Peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, French fries and honey, scrambled eggs and grape jelly. Sound familiar? Well, probably not - but let’s face it, there are some pretty interesting food combinations that people enjoy. What may be delicious to one person, may make another person run for the hills. Our eating habits are personal, and shaped by many experiences and influences throughout our lives. Some of our eating preferences may be ingrained from childhood, while others evolve over time, and yet others may evolve instantly. For example, I remember the first time I tried sushi. The idea of eating raw seafood did not appeal to me (to put it mildly). I had to be bribed just to go to the restaurant. My friend ordered me a sushi roll. I reluctantly dipped a piece in some soy sauce mixed with wasabi, mustered the courage.... and... wow, to my surprise that was really good! So good, that I remember ordering more menu items and enjoying them all. I was instantly hooked on sushi.
I have to admit, I do like doughnuts and beer – just NOT at the same time. However, I have a friend who likes having them as a “combination”, and enjoys how the sweet flavor of the doughnuts contrasts with the bitter flavor of his beer (typically an IPA). Again, not my cup of tea, but I can appreciate the uniqueness of his preference.
For restaurants, giving customers exactly what they want is not a new concept. In the 1970’s, Burger King rolled out their “have it your way” slogan which focused on the unique preferences of burger fixings and condiments. Over the year’s restaurants have continually strived to personalize the dining experience for their customers. And, it’s no surprise that when customers get what they want, they are more likely to be satisfied and visit again and again.
At Applova, we realize that giving customers “exactly” what they want begins with the order. With a robust suite of restaurant ordering solutions, Applova will ensure your customers are delighted throughout the entire ordering experience. With the Applova Smart Kiosk, your customers can pick and choose items to personalize their order through stylish prompts and add-ons. Intelligent menu recommendations are made based on current and previous orders. So, if your customer likes beer with his doughnuts, the kiosk will make the best recommendation to personalize the experience.
Originally published September 10, 2019