In today’s digital age, where smartphones are practically extensions of ourselves, restaurants can no longer afford to ignore the power of apps. Gone are the days of relying solely on word-of-mouth and printed flyers. Now, savvy restaurateurs are harnessing the potential of a variety of app-based solutions to boost their bottom line, build customer loyalty, and streamline operations. This isn’t just about flashy Instagram stories and celebrity endorsements – it’s about strategically leveraging technology to reach a wider audience, personalize the dining experience, and ultimately, increase revenue. Here, we explore, with CJ Digital, 10 innovative restaurants across the UK that are proving apps are the secret ingredient to success.
- Maroush, Manchester: In the bustling heart of Manchester, Maroush is a Lebanese restaurant attracting crowds with its vibrant atmosphere and authentic cuisine. But their secret weapon for driving awareness and engagement isn’t just mouthwatering mezze platters – it’s Instagram. Maroush has cultivated a strong social media presence, partnering with local food influencers to showcase their dishes in a visually appealing way. These collaborations utilize Instagram Stories’ swipe-up feature to seamlessly connect viewers with Maroush’s online ordering app, allowing hungry onlookers to instantly order the featured dishes. By leveraging influencer marketing and turning likes into direct orders, Maroush is capitalizing on the power of social media to reach new customers and boost their revenue.
- The Athenian, Glasgow: Taking the concept of “mobile ordering” to a whole new level, The Athenian in Glasgow uses a custom-developed app to streamline the dining experience at their popular Greek restaurant. Gone are the days of waiting to flag down a server. The Athenian’s app allows diners to browse the menu, place orders directly from their phones, and even pay their bill – all without needing to interact with a staff member. This not only frees up valuable server time for other tasks, but also caters to the growing customer preference for convenience and self-service. Moreover, the app facilitates data collection, allowing The Athenian to track individual preferences and personalize future offerings, further enhancing the overall customer experience.
- The Pig Hotels (Various Locations): Escape the ordinary with The Pig Hotels, a collection of countryside retreats offering farm-to-table dining experiences. To enhance the experience and encourage exploration, The Pig Hotels utilize a unique app that acts as your personal concierge. The app provides detailed information on the surrounding areas, including recommendations for local walks, nearby historical sites, and even the opportunity to book foraging experiences and cooking classes. This focus on experiential dining not only encourages repeat visits, but also drives additional revenue streams beyond just meals, positioning The Pig Hotels as a destination rather than simply a restaurant.
- Yard Sale Pizza, London: In the pizza-obsessed landscape of London, Yard Sale Pizza stands out with its playful approach and delicious sourdough pies. But what truly sets them apart is their loyalty program, managed entirely through a dedicated app. For every purchase at Yard Sale Pizza, customers earn points redeemable for free pizzas, merchandise, and even exclusive events. This app-based loyalty program fosters customer engagement, incentivizes repeat visits, and allows Yard Sale Pizza to directly communicate promotions and updates to their most loyal patrons.
- The Laughing Heart, Bristol: Going beyond just food delivery, The Laughing Heart, a Bristol-based vegan restaurant, uses its app to foster a sense of community and social responsibility. The app acts as a platform to connect with local vegan producers, promoting sustainable practices and fair trade. Customers can learn about the provenance of their food, participate in virtual cooking classes with local chefs, and even donate to charities supported by The Laughing Heart. By weaving social responsibility into their app experience, The Laughing Heart builds strong customer relationships and attracts like-minded individuals who value both ethical practices and delicious food.
- Dishoom, Various Locations: Capturing the vibrant street food scene of Bombay, Dishoom has taken the UK by storm with its innovative Indian cuisine. Their dedicated app goes beyond just online ordering, offering fun and interactive features to enhance the dining experience. Customers can play virtual games inspired by Indian culture, unlock exclusive discounts and offers, and even participate in virtual cooking classes with Dishoom’s talented chefs. By incorporating gamification and personalized offers, Dishoom creates a more engaging and memorable dining experience, encouraging customers to return and explore their menu.
- Tattva, Farnborough: For Tattva, a haven of authentic Indian cuisine in Farnborough, Facebook isn’t just a platform for sharing photos – it’s a powerful tool for generating corporate bookings. Tattva has carved a niche serving high-quality Indian food for corporate events and meetings. Their strategy? Targeting local Facebook groups dedicated to businesses and networking. Through targeted ads and engaging posts, they showcase their catering capabilities, highlighting their customisable menus and impressive presentation. This laser-focused approach ensures Tattva reaches the right audience, converting casual online interest into lucrative corporate bookings.
- The Botanist, Various Locations: Known for its botanical-inspired decor and extensive cocktail menu, The Botanist has mastered the art of creating a unique and immersive dining experience. Their app plays a crucial role in enhancing this atmosphere, offering interactive features like virtual plant identification, cocktail recipes, and even the ability to book a private dining room. By blending technology with their signature aesthetic, The Botanist creates a multi-sensory experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
- The Fat Duck, Bray: A culinary institution renowned for its innovative and experimental cuisine, The Fat Duck in Bray pushes the boundaries of gastronomy with its groundbreaking dishes. Their app is a perfect complement to this unique dining experience, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into the kitchen, exclusive content about the chefs and their philosophy, and even the opportunity to purchase limited-edition merchandise. By leveraging technology to share the story behind their culinary creations, The Fat Duck creates a more meaningful and memorable dining experience for their discerning guests.
- The Beach House, Mousehole: Nestled in the picturesque Cornish fishing village of Mousehole, The Beach House offers a taste of the sea with its fresh, locally sourced seafood. To enhance the experience and promote sustainable practices, The Beach House utilizes a QR code-based app that provides information about the provenance of their fish, highlighting local fishermen and sustainable fishing methods. By incorporating educational elements into their app, The Beach House not only educates customers about the importance of sustainable seafood, but also builds trust and loyalty.
As these 10 restaurants demonstrate, apps are no longer just a luxury – they’re a necessity for businesses looking to thrive in today’s competitive market. By leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience, drive engagement, and streamline operations, restaurants can increase their revenue, build brand loyalty, and stay ahead of the curve. So, whether you’re a seasoned restaurateur or just starting out, it’s time to explore the possibilities of app-based solutions and unlock the full potential of your business.
