Easier for customers to enjoy their favorite way of eating, boosting sales. Used to create a restaurant that meets diverse needs (Miyakoya Nishi-Nasuno branch).
This time, we spoke with Mr. Takuahara, the owner of the tsukemen specialty restaurant “Miyakoya Nishi-Nasuno” in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture. In the past, there were not many requests for noodle firmness, flavor adjustments, or extra toppings, but after introducing the Respo self-order system, more customers began placing such orders casually, which has led to increased sales. In addition, the systematization and simple iPad operation have reduced the workload. We asked about the reasons for introducing Respo Self-Order, the results it has produced, and customers’ reactions.
Creation date: 2023年7月26日
Update date: 2026年2月26日
Table of contents
Self-ordering has made it easier to meet each customer’s individual preferences.
— Could you tell me about your shop?
Our restaurant is a tsukemen specialty shop, serving pork bone broth as a base, enriched with the savory flavors of chicken and seafood. Our signature dish features ultra-thick noodles made from 100% domestically produced wheat flour, which hold the soup well and are served piping hot in a bubbling stone bowl. We welcome all kinds of guests, from solo diners to families and large groups.
— Please tell us why you decided to introduce Respo Self-Order.
The trigger for introducing it was advice from our head office. A self-order system using QR codes is convenient for customers, and since the restaurant is basically run by just myself and one other staff member, I thought it would be a huge help if we could eliminate the work of taking orders and handling payments.
The trigger for introducing it was advice from our head office. A self-order system using QR codes is convenient for customers, and since the restaurant is basically run by just myself and one other staff member, I thought it would be a huge help if we could eliminate the work of taking orders and handling payments.
--- What kind of changes have you seen since introducing Respo Self-Order?
First of all, it’s become much easier for customers to request how they want to eat, such as noodle firmness or soup flavor. Previously, we didn’t write things like “firm noodles OK” or “atsumori (serving the noodles hot when offering tsukemen) OK” on the menu, and we would ask verbally, so we only got one or two individual requests a day at most. When we introduced Respo Self-Order, they set it up so that requests could be selected for every menu item, and now about one out of every three groups of customers specifies their preferences when ordering.
First of all, it’s become much easier for customers to request how they want to eat, such as noodle firmness or soup flavor. Previously, we didn’t write things like “firm noodles OK” or “atsumori (serving the noodles hot when offering tsukemen) OK” on the menu, and we would ask verbally, so we only got one or two individual requests a day at most. When we introduced Respo Self-Order, they set it up so that requests could be selected for every menu item, and now about one out of every three groups of customers specifies their preferences when ordering.
We’ve also been getting more orders for toppings and extras. When we added to the Respo self-order menu the toppings that were originally created based on customer requests, many customers noticed them, thinking, “Oh, I can get this kind of topping too,” and now they feel comfortable ordering them.
By being able to describe detailed preferences for how to eat and the different topping variations, customers can understand everything at a glance and find it easier to place orders. It’s only been three months since we introduced Respo Self-Order, but there have already been months when sales increased by nearly 10% compared to the previous year.
With one-tap operations, administrative tasks become faster and smoother
— After introducing Respo Self-Order, what kind of changes have you seen on the restaurant’s side?
We’ve eliminated order mistakes caused by mishearing, and improved work efficiency for tasks like sales management, inventory control, and closing the register. Previously, I personally handled all sales and inventory management by checking everything manually with a calculator, and closing the register took about 15 minutes. Now that the system is in place, we can do the calculations with a single tap on the app screen of the iPad POS register, so the work is finished in about half the time.
The additional menu setup is easy, which has been a big help. Since we can use not only the iPad but also iPhones as handheld devices with a single account, we can effortlessly add new menu items from the handhelds we’re already used to using.
Demand for cashless payments has increased, and online payment options have also been introduced
— Since introducing Respo Self-Order, how have your customers reacted?
Most of our customers have responded positively. Some say things like, “This is the latest way to order, that’s amazing,” or “That other place has also switched to ordering by QR code.” It feels like customers are sensing the overall shift toward self-ordering and are getting used to it.
Most of our customers have responded positively. Some say things like, “This is the latest way to order, that’s amazing,” or “That other place has also switched to ordering by QR code.” It feels like customers are sensing the overall shift toward self-ordering and are getting used to it.
We place acrylic stands on each table that explain how to order, and on the back of those stands we also print a QR code for connecting to the in-store Wi‑Fi. Customers can connect to the Wi‑Fi just by scanning it, which makes it easier and smoother for them to place their orders with less stress.
— You’re also using online payments, which you hadn’t originally planned to introduce. What made you decide to start using them?
Our shop has been in business since about 10 years before I took it over, and it had always been a cash-only store. Because of that, I thought some customers might be confused if we suddenly went cashless. In reality, though, we started getting more and more requests for cashless payment from our customers. Wanting to respond to their needs, we decided to start using online payments as well. Over the past three months, online payments have accounted for about 20% of our sales.
Make your restaurant better at meeting customer needs with self-ordering
--- For what kind of stores is Respo Self-Order recommended?
I think this system would be useful for restaurants that want to solve staff shortages, as well as for places that want to meet every possible customer need, starting with ordering and payment. In our case, by introducing Respo Self-Order, it has become easier for customers to request their preferred noodle firmness and flavor, as well as toppings, allowing us to better respond to each customer’s individual preferences. Introducing online payment has also ended up satisfying both the needs of those who want cashless payment and their latent needs, with the added convenience becoming an extra value.
— Finally, could you tell us about your goals for how you want to develop your shop in the future?
We want more customers to know about our self-ordering service, so we’re also putting a lot of effort into promotions and events using Instagram. As cashless payments are expected to become even more widespread in the future, we’d like to make it possible for customers to take full advantage of online payments as well.
Store Information
Miyako-ya Nishi-Nasuno Branch
Address: 1012-8 Ishibayashi, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture
Phone number: 0287-36-5887
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/gWuJmdbr9bowUGQTWmFM
Phone number: 0287-36-5887
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/gWuJmdbr9bowUGQTWmFM
