Introduction example: Self-ordering that can be used together with the POS register. The low cost was the deciding factor in switching from other companies (PizzAnima).

Solutions for staff shortages: considering the introduction of self-ordering

— What inspired you to start your own business?

I had always wanted to go independent, and after gaining experience at my previous job in an Italian restaurant, I was fortunate to find the property where the restaurant is now located, and opened in 2020.

Please tell us about the key selling points of your shop.

Our dough is made with whole wheat flour from domestically grown wheat, and we offer 10 types of regular pizzas such as Margherita and mushroom, as well as seasonal specials. We also serve a carefully selected range of drinks, including wines and whiskies, so you can enjoy delicious food and beverages at reasonable prices.

— What prompted you to consider introducing Respo Self-Order?

There were times when, because we were short-staffed and I was running the shop alone, customers ended up having to wait at the register. That made me start thinking about whether there was some way to improve store operations, and I began looking into introducing a system.

— Did you compare us with other companies?

We originally used another company’s POS system, and at first we were thinking of implementing their self-order system.

However, since implementing them as a set would be very expensive, we were looking for a system that could keep costs down more, and that’s when we learned about Respo Self-Order.

We decided to switch from another company and implement this because it can be used together with the POS register and the costs can be kept quite low.

Thanks to the easy-to-use system, we can even entrust customer service to one-off staff.

— Before you actually put it into operation, how did you proceed and what was the process like?

After we decided to implement it, we received implementation support, including initial setup and how to use the system, through online meetings with the support staff.

Before actually putting it into full operation, I first spent about a month trying it out while working solo to get a feel for it and streamline the operations.

After that, I also taught the staff how to use it and began full-scale operation.

— So, how is it actually using it?

Our restaurant has 16 seats and is usually run by just two people—myself and one floor staff member—but even when that staff member is absent or several customers arrive at once, thanks to Respo Self-Order we’re able to keep everything running smoothly.

Did this spread smoothly among the staff?

Yes. They started using it smoothly without any particular problems.

We sometimes ask temporary part-time staff to work in the hall on weekends and other busy days, and as long as we teach them how to operate the equipment, they can handle customer service without having to memorize the menu, which is a great help to us.

Frequent feature improvements and quick responses that provide on-the-ground, hands-on support

— How did your customers respond?

Some customers had already used self-ordering services at other stores, so my impression was that they were able to start using it without any discomfort.

We also created instructions on how to place orders so that customers can use the system more easily, which has increased the number of people using Respo Self-Order, and now more than half of our customers are using it.

— How is the support system here?

Your prompt responses to our inquiries are always very helpful.

I also get the impression that they are actively improving the system to make it easier to use. When we make specific requests, if the issue can be resolved quickly by adjusting how we operate the system, they show us exactly how to do it, which is really helpful.

Increase reservations by making use of the reservation ledger and aim for efficient store operations

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

For example, in restaurants with many seats or split-level floors, having Respo Self-Order means you no longer need to assign multiple staff members, it reduces the effort involved in taking orders, and I believe it allows you to make more effective use of your resources.

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

Wanting to increase the number of reservations, we recently also introduced the Respo reservation ledger.

From here on, we plan to gradually start operations, and while keeping track of the number of customers visiting our store, we hope to achieve more efficient store management.

Also, we currently have photos of our pizza menu on our Respo page, but going forward we’d like to add more photos of side dishes and other items, and find better ways to present our restaurant so that it encourages more customers to visit.

Store Information

PizzAnima

Address: 1F, Tokyu Doel Ars Tamagawa, 3-28-8 Yaguchi, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-6459-8829
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/6AchDQMmvSxEQ7pbGqgW