift trades statuses, swap approvals, work schedules and messages can all be viewed and responded to thanks to the Apple Watch's dictation capability.
Jobsabi, which is HotSchedules new talent sourcing solution, has a mobile application that allows job seekers to pinpoint jobs in their area, apply to them and share them with their friends. The Jobsabi Apple Watch app will allow users to see notifications, including new job postings and updates in their network.
Snagajobwill showcase Profile Search, the newest feature on the Snagajob Employer app, according to a company press release. Profile Search allows users to easily browse, review and invite active job seekers whose profiles stand out to apply to open positions.
See it at booth 5690.
In the kitchen
Rubbermaid Commercial Products will showcase a suite of products, including BRUTE containers, Slim Jim Step-On refuse containers, Maximizer Mops and Executive Series Quick Carts, featuring innovations designed to improve productivity and user experience, according to a company press release.
Product experts will be available to conduct product demonstrations, discuss trends in the foodservice industry and lead booth tours.
"Rubbermaid Commercial Products is eager to introduce the foodservice industry to some of our most impactful innovations designed to meet unique category challenges," said Kristine Sickels, vice president of marketing. "The brand's ultimate goal is to provide comprehensive solutions designed to help foodservice operations run as efficiently and effectively as possible while keeping both employees and customers safe."
See it at booth 1800.
Sealed Air'sFood Care Division has partnered with Aseptia, a provider of microwave-assisted aseptic food processing technology to create a packaging solution that ensures food is sterilized in a way that eliminates possibility of contamination, according to a company press release.
"At Sealed Air, we pay close attention to trends driving the food industry, and we've seen that consumers are increasingly flocking to organic and natural offerings," said Rodney Weaver, global business development manager, Sealed Air North America Food Care. "By partnering with Aseptia, we're able to provide consumers the healthier alternatives they seek while also ensuring the freshness and quality of food."
See it at booth 2218.
SCA, the producer of the Tork brand of away-from-home professional hygiene products, will debut its Tork Xpressnap Image Napkin Dispensing, said Suzanne Cohen, foodservice marketing director with SCA's North American Away From Home Professional Hygiene business. The new napkin dispenser collection is ideal for establishments that prioritize creating a premium dining experience. To complete the experience, SCA is also announcing the launch of Tork Premium Extra Soft Xpressnap dispenser napkins that deliver incomparable softness and an elegant look and feel that's substantially different from other dispenser napkins.
"Ideal for the emerging self-serve, yet premium foodservice industry, Tork Xpressnap Image is an elegant solution that adds to the overall ambiance of a dining experience," Cohen said.
See it at booth 8413.
The Vollrath Company, a provider of smallwares and equipment, will showcase several induction technology products, including The Mirage Buffet Induction Warmers, the Induction Wok Range and the Downdraft Vent Module, a front-of-the-house cooking station with fire suppression and containment.
"We're putting a focus on the development of industry-‐first products that help today's foodservice operators outperform," said Paul Egbert, vice president of marketing at Vollrath. "The new Experience Vollrath concept focuses on the key areas of product differentiation that position us as a leader in the industry."
See it at booth 4021.
GoToContainer is launching a takeout container that separates dressings, condiments and other items from the main part of the meal, according to a company press release. Portion cups from 2 to 3.25 ounces are placed on top of the container, and two containers can stack on top of each other to present sliding. They are available in PET and bagasse for both hot and cold items.
Blendtechas partnered with Lancertointroduce BlendPoint, a blended beverage system designed for high-volume, quick-service operators, according to a company press release. Boasting a 3.8-peak horsepower motor and high-performance dispensing technology, BlendPoint pairs the power of a countertop blender with the convenience of a self-serve machine, according to the release. This fully contained crew-serve station also features a 25-pound ice hopper, sound dampening door, Rapid Rinse Station for easy cleanup and refrigerated cabinet allowing upgrades from shelf-stable ingredients. It also has a touch-screen and programmable cycles
See it at booth 4260.
A few other products
Oregon Fruit Product, which the NRA named as a recipient of the 2015 Food and Beverage Award, will give samples of its Fruit in Hand Original products, pourable diced fruit designed for the beverage and culinary industries, according to a company press release. It is manufactured using a cold process to maintain the flavor and vivid color of farm-fresh fruit picked at the peak of ripeness. This premium, pourable fruit base has no artificial flavors or colors. It adds the sweetness, aroma and texture of real fruit to beverages, cocktails, smoothies, desserts, sauces, savories, toppings and breakfast applications.
See it at booth 1481.
Wholesome!, a brand of organic, fair trade and non-GMO sugars and sweeteners, and distribution partner, Diamond Crystal Brands,will showcase its organic sweetener solutions for all restaurant operations. With a broad assortment of granulated and liquid sweeteners in sizes ranging from single-serving packets to bulk packaging, the foodservice line will be available in fall 2015, according to a company press release.
See it at booth 10427.
The Coca-Cola Companywill demonstrate how foodservice operators can leverage Coca-Cola Freestyle to potentially drive total outlet profitability, beverage incidence, traffic and perception, according to the company. It will also present new beverage products, thought leadership and innovation surrounding recipes and emerging trends, including the Coca-Cola Freestyle 7000. the new offering won theNRA's Food and Beverage Innovation Award.The company will also show it's latest versions of Freestyle.
See it at booth 4402.
About Cherryh Cansler
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