USA. Delaware North, in partnership with airport food & beverage e-commerce platform Grab, has installed virtual ordering kiosks in several restaurants at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The virtual kiosks – which went live in July – are in operation at Delaware North-operated Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Mustard Seed BBQ. They are among the first eateries to use the system in US airports.
The Grab virtual kiosks enable travellers to scan a QR code from signage throughout participating outlets. This takes them to a digital menu where they can place their order and pay from their own device.
The clear benefit in the COVID-19 era is that queues can be avoided, and social distancing can be easily maintained, until the traveller’s order is ready to be collected from a designated pick-up location.
“Innovation in the F&B space is more important than ever, and the need to create a frictionless, safe and secure experience for both our guests and our employees is a high priority” – Delaware North Travel Division President James Obletz
Delaware North – which operates 20 F&B outlets at Hartsfield-Jackson International – is also installing virtual kiosks in the Chick-fil-A restaurant at Tampa International Airport.
The company said the kiosks will also soon be introduced in Delaware North’s other businesses, including at some of its parks and resorts, Sportservice and Patina Restaurant Group locations.
Delaware North Travel Division President James Obletz said: “We’re very excited to be taking our partnership with Grab to the next level and offering passengers even more tech-forward contactless options.
“Innovation in the F&B space is more important than ever, and the need to create a frictionless, safe and secure experience for both our guests and our employees is a high priority. Our vision for the future is a strong one, and we’re delighted to be partnering with platforms such as Grab to help us deliver that vision.”
The virtual kiosk venture is the latest fruit of a well-established partnership between the two companies. Delaware North was the founding launch partner of Grab in 2014, and was the first to launch Grab’s mobile marketplace and kiosk products.
Grab Chief Experience Officer Jeff Livney said: “Our virtual kiosks are designed to provide a safer, touch-free alternative to traditional hospitality order-and-pay solutions, enhancing and modernising the hospitality experience rather than replacing it.
“We’re glad to be working with partners like Delaware North who share our desire to create a stress-free and smooth passenger journey using digital solutions, something that has become increasingly important for businesses to consider in this new normal.”
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