Ziosk, Applebee a trailblazer in pay-at-the-table technology and a leading SaaS provider for the hospitality industry, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Flynn Group, the world’s largest franchise operator. This strategic collaboration is reshaping the dining experience across more than 460 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, bringing cutting-edge digital solutions to the forefront of casual dining.
At the heart of this partnership is the deployment of Ziosk’s state-of-the-art zMini tablets integrated with DigiSite Smart Table technology. This powerful combination enables seamless, on-demand capabilities such as self-ordering and pay-at-the-table functionality. These innovations are designed not only to enhance the guest experience but also to streamline restaurant operations and support staff efficiency in an industry still navigating labor shortages and rising consumer expectations.
A Custom Tech Stack Tailored for Applebee’s
Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, Ziosk’s hospitality platform has been purpose-built to meet the unique demands of Applebee’s operations. The technology works in concert with existing systems and integrates smoothly with the restaurant’s point-of-sale (POS) platforms, minimizing disruption and maximizing functionality.
“Ziosk’s technology seamlessly complements the handheld tablets we currently have in place, creating a comprehensive digital hospitality experience in our restaurants,” said Dan Krebsbach, President of Flynn Applebee’s. “Giving guests control over when to order more items or pay their bill, all while our servers remain at the ready and equipped with handhelds for additional service, allows us to simultaneously meet guests’ expectations for elevated convenience while ensuring every team member feels supported. In today’s challenging labor environment, this is a game changer. We couldn’t imagine a better experience than having Ziosk on the table.”
With a focus on enhancing both service efficiency and guest autonomy, Ziosk’s platform empowers guests to engage more actively with their dining experience while alleviating some of the pressure on staff. Servers can focus more on hospitality and service quality, rather than managing basic transactions, which are now handled through the intuitive and easy-to-use tablets.
Smart Table Technology Transforms Table Management
A key element of this technological upgrade is the rollout of Ziosk’s DigiSite Smart Table technology across more than 20,000 tables in Flynn Group’s Applebee’s locations. This spatial location system enables the tablets to seamlessly synchronize with the appropriate guest check, even as the tablets move between tables. The innovation supports more dynamic and responsive tablet distribution based on real-time guest traffic and restaurant flow.
By enabling smart syncing and reducing tablet redundancy, Applebee’s is able to reduce overall hardware investment while improving guest experience and operational efficiency. This dynamic approach allows the chain to make better use of resources while maintaining high standards of service and engagement.
Enhanced Guest Engagement and Reduced Wait Times
One of the most immediate benefits to diners is the reduction in wait time, particularly during busy meal periods. The zMini tablets allow guests to browse the menu, order appetizers or drinks, request additional items, and pay their bill – all from their table and on their own schedule.
This level of autonomy is becoming increasingly expected by today’s digitally fluent customers, and Applebee’s is rising to the occasion by adopting technology that keeps them competitive with other modern dining establishments. The ability to pay at the table removes one of the most common friction points in the dining experience – waiting for the check and the server’s return – allowing guests to leave on their own terms.
In addition, the tablets offer more than just convenience. They provide entertainment options such as premium games, enhancing the overall atmosphere and encouraging longer stays and higher check averages. Guests can also explore featured menu items, enjoy interactive promotions, and engage with multimedia content tailored to the brand’s latest campaigns.
Driving Promotions, Loyalty, and Social Good
Another compelling feature of Ziosk’s platform is its ability to deliver targeted promotions and drive customer participation in loyalty and cause-related marketing initiatives. Applebee’s is leveraging the digital real estate of each table to showcase seasonal specials, upsell popular add-ons, and highlight ongoing philanthropic efforts.
One standout example is Flynn Group’s campaign in support of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a leading nonprofit dedicated to pediatric cancer research. By utilizing the Ziosk platform to drive awareness and donations, Flynn Group was able to nearly triple guest contributions — growing from $150,000 to an impressive $373,000 during the period of July through September 2024. This success demonstrates the power of combining technology with purpose-driven messaging to engage guests in meaningful ways.
Industry-Wide Implications and a Vision for the Future
Raymond Howard, Chief Revenue and Growth Officer at Ziosk, emphasized the broader implications of the partnership, stating: “We’re thrilled to launch the next evolution of Ziosk’s cutting-edge technology with a highly respected industry leader like Flynn Group and their Applebee’s restaurants. Eliminating the wait for guests is key to driving revenue and guest satisfaction. We’re empowering guests to order apps, desserts, reorder drinks and pay when they’re ready – letting them dine how they want.”
Howard further noted the added value of real-time promotional cycling: “Having a tablet cycling through promotions on the table is also maximizing profits by delivering the right message at the right time to convert upsells. Coupling this with our latest innovations – SmartTable and DigiSite – reduces the number of tablets needed in any given restaurant, further lowering costs.”
This forward-thinking approach not only reflects Flynn Group’s commitment to operational excellence but also showcases how restaurant chains can adopt digital transformation strategies that benefit both customers and staff. By investing in scalable, intelligent, and integrated systems, Flynn Group is setting a new standard for casual dining in the post-pandemic landscape.
