Hospitality And Restaurant IT News For VARs — July 30, 2014
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In the news, Disney World provides some insight into the future of mobile payment technology, while Congress is taking steps to reauthorize Brand USA. Also, the National Restaurant Association reports restaurant sales had a slight decline in June.
To Understand Mobile Payment Technology, Head to Disney World
This article from Skift examines one of the biggest questions in the retail/consumer/shopping industrial complex: Will any of these new mobile payment or automated service projects really stick, or will they just drive people crazy? Looking at the Magic Bands RFID program at Disney with an eye to the future of mobile payment, it concludes that “Most likely, we’re in a shaking-out phase. Some systems will work well in some places. Some will flop. Disney clearly has at least one system that works, like magic.”
Congress Takes Steps To Reauthorize Brand USA
Congress took a major step toward reauthorizing Brand USA, a global marketing program to promote the United States as an international tourist destination. The program, which the legislation would reauthorize, is funded through a fee paid by international visitors. Now the travel and tourism bill moves to the Senate. The National Restaurant Association supports the reauthorization of Brand USA and sent letters urging members of the House and Senate to vote for the bill.
Restaurant Sales Show Slight Decline In June
According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurant sales dip slightly in June after record high. Eating and drinking place sales totaled $46.8 billion on a seasonally-adjusted basis in June, down from May’s $47 billion, but up more than $100 million from the previous sales volume peak in March.
Restaurant and Hospitality IT Talking Points
Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, OH, has installed a new voice solution in each of its 271 guest suites and more than 30 administrative phones across the property. The new system features include voice mail, call accounting, and cold redundancy, which reduces downtime in the event of a system failure due to an unforeseen event such as severe weather. A second processor is safely located on site to have the property back up and running in an emergency, limiting disruption of service.
According to Task Retail Technology, Ben & Jerry’s has adopted a new multi-platform and digital design technology for its national multimedia project and digital signage rollout. The project is designed to increase sales across Ben & Jerry’s national store network and will give Ben & Jerry’s the option to automate and tailor menu boards to specific store locations and customer preferences, as well as grow awareness for Ben & Jerry’s broadening product portfolio of chillers, shakes, smoothies, sundaes and dessert offerings.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Hospitality Tech Center.