POS

POS features that take the slice

Pizzerias run differently from QSRs and other types of restaurants. Here are the POS functions that can make business easier for owners and operators.

Photo: Adobe Stock

May 17, 2024 by Mo Chaar

Pizza restaurants operate differently than QSR and dine-in as they rely heavily on web and mobile ordering, flexible menu changes and delivery dispatch, to name a few. Several point-of-sale systems can help you manage your pizza restaurant, but not all systems are created equal. Here are a few software features to look for in a POS that will align with operational needs while saving you time and money and enabling you to run your business.

Online ordering and apps

A 2023 survey conducted by Deloitte of 750 respondents found that 40% of consumers prefer to place their delivery or take-out order directly with the restaurant's website or app, while only 13% prefer third-party apps. A branded website is a cost-effective way to accept online orders throughout the day, represent your menu options, control delivery and take-out orders and establish a relationship with your customers. Most importantly, a branded site generates revenue from additional sales channels and limits your dependency on third-party providers.

Orders processed online or on the app synchronize seamlessly to the point of sale, so there is no need to re-enter the order from the POS. The order is then pushed to the kitchen display and prep stations.

Scheduled ordering

Scheduled or future orders are placed online and paid for by the client in advance of the requested pickup time. Phone orders are manually entered on the POS by the cashier. The sale is labeled as a scheduled order in the system, and the prep time is automatically calculated to ensure the food is prepared when it is close to the pickup time. Scheduled ordering allows you to manage large catering and busy weekend orders easily. Customers will enjoy the convenience and appreciate the hot and fresh food when they pick up the order.

Menu building

First impressions are everything, and a well-designed and engineered menu will separate you from competitors. The menu is the heart and soul of every restaurant and is the main reason customers are attracted to your business. Menus and recipes can be standardized across multiple locations for consistency. Fully integrated restaurant management software connects directly to your POS and kitchen operating systems to help you calculate costs and inventory.

Modifiers

What are modifiers? They're the side orders we all love with our pizza, like dipping sauces, garlic bread or additional toppings. However, keeping track of these unique menu options and calculating the costs for additional ingredients can be challenging and expensive if your POS is not equipped with the right features.

For example, if a customer places an order for a small pizza with extra pepperoni and then upgrades to a large pizza on a whim, the POS should have the functionality to automatically recognize the change and adjust not only the cost of the large pizza but also the cost of the additional pepperoni. Otherwise, you will lose money, and your inventory will always be inaccurate.

Inventory tracking

Speaking of inventory, an efficient POS can be a robust inventory management system if it allows you to track and adjust inventory automatically. Sound inventory management systems will ensure that your pizzeria has sufficient ingredients for your recipes, help reduce waste and leftovers and keep food costs down. The right tool allows you to generate real-time reports on your current inventory status, pending orders, product usage, storage location, and inventory across multiple stores. You should also be able to set up notifications that remind you to order more pepperoni when inventory levels meet a specific threshold.

Integrated delivery

Pizza delivery in the U.S. became popular in the 1960's. Back then, the pizzeria hired and trained drivers to manage deliveries to specific zones. The logistics of food delivery today are a lot more complex, with more options available through third-party apps. Some restaurants continue to manage their deliveries.

Still, for those choosing to outsource, you should ensure that your POS provider is integrated into multiple third-party delivery services, including the most popular apps. For example, an integration with Uber Direct allows you to provide delivery services for orders placed on your branded website and saves you money in the long run. Additionally, the POS should be able to help you quickly dispatch orders, keep your customers in the loop regarding their orders, and provide driver routing and detailed reporting.

Gift + loyalty

Acquiring and retaining customers is the strategy behind any successful gift and loyalty card program. Despite solid marketing capabilities, some POS systems still consider gifts and loyalty as adds-on and unnecessary. If you want to attract customers and keep them returning, you must offer them more than just a welcoming environment and good food. Loyalty incentives will help you collect customer data, show appreciation and hold onto customers longer. Gift cards will help you generate additional revenue throughout the year and introduce new customers to your business. It's that simple.

Promotions

Whether you use promotions to increase traffic in-store, on the app or online, promos help maximize the impact of your campaigns, influence sales and drive brand awareness with specially curated targeting packages. Look for POS systems with vital Promotional and Coupon capabilities including personalized promotions to specific customer emails based on previous buying habits, lucrative online specials for delivery and discounts to target postal codes.

Having the right features on the POS can make the difference between a thriving pizzeria and one that struggles. A comprehensive POS system will not only process transactions but also help you streamline your operations, provide better customer service, and gain valuable insights to help you run your restaurant more efficiently.

About Mo Chaar

---

Since joining Givex in 2007, Mo Chaar has helped the company expand its North American footprint. He began his tenure as a Business Development Manager before becoming Vice President of Sales for North America, and then moved to his current role of Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, Chaar oversees commercial strategy and development worldwide as well as managing the sales teams within North America. His experience in gift card, loyalty and POS has played a pivotal role in the success of some of Givex’s largest partners.

Connect with Mo: