Both restaurants, which are operated by Sodexo, believe that the mobile applications will help eliminate wait times. In addition, the apps will help increase customer engagement, as well as build brand loyalty.

“Given dramatic moves by today’s consumer, not only to acquire smartphones, but to use them to make purchases, our strategy is to make life a little easier and a little more fun for our on-the-go customers, enhancing their experience with Sodexo,” said Rick Bollar, vice president of digital strategy at Sodexo, Dallas.

“We want to make it convenient for customers to not only see what’s available on our menus, but also to place, customize and pay for their order to be ready at their convenience – all without standing in line,” he said.

Mobile ordering
The Jazzman’s Cafe app is available for free download in Apple’s App Store.

The apps were initially piloted and launched earlier this year at Sodexo locations across the United States such as Gonzaga University, University of Evansville and Methodist College.

The company is looking to debut more locations by fall.

“We at Jazzman’s and SubConnection focus a lot of effort into engaging our guests and really gaining their loyalty to our brands – employing mobile technology for those consumers who prefer a smartphone option is a natural progression to the experience we offer our guests,” Mr. Bollar said.

“Retail and particularly restaurant retail is a competitive business where a majority of businesses – outside large chains – do not have the opportunity to market to potential customers until they walk in the door,” he said.

“Mobile marketing opens a new channel outside the walls of our restaurants, where we can make relevant consumer offers while they’re still deciding where to eat.”

Consumers on the go
Consumers looking to buy something from Jazzman’s Cafe & Bakery can order a customized hot or cold beverage and baked fresh daily bakery items and pay for their items via their smartphones.

Once the transaction is processed, consumers can go to the location they ordered from and pick it up.

“Mobile apps and other ecommerce efforts are a part of Sodexo’s miExperience, a platform of technology solutions, integrating systems to enhance the guest experience and engage customers,” Mr. Bollar said.

“We plan to integrate technology solutions into more Sodexo offers in the near future, including loyalty programs, as well as mobile applications for our non-food and non-retail offers,” he said.