Embracing the Future of Dining
Six months after rolling out this innovative solution with a new menu and a modernised space, Keele University saw a remarkable 53% increase in sales, earning them the prestigious Best Marketing Campaign award at the CUBO (College and University Business Officers) Awards.
Challenge
Keele University recognised the need to modernise its dining experience. Students and staff were looking for more flexibility and ease when ordering food, and Keele’s existing system was struggling to keep up with demand during peak times.
Before adopting QR code menus, Keele University’s dining areas faced several challenges:
- Long wait times during rush hours.
- Overstretched staff, resulting in slower service.
- Increasing pressure to improve the average basket size under the old ordering system.
To address these issues, they needed a solution that would improve the speed and accuracy of orders while enhancing the overall customer experience.
Keele University partnered with Uniware to implement a QR Code Menu solution—a move that would transform their operations and improve the overall dining experience.
Solution
Keele University turned to Uniware’s Scan Order Pay solution to overhaul their food ordering service. This system allowed customers to scan a QR code at their table, browse the menu, order, and pay—all from their mobile devices.
The solution offered several key benefits
- Scan, order, and pay directly from their mobile devices—no app download required.
- Customise their orders and save favorites for faster future reorders.
- Pay seamlessly using UPay, GooglePay, or Apple Pay.
This system essentially turned smartphones into self-service kiosks, reducing the load on staff and improving customer satisfaction.
The Results
The revamped ‘The Kitchen Table’, complete with a fresh new look and a mobile ordering app from Uniware saw year-on-year sales skyrocketed by a whopping 53% compared to 2022!
“We’re thrilled to see such a positive increase in sales since we implemented Uniware’s QR Code Menu. This, along with creating a new brand identity for the space and developing a new and innovative menu offer, has transformed the restaurant, which is now our students’ first food venue of choice on-campus!”
Joe Hambleton-Ratcliffe, Commercial Marketing Manager, Keele University
Customers spent more time browsing and customising their orders, leading to an increase in average basket size. Shorter wait times improved the overall customer experience, while enhanced operational efficiency enabled staff to focus on food preparation instead of manual order taking.
“Keele’s success demonstrates the potential of QR code menus to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations, positioning them as a leader in innovative dining solutions. We look forward to working with them on their innovative journey.’”
Martin Fallows, Account Manager, Uniware Systems
The introduction of QR code ordering at Keele University was nothing short of transformative. It not only resolved operational challenges but also elevated the customer experience, leading to a significant increase in sales.
