Restaurant And Hospitality Roundup – September 6, 2016
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
Chuck E. Cheese’s ditches tokens for Tap-to-play cards and self-service kiosks; digital signage helps the Grand Hyatt Hotel San Francisco cut costs and boost convenience; and Which Wich taps Ric Scicchitano as its new president.
Chuck E. Cheese’s Introduces Self-Service Kiosks and Tap-To-Play Cards To Improve Guest Experience
Chuck E. Cheese’s has announced that it has partnered with cashless solutions provider Semnox Solutions to install its RFID system in stores to replace tokens. The wireless system has now been installed at more than 100 of the chain’s locations nationwide. A more sanitary option than tokens, the card system allows parents new functionality over the tokens, including the ability to register play cards, track point totals, and recover points from stolen cards.
"With Semnox's cashless system in place, we are now able to increase customer satisfaction and develop a more efficient process," said Tom Leverton, CEO of CEC Entertainment. "With the online business intelligence and analytical reports through Semnox's Cloud-based offering, we get a better understanding of our customers' spending habits and are able to make informed decisions quickly and accurately."
"Utilizing Semnox's innovative technology in our stores is making the Chuck E. Cheese's experience more enjoyable," said Mahesh Sadarangani, SVP of Strategic Initiatives at CEC Entertainment. "We are very satisfied with the installation rollout."
As part of the upgrade, customizable self-service kiosks are also being installed at store locations. They feature a 22 inch touch screen display, bilingual capabilities, user-friendly graphic interface, currency and token acceptors, credit card integration, the ability to issue new cards or recharge existing game cards, and the ability to establish guest registration.
Grand Hyatt Hotel San Francisco Turns To Digital Signage To Cut Costs And Boost Convenience
In the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, the Grand Hyatt Hotel boasts a prime location. To help reduce costs, increase convenience, and capitalize on the high traffic areas, the hotel has turned to digital signage to power a video wall that is visible to passers-by on the street outside. The original video wall was beginning to show its age, becoming temperamental, according to Ru Lin, Manager of information Technology, Grand Hyatt San Francisco, which led the hotel to look for new options.
Enter digital signage media players Brightsign, LLC., who stepped up to drive the new video wall, according to Digital Signage Today. The array of screens measures 3 meters by 8 meters, and is mounted 20 feet above the lobby floor. The resulting 1080p-resolution-per-display video wall is controlled by a single Apple iPad Air 2, and it includes high redundant power, remote system monitoring, and a dual-network switch to reduce downtime. The Apple iPad Air 2 interface provides a user-friendly method of control for IT and other facility staff, while the display provides important and timely information for guests.
New Which Wich President Wants To Make The Chain “Compelling and Convenient” for Customers
Which Wich Superior Sandwiches announced that it has tapped Ric Scicchitano to assume the position of president on September 6. Scicchitano will be instrumental in guiding menu innovation, marketing, and the company strategic plan, hoping to make the 409 restaurant chain “compelling and convenient” for its customers, according to The Nation’s Restaurant News. The chain is committed to growth, adding some 70 new restaurants a year to its numbers.
“I truly believe that positive change produces positive results, and in getting to know Ric, I found a positive leader, perfectly positioned to pioneer our ongoing innovation,” said Jeff Sinelli, Which Wich Founder and Chief Vibe Officer. “I’m thrilled to have him among our senior leadership team at Which Wich.”
“During my previous tenure, I went outside the box to implement ideas that make brands exciting and impactful, while working closely with marketing, supply chain and our development teams to implement impactful structural changes,” Scicchitano said. “I have a passion for great brands that serve great food. That’s the core of the business we’re in, and we accomplish it one guest at a time, one sandwich at a time. It’s the perfect time to take that vision to Which Wich, an exciting and rapidly growing brand with so much potential ahead. My mission is to build on the swagger behind this innovative brand.”