How long have you been in the food service industry, Patricia?
I’ve worked with Dairy Queen approximately 11 years now.
Was there a particular issue that led you to choosing an all-in-one POS system like HungerRush?
HungerRushs ability to process using multiple credit card processors and menu flexibility led our company to select the HungerRush all-in-one POS. We wanted to be able to eliminate the separate gift card terminal that was not communicating with our current POS.
Businesswise, do you feel that modern technology, specifically an all-in-one solution such as HungerRush, is mandatory in today’s highly competitive restaurant industry?
Modern technology is not mandatory in today’s restaurant industry, but it does enable a competitive edge against other restaurants that have not updated. A concern with modern technology is that it can increase your vulnerability against attacks. We wanted a solution that would update our equipment and provide some prevention methods against the vulnerabilities in today’s POS environment. In remote locations, modern technology is often a challenge that visiting customers don’t understand. Having reliable internet and telephone service can be a luxury there, while in metropolitan areas it’s expected.
Do you believe that a POS system has a direct impact on a customer’s experience?
A POS system can have a direct impact on the customer’s experience since it is usually the barrier between the customer and the products we sell. You could have a clean store, great food and if the POS cannot accept the customer’s order or method of payment, the customer will be unhappy and the sale is lost.
Speed of service is extremely important for Quick Service concepts – How does HungerRush assist in speeding up your operations?
HungerRush assists with speeding up our operations because it allows for different order types to be taken at all stations. For instance, cashiers can put in or retrieve drive thru orders on the counter registers to back up the drive thru cashier. Another feature that comes in handy is the ability to start new cash drawers while the manager balances the previous shift drawer. A manager does have to close a drawer before starting a new drawer, but when time allows the manager can go back and balance any closed drawers rather than holding up the new cashier at shift change.
Had you used a POS system prior to HungerRush, and if so, what can you tell us about the experience?
Prior to HungerRush we had a POS system that worked well for many years and was serviced locally. Our previous POS equipment and local vendor really set the bar high to find a solution that was going to fit all of our needs. When you’ve had something for many years you know all the ins and outs, the good and bad, and it’s difficult to leap towards something new. Although we are still learning about HungerRush early on and as of today it appears they have solutions for our POS needs.
If you were to name the best features within HungerRush, what would they be?
HungerRush’s best features for us have been customer service, menu flexibility, built-in features included with the POS software, buy-back program, data backup that maintains your stats in the system and enterprise to group and consolidate store information and broadcast menus.
Do you have personal opinions on PCI related issues? Do you think it is important in this day and age to protect sensitive customer data?
It’s extremely important in this day and age to protect sensitive customer and employee data. As the regulation within the credit card industry changes frequently we wanted a POS that would provide updates to match the needs of the credit card environment.