How bars and restaurants are using the iPad

Posted by ianmara on Nov 1, 2011 in Bar Management | 5 comments

There may be no better example for the remarkable reputation of the late Steve Jobs than the iPad. The tablet seemingly went from “Why do we need that?” to “I can’t live without it” in a matter of minutes. It further cemented the feeling in some circles that Apple and Jobs knew what the consumer needed before they did.

One of many fields that has been trying to take advantage of the iPad is the hospitality industry. The iPad’s size, portability and computing power makes it a potential fits in several areas. There are companies specializing in developing the device for point of sale and industry writers have detailed how the tablet can impact their meal.

Here are a few examples of how the device is making its way into our restaurants and bars:

Read more..

Restaurant substitutes iPad for Wine List

Posted by barblog on Jun 22, 2010 in Bar Management | 2 comments

Following on from our earlier post about a Robotic Bartender, it seems that the foodservice industry is trying to remove the human touch from service altogether!

Naples Tomato, a nationally known restaurant in Naples, Florida, today announced that it will provide guests with personalized, expert wine recommendations via an Apple iPad instead of a traditional sommelier.

According to their press release, The restaurant is currently testing its Personal Sommeliers for iPad application with the restaurant’s 550-selection, Wine Spectator-recognized wine list. The iPad application will be regularly available in the restaurant beginning in August. Other restaurants will be able to license the application later this year.

I love this idea, but would prefer to see it backed up by professional human sommeliers. We dine out for an experience and for a show, not for a lesson in technology!

Read the full press release here.