Posted on 1/9/2008, 2:13:20 PM by shove_it
CBS 2 HD has learned a new trend will be found at your favorite restaurants, allowing customers to place their own orders without the need of servers.
Ever find yourself unable to get the attention of a waiter? It can be frustrating. But soon that may be a problem of the past thanks to new tableside touch screens.
"It's cooler placing your own order on the computer than having a waitress come up and do it," restaurant customer Amanda Rosengarten told CBS 2 HD.
That's because the order goes directly from your fingertips to the kitchen or bar, eliminating the possibility of human error during the transaction process. The new technology is being used at uWink, the latest offering from the founder of Chuck E. Cheese. The company said the new system is providing faster service, fewer mistakes and fewer interruptions.
"Whenever you want ... that extra glass of wine or a dessert … bingo, it happens right away," said Nolan Bushnell of uWink.
"It seems a lot more immediate. If I happen to change my mind or need an additional dish, I can order it right away even if the server is busy doing something else," patron Julie Lightner said.
The National Restaurant Association has labeled self-service technology as one of the industry's top trends to watch, including fast-food restaurants to gourmet.
"Forty-six percent of all adults in America today indicate a likelihood of using these systems at a restaurant," said Hudson Riehle of the National Restaurant Association.
Critics fear the trend will lead to less attentive waiters, but Riehle believes the opposite to be true.
"Many of these systems actually have controls in them which can summon the wait staff upon demand," Riehle said.
Riehle also told CBS 2 HD some customers will always prefer a full service experience. However, most diners who've used the touch screens are reporting positive feedback, especially, he said, when they're allowed to close their own bills, or play games while they wait.
"We've had people from all age groups, even seniors, which we didn't expect at all, come back over and over again, having a great time," Bushnell said.
Many national fast-food chains are currently testing these self-service kiosks in some of their own restaurants and drive-thrus.
More outsourcing! I blame Bush!
Who’s gonna hump the chow from the kitchen to the tables? Just wonderin’.
Smart idea for both customers and restaurants, in my opinion. In busy places, the cost of the system would quickly be made up in increased customer turnover, since patrons wouldn’t have to wait for a server to show up to request a takeout box and the check.
Won’t replace the Hooter babes.
W.h.a.t..d.o..y.o.u..r.e.c.c.o.m.e.n.d.?.
Processing.......
Chef selections recommended this evening:
...Grouper Almondine
...Mahi Mahi with Mango Chutney Sauce
...Shrimp Fra Diavalo
O.K..I.’.l.l..t.a.k.e..t.h.e..M.a.h.i.
C.o.u.l.d..I..g.e.t..a..n.e.w..s.p.o.o.n.?.
How much do you tip the computer?
I never worked at a place where the credit card machine didn't fail at least once a month and we had to drag out the ol' slider and fill in the info by hand.
Wait until the Food Service Workers Union finds out.
Nothing will ever, ever replace them. Most secure (from off-shoring/out-sourcing) job in America.
Two bits should be sufficient. :=)
I like this idea.
I did this in the ‘60s at an A & W Drive-in from my car...
Riiiiight. Anyone who has ever worked Tech Support knows that human error is next to impossible with computer use.
A & W was pretty cool. Are they still around?
Dang it - beat me by about five minutes!
Great way to spread germs in a restaurant!
Add to my comments in #15, “Especially when dealing with dopers and seniors.”
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