Major Applebee’s franchisee deploys customer self-service tablets
A franchise operator of hundreds of U.S. Applebee’s locations is providing customers access to self-service tablets.
Flynn Group, which operates more than 460 franchise Applebee’s locations nationwide, is rolling out purpose-built, tailored Ziosk zMini tablets equipped with the tech vendor's DigiSite Smart Table technology. Paired together, the solutions provide customers with on-demand capabilities like self-order and pay-at-the-table.
More than 20,000 tables at Flynn Group Applebee’s restaurants are now equipped with DigiSite Smart Table technology. Its spatial location software enables tablets to move between tables while automatically syncing to the corresponding customer check.
This flexibility allows Applebee’s to optimize tablet distribution based on each location’s unique traffic patterns and volume. Integrating seamlessly with the restaurant’s POS, Flynn Group Applebee’s locations are also utilizing Ziosk’s zMini tablets in an effort to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.
[READ MORE: Applebee’s revamps store operations with new POS system]
Pay-at-the-table technology also enables premium games and entertainment offerings, as well as self-ordering capabilities for appetizers and drinks on demand.
"Giving customers control over when to order more items or pay their bill, all while our servers remain at the ready and equipped with handhelds for additional service, allows us to simultaneously meet expectations for elevated convenience while ensuring every team member feels supported," said Dan Krebsbach, president, Flynn Applebee’s. "In today’s challenging labor environment, this is a game changer."
In addition, the Ziosk zMini tablets also offer targeted promotional capabilities, enabling Applebee’s to spotlight seasonal specials and featured offerings as well as highlight cause-marketing efforts.
According to Flynn Group, leveraging the tablets it nearly tripled customer donations to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for pediatric cancer research from $150,000 to $373,000 from July to September 2024.
"We’re thrilled to launch the next evolution of Ziosk’s cutting-edge technology with a highly respected industry leader like Flynn Group and their Applebee’s restaurants," said Raymond Howard, chief revenue and growth officer for Ziosk. "Eliminating the wait for customers is key to driving revenue and guest satisfaction. Having a tablet cycling through promotions on the table is also maximizing profits by delivering the right message at the right time to convert upsells."
Flynn Group LP (formerly Flynn Restaurant Group) is the largest franchise operator in the world, and the third largest operator of restaurants in the United States, after only Starbucks and Chipotle. Flynn Group owns and operates more than 2,700 consumer facing businesses across Applebee’s, Arby’s, Taco Bell, Panera, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s and Planet Fitness brands, spanning 44 states, Australia and New Zealand.
