Restaurant Apps: Exploring Mobile Solutions for Your Eatery

Welcome to the world of restaurants and dining, where tech meets taste head-on! Picture a buzzing restaurant filled with mouthwatering dishes and top-notch customer service. Now, sprinkle in some cutting-edge tech – that's where the real game-changer lies!

This blog gives you the lowdown on top-notch restaurant apps that can take your business to the next level. The best part? Many of these apps are our amazing restaurant partners, ready to seamlessly sync with your Epos Now POS system. Whether it's snagging more restaurant reservations with restaurant booking apps, mastering table management, or handling the ins and outs of customer data, loyalty and marketing – we've got it all covered. Ready to elevate your game? Let's dig in and make things happen!

What are restaurant apps?

In a nutshell, restaurant apps are like the Swiss Army knives of the food industry. They're restaurant technologies designed to simplify and enhance various aspects of restaurant management. From streamlining online reservations to optimizing table service turnover and facilitating smooth ordering and payment processes, these apps are the unsung heroes behind the scenes.

Best restaurant apps for your business

Here's a delectable lineup of apps that the best restaurants use. Plus, we’re showing some amazing restaurant partners love by sharing some apps that seamlessly integrate into your Epos Now POS system.

#1 Epos Now Delivery

Epos Now Delivery is your restaurant's ticket to reaching a broader audience through top food ordering platforms. Hosted by Otter, this app facilitates quick and convenient deliveries wherever your diners may be. In three simple steps, customers place orders on popular platforms like JustEat, UberEats, or DoorDash, seamlessly transferring details to your point of sale (POS) system. The orders are then dispatched to the kitchen display screen (KDS) or printed as dockets, ensuring a hassle-free process.

Epos Now Delivery by the numbers

On average, Otter customers leveraging Epos Now Delivery witness a remarkable 78% increase in order volume, a 20% decrease in order issues, a substantial 44% boost in sales, and an impressive 61% reduction in lost sales. These statistics speak volumes about the app's effectiveness in revolutionizing restaurant delivery.

Benefits of Epos Now Delivery

This app goes beyond simplifying the ordering process for restaurant owners. It revolutionizes your restaurant's delivery efficiency. With cost-saving automation handling order details, payments, kitchen communication, and inventory management, your staff can focus on in-store customers while ensuring a seamless experience for those dining at home. Its flexibility extends to menu management, allowing you to adapt offerings to various delivery locations and times. 

Appearing on trusted ordering platforms enhances your brand visibility without extravagant marketing expenses. Platforms like Epos Now Delivery expand your revenue stream, but also help you make the most of each channel you sell on by generating data-driven insights that empower you to create efficient menus and drive sales.

#2 Epos Now Online Ordering

Epos Now Online Ordering caters to every customer's preference—takeout, delivery, or pre-order—without the fuss of using apps. You can save 91% on online ordering costs compared to competitors, embed links into social networks, and automate processes to save 30% on employee costs.

Key features:

• One platform, multiple solutions: From quick takeout to delivery with a lower commission and accommodating pre-orders, Epos Now covers it all in a single, user-friendly platform.
• The perfect digital menu: Customize effortlessly, create timed menus, and offer multiple language options for a comprehensive ordering experience.
• Online ordering transaction fees: At a low rate of 2% + 30c per delivery, Epos Now beats competitors, accepting major cards and eWallet payments at a fixed percentage rate.
• Lead with a link: Recognizing customer preferences, Epos Now allows orders via link or QR code, eliminating app downloads.
• Advance with automation: Drive revenue with automation, upselling items, offering promotions, and increasing turnover by 40%.
• Simplify for your employees: Automation doesn't mean fewer rewards for staff. Focus on in-store service, maintain a tipping system, and increase overall productivity.
• Valuable customer data at your fingertips: Access live analytics instantly, covering date, spend, improve restaurant efficiency and stock reports, enhancing customer engagement.

#3 simpleERB integration

Elevate your dining experience with simpleERB, the easiest and most efficient restaurant diary and booking management system on the market. This user-friendly tool keeps a detailed record of your customers and their preferences, streamlining restaurant operations and maximizing profits.

Key features:

• Simplified restaurant booking: Ensure a full house every time by managing reservations effectively, minimizing no-shows, and preventing overbooking hassles. Your awesome foodie community will thank you!
• Manage and boost customer reviews: Enhance your online reputation by effectively managing and boosting customer reviews through simpleERB's intuitive system. Plus these community reviews and community insights can give you a leg up in the restaurant business world.
• Set automatic reminders: Streamline communication with automatic SMS and email reminders for confirmations, late arrivals, and waitlists, keeping your customers informed and engaged.
• Handle online booking offers: Seamlessly manage online booking offers for coupon/voucher companies, with the option to set offers as private, ensuring a flexible and versatile solution for your restaurant.

#4 TheFork app 

Embark on a seamless dining journey with TheFork, a TripAdvisor company, leading the way in table reservations across Australia and Europe, spanning 12 countries. In Australia alone, TheFork app boasts over 1 million users, making it a powerhouse in the reservation apps realm.

Key features:

• Restaurant profile page: Elevate your restaurant's visibility with a dedicated profile on TheFork's restaurant marketplace after you download thefork app. Allow customers to effortlessly browse and book directly through TheFork's website, expanding your reach and accessibility.
• Marketing tools to combat no-shows: Tackle no-shows head-on with TheFork's arsenal of marketing tools. Benefit from automatic email and SMS confirmations, ensuring a seamless reservation experience and minimizing the impact of no-shows.
• Loyalty program: Optimize exposure and appeal by joining TheFork's exclusive loyalty program. Gain access to a network of loyal customers, attract new patrons, and establish a strong presence in the competitive dining landscape.

Whether you're looking to enhance your restaurant's online presence, combat no-shows, or tap into a dedicated customer base through a loyalty program, TheFork has you covered. Elevate your dining experience and connect with a broader audience through this innovative reservation system.

#5 Mailchimp app

Introducing Mailchimp, your go-to marketing app for the biggest foodie hotspots that seamlessly integrates with Epos Now. Boost your restaurant's reach, engage customers, and drive customer loyalty through targeted and impactful marketing campaigns.

Key features:

• Smart email campaigns: Leverage Mailchimp's intuitive platform to design and deploy smart email campaigns. Engage your customer base with personalized content, offer exclusive discounts and event invitations, turning one-time diners into loyal patrons.
• Automated marketing: Streamline your marketing efforts with Mailchimp's automation tools. Set up targeted campaigns triggered by customer interactions, ensuring your restaurant stays top-of-mind.
• Segmentation for precision: Divide your customer base with Mailchimp's segmentation tools. Target specific demographics, preferences, or dining behaviors to tailor your messages for maximum impact.
• Social media integration: Amplify your restaurant's presence on social media platforms. Integrate Mailchimp with your social accounts to seamlessly share promotions, events, and engaging content.
• Analytics and insights: Gain valuable insights into campaign performance. Measure open rates, click-through rates, and customer engagement to refine and optimize future marketing strategies.

Why Mailchimp Matters: Mailchimp isn't just an email marketing tool. It's a strategic ally for your restaurant's growth. From building brand awareness to fostering customer loyalty, Mailchimp empowers your marketing endeavours, ensuring your restaurant stands out in the competitive dining landscape.

#6 Me&u app

Tap into the future of smart ordering with me&u, the ultimate web-based platform transforming how customers experience food and drinks in venues.

me&u is the game-changer that simplifies ordering in three simple steps: tap, order, and pay. Syncing seamlessly with Epos Now, it allows instant updates, stock management, and payment reviews from a single portal.

Key features:

• Customer-centric experience: me&u prioritizes your customers' needs, offering estimated prep times and notifying them when orders are ready. Returning guests enjoy easy access to past orders, making payments convenient with options like eWallet or PayPal.
• Your menu, your choice: Adapt swiftly with me&u's menu scheduler, managing services, sections, and scheduled surcharges. Control seating areas, menu availability, and docket printing locations. Real-time updates ensure quick adjustments to sold-out items or new additions.
• Insights that matter: Stay informed with hourly updates on your venue's performance, tracking daily takings, orders, and inventory changes through detailed reports. Utilize aggregated data to identify dining trends and enhance decision-making and customer satisfaction.
• Dedicated support: Benefit from an Australia-based support team available 7 days a week. Enjoy a tailored demo, staff training, and guidance from a dedicated account manager. Plus, elevate your visual appeal with a professional food photoshoot for your entire menu.

What to look out for when choosing a restaurant app

Choosing the right app for your restaurant is no small feat, considering the plethora of options available. To streamline your decision-making process, it's essential to keep a few key factors in mind.

• Integration with your operations: Ensure that the restaurant app seamlessly integrates with your overall operations. Compatibility with your existing systems, like the restaurant POS, is vital for smooth functioning. 
• Comprehensive features: Evaluate the array of features and add-ons that the restaurant app offers. Look beyond basic functionalities and seek a robust app that aligns with your unique business requirements. Whether it's order management, customer engagement, or inventory tracking, choose an app that caters to your specific needs.
• Scalability for growth: Consider the scalability of the restaurant app. Opt for a solution that can grow alongside your business and your restaurant POS software, ensuring flexibility and adaptability as your restaurant expands over time and responds to changes in your industry.
• Flexible plans and pricing: Check for flexible plans and pricing options that accommodate different business sizes. A restaurant app should offer plans that align with your budget and cater to the specific needs of your establishment.
• User-friendly interface and exploration options: Prioritize user-friendliness when choosing a restaurant app. It should be intuitive and easy for your staff to navigate. Look for providers that offer a demo option, allowing you to explore the app firsthand and understand its functionality before making a commitment.

Final thoughts

In the dynamic world of restaurant apps, choosing the right one is key to seamless operations. From integrated systems and comprehensive features to scalability and user-friendly interfaces, your choice impacts every aspect of your restaurant.

Whether it's optimizing restaurant reservations with reservation apps, enhancing table management, or leveraging valuable customer data, the right app transforms your dining experience.

So, make a savvy choice that make your customers dining out game strong!