luca introduces the ordering function and thus digitizes the entire catering experience

• With the introduction of the new ordering function, Luca is the first provider in Germany to digitize the entire restaurant experience, from restaurant search to payment.
• The new feature allows guests to order and pay for food and drinks directly via the app, which reduces the workload for service staff and increases sales for restaurateurs.

Berlin, February 20, 2024. The GastroTech app luca introduces the ordering function for food and drinks and is the first provider in Germany to bundle all important functions of a restaurant visit on a single platform: from restaurant selection to table reservation, ordering food and drinks to paying and splitting the bill. Restaurateurs benefit from relieving their employees in view of the current staff shortage, as well as from higher sales and lower costs in times of higher value added tax and food prices.

This is how the new ordering function works: Guests can simply access the menu in the app with their smartphone, either via an NFC tag or a QR code at the table. With just a few clicks, they can select their food and drinks. The order is then forwarded directly to the cash register system. The advantage for guests: They no longer have to wait for service and can always keep track of their bill, which can then be paid with the app via Apple Pay, Google Pay or credit card. This solution significantly relieves service staff as they have more time to advise guests and deliver orders quickly before they get cold. In addition, restaurateurs generate more turnover when guests can (re) order food and drinks at any time if they want to.

Luca has been making digital orders for events possible since autumn 2023. The Bavarian State Opera, for example, is successfully using Luca to pre-order restaurants. Visitors can pre-order food and drinks for the day of the performance when purchasing tickets. Before the performance or during the break, they can enjoy the food they have ordered in peace and quiet in the various catering areas, without wasting time in long lines or hustle and bustle until the gong. This digitization project is being implemented in collaboration with Feinkost Käfer and SAP and has already processed more than 5,000 orders in the first few months.

From now on, Luca is also offering pre-orders as a pick-up feature for restaurants. This solution is particularly suitable for beer gardens, cafés with large outdoor areas or locations that have a high volume at lunchtime. Users can use the luca app to select their favorite dishes, pay conveniently and pick up the order immediately or at the desired time. The pick-up function allows restaurateurs to be more able to plan in advance, especially when it comes to larger orders or during peak hours. It also makes it easier to access customers who prefer to enjoy their meals at the office or on the go. The first Berlin restaurants have already successfully integrated the new ordering functions.

Patrick Hennig, CEO and co-founder of luca, says: “Restaurateurs are under enormous pressure due to rising costs for energy and food, a lack of skilled workers and increased value added tax. They need a partner who takes the pressure off them and helps them focus on what's important: their guests and good food. Digitalization is key. This is also shown by a look at the USA, where it is normal in many places to accompany a visit to the restaurant with your own smartphone. With luca, we are helping German and European gastronomy to be at the forefront of digitization. ”

In the next step, the ordering function — in addition to other tailor-made features — will also be available for hotels. Together with the multi-brand hotel operating company HR Group as a strategic partner, luca is thus expanding into the hotel industry. These expansions underline Luca's commitment to digitalize the German hospitality sector in a future-oriented manner and to keep pace with international developments.

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