Introduction example: Creating an environment where customers can focus on and enjoy games: “We can’t imagine running the place without self-ordering” (Board Game Café Monpi)

A board game café popular with solo visitors where you can easily make new friends

— What inspired you to start your own business?

I’ve always loved board games, and I started this business because I wanted to create a place where more people could discover board games and enjoy them together.

— What kind of customers use your services?

Our customers range widely in age, with most in their 20s to 30s, as well as families with elementary school children and customers up to around their 80s.

—Can you participate in the board game even by yourself?

Yes. For customers who come alone, we may seat them with other guests or have them join another group.

Some of the people who became friends there now come to the store together, and the circle of connections among our customers is growing.

Board games are played while talking and interacting with each other, so even people who are meeting for the first time can easily become friendly—that’s part of their appeal.

A system that lets each person place orders at their own timing without interrupting the game

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

We were considering introducing a system that allows customers to place orders using QR codes and compared several services. Among them, we chose to implement Respo Self-Order because it can be used together with the POS register and is reasonably priced.

— How are you actually using Respo Self-Order in your store?

Our restaurant has five table seats and one private room, and at first we only prepared six QR codes for ordering.

However, once we actually opened, we found that many customers were coming in alone, so after consulting with the support staff, we changed the system so that each person could place their own order.

Specifically, when customers visit the store, we first hand them a name tag and ask them to write their nickname or similar on it. The holder for this name tag has a QR code for ordering printed on it, so that each person has their own QR code.

We also provide paper menus at each table, so customers can look at them together, but each person is expected to place their own order.

— How have your customers been responding?

Normally, when you want to place an order in the middle of playing a board game, you’d have to pause the game. But at our shop, thanks to the Respo self-order system, you can place your order during your own downtime while continuing the game, so it doesn’t interrupt the flow of play. I find it to be a very convenient system.

It gives me the impression that even people meeting for the first time can place orders casually, without holding back, at their own pace.

Helps facilitate smooth communication with customers

— How has this affected your store operations?

Since I basically run this place by myself, it’s really helpful that I don’t have to spend as much time going around to take orders.

Also, since the system plays a sound whenever an order comes in, it’s really helpful that even if I’m at another table explaining a game, I can easily excuse myself by saying something like, “An order just came in, so I’ll step away for a moment,” and go to the kitchen.

It also seems like it will be easier for customers to place orders.

Yes. I think it also reassures customers, because when they hear the sound, they know their order has definitely gone through.

Also, the call function that comes together with the QR code has a good reputation for being convenient, especially among customers in private rooms, because it lets them call us easily.

— It feels like this has become one of the ways we communicate with our customers.

Yes. I feel it’s an indispensable system for smooth communication with our customers. Without Respo Self-Order, it’s hard to even imagine what our store operations would be like.

Operate smoothly even during the last-minute checkout rush for free-time rates before closing

—Which feature do you find particularly easy to use?

What I like is that I can easily edit things myself. It’s convenient because I can immediately try out ideas as I go, like quickly adding new menu items or options.

— How do you handle things at the time of payment?

With our shop’s free-time system, the fee is flat no matter how long you stay, so many customers remain until closing time, and there are times at checkout when we have to handle around 15 people all at once.

Even so, as long as each person simply checks out one by one on their own smartphone, we can handle payments smoothly without any particular confusion.

Less staff movement in the limited space, making it easier for customers to relax

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

I’d especially recommend this for shops run by a small staff. Since customers can complete everything from ordering to payment with just their smartphone, I’m basically able to run the shop by myself.

It’s also recommended for shops run in a small, cozy space. With Respo Self-Order, staff no longer need to keep going back and forth to take orders, which reduces the hustle and bustle and makes it easier for customers to relax.

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

Since there’s a university nearby, we’d be delighted if more young customers such as university students came to visit, the circle of customers expanded even further, and we could share enjoyable times with even more people.

Especially if you’re used to using a smartphone, I think you’ll find our system very easy to use, so I hope you’ll feel free to stop by.

Store Information

Board Game Café Monpi

Address: 2F, 2-8, Chiyogasaki 2-chome, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Phone number: 070-9043-9074
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/LADm8NfsYyiky1qX3AoR