One of the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic is the need for restaurants to be accessible through online means. This includes allowing customers to order and pay for food orders without having to call in or actually be present at the restaurant.

The two choices available to consider are mobile apps and mobile websites. As a restaurant owner, it is important to consider which is the best option for your specific target customer. In most cases, restaurants may find that providing both is a good option, but there are costs involved in having two ordering and payment choices.

Northstar provides point of sale (POS) systems and solutions for all types of restaurants and both mobile app and mobile website options. In talking with restaurant industry experts as well as our clients, we find that most restaurants are moving towards the choice of the mobile app over the mobile website.

The Benefits of the Mobile App

To understand why the mobile app is the trend, here are some important points we hear from our clients:

  • Customer convenience – clicking on an app is much easier and faster than opening a browser, typing in a search, or even hitting a bookmark. When convenience counts for your customers, the app is the choice.
  • Provide instant communication – while mobile apps can be used for ordering and payment through our system, it is also a great way to provide answers to question and instant information to assist customers in the ordering or payment process.
  • Targeted marketing – apps can be used to target select customers or specific groups for specials, promotions, and even loyalty programs. This can be done through web-based systems and emails, but it is less direct and more work for the restaurant.

Finally, keep in mind that traditional websites are not designed for viewing on the small screen of a device. Even responsive websites limit the information on the page, which may mean leaving out things your potential guests want to see.

If you have any questions about mobile apps or websites and POS systems, call us at 800-551-7674.