It seems as though paper-based menus and bills in restaurants are about to join paper checks and printed newspapers on history’s discard pile. Family food chain and noted purveyor of baby-back ribs Chili’s has finished the installation of table-side tablets in their 823 locations nationwide.
Diners will now have the option of ordering their food and paying their check, all through the use of the touch-screen devices, reports, Gigaom. When the meal is through, and the payment is processed, the tablets reset and are ready for the next customer. Payments are made by swiping a credit card through the tablet’s built in card reader, though the data is not saved.
Apart from automating the ordering process, because the system requires a login for use, the new system also could be used to help Chili’s gather and utilize information about customers’ ordering habits.
Apart from enabling ordering and paying, the tablet also has some access to games and other entertainment features.
Chili’s is taking the lead on freeing consumers from the shackles of ever having to speak to the wait staff, but they will not be alone. Applebee’s and Buffalo Wild Wings are also exploring a tablet-based order and pay system.
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