Introduction example: Fully equipped with self-ordering and reservation ledger, accommodating small groups with over 50 types of dishes and all-you-can-drink options (Neighborhood Western-style restaurant Grill Marino)

Considering implementation to prepare for labor shortages caused by the declining birthrate and aging population

— Could you tell me about your shop?

My father started this restaurant, and for over 55 years we have been serving the local community here as the town’s Western-style eatery.

I have now taken over as the owner, and I’m drawing on my experience working as a hotel chef to offer Western-style dishes using meat and fish, incorporating French and Italian influences.

One of the lunch menu items, the “ketchup rice omelet,” has been officially certified by the Suginami Public Health Center as a healthy option that meets the standard values for salt and fat content.

— Was there any particular reason that led you to consider introducing Respo Self-Order?

Our shop is family-run, but as our parents are getting older and we want to prepare for the labor shortages that are expected to become even more serious in the food and beverage industry, we have started considering introducing it.

— How did things actually proceed up until you started real operations?

From the initial inquiry through to our meetings, most of the communication was online, and since it was my first time completing a contract procedure online, I was a little worried at first about whether I’d be able to manage it.

However, the support staff provided clear and courteous onboarding assistance, so all my questions were resolved and I was able to get started with peace of mind.

— How is our ongoing support system working for you?

When there’s something I don’t understand, you not only respond by email but also help me over the phone, and you always get back to me quickly, which is a great help.

To smoothly handle drink orders for the all-you-can-drink plan

— After actually introducing Respo Self-Order, what kind of impact has it had on your store operations?

The hassle of going to take orders has been greatly reduced.

Especially for larger groups of around 15 to 20 people, we often use the all-you-can-drink plan, and thanks to the Respo self-order system we can smoothly take orders, which is a huge help.

I really feel that this system works thanks to the fact that one customer often takes the lead and places a group order, and to the cooperation we receive from our customers.

— Are there any particular measures you’ve taken to ensure smooth store operations?

On the Respo self-order menu, we’ve added a button labeled “I need more plates, forks, or knives,” so customers can easily call for additional tableware.

—How have customers been reacting?

Customers also appreciate being able to place orders at their own pace, saying it’s more relaxing because they don’t have to go out of their way to flag down busy staff.

Introduce an additional reservation ledger to stay focused on the customer in front of you

— Recently, the Respo reservation ledger was also introduced, right? Was there any particular reason for that?

We get a lot of reservations by phone, but I wanted to reduce the number of times we have to stop cooking to answer calls, so that we can focus more on serving the customers right in front of us.

There are times when you’re busy and it’s hard to check availability on the spot, right?

Yes. Over the phone, we either discuss the reservation details and decide on the spot, or, if that’s difficult, we put the answer on hold and need to call you back.

With the Respo reservation ledger, you can review reservation details when you have time and make calls if necessary, allowing you to operate according to your own schedule.

Not having to deal with it right away really takes a load off your mind, doesn’t it?

Yes. Also, with the Respo reservation ledger, notifications are sent to your mobile address, so you can notice new bookings right away, and reservations are automatically reflected and seats fill up accordingly, which is very convenient.

Self-ordering that reduces labor costs and aims for efficient operations

—What kind of stores do you think Respo would be useful for?

These are shops run as family businesses or by a small number of people.

After all, running a restaurant is costly because of hiring staff, so I think being able to keep labor costs down this much at such a low price is a huge advantage.

— Finally, could you tell us about your goals for the shop going forward?

Our restaurant is run by a small team and has a large number of menu items, but by using Respo Self-Order to operate more efficiently and shorten serving times, we hope to reduce the amount of time our customers have to wait.

We’ve only just introduced the Respo reservation ledger, but our customers have gradually started using it, and I hope that from here it will catch on with our regulars as well and that reservations will steadily increase.

Store Information

Neighborhood Western Diner Grill Marino

Address: Comune 1F, 3-30-6 Izumi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-3322-3339
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/B3B3kWK5YNV18poPK3C4