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Online ordering has gone from a nice-to-have feature to a must-have tool for restaurants. In the post-pandemic world, customer expectations have shifted permanently. They now want speed, accuracy, personalization, and zero friction in every interaction. And meeting these demands without the help of AI is nearly impossible.

If you’re a restaurant owner still managing online orders the old-fashioned way, it’s time to rethink your strategy. The future of online ordering is here, and it’s powered by artificial intelligence. In this blog, we break down exactly how integrating AI creates seamless customer experiences and how you can stay ahead of the curve.

Why Online Ordering Matters More Than Ever

Customer behavior has evolved. More than half of all restaurant orders are now placed online, whether through your website, delivery platforms, or social media integrations. But what truly defines success today isn’t just having an online ordering option — it’s about making that experience fast, intuitive, and error-free.

That’s where AI comes in.

The Rise of Online Ordering Trends

Let’s start with some context. Online ordering trends have shown rapid growth since 2020. People are ordering more food online and expect even niche menus to be available instantly.

But the biggest shift in online ordering trends is not volume — it’s expectations. Customers want:

Personalized recommendations

Real-time updates

Flexible ordering options

Seamless checkout

This is why AI is becoming a necessity. Manual processes can’t keep up.

The Role of AI in Restaurants

AI in restaurants refers to the use of artificial intelligence to automate, optimize, and improve operational and customer-facing tasks. In online ordering, it takes over the friction points that slow down service and add errors.

Here’s how AI is transforming restaurant ordering:

Smart Menu Personalization

AI uses customer data to show the most relevant items. This increases average order value and makes repeat customers feel valued.

Real-Time Order Updates

AI integrates with your kitchen and delivery systems to give live updates. This improves satisfaction and reduces support calls.

Error Reduction

AI validates orders against inventory, flags inconsistencies, and suggests alternatives.

Voice and Chat Ordering

Customers can place orders via voice or chat. This taps into emerging online ordering trends like hands-free ordering.

AI in the Restaurant Industry: Not Just for Chains

You might think AI in the restaurant industry is only for big chains. But platforms like Restro.one make it accessible to independent restaurants.

Now available tools include:

AI chatbots on websites

Predictive ordering systems

Voice AI on phone lines

Order injection tools for POS

This tech is easy to implement and offers a fast ROI.

Online and Offline Integration

AI connects your digital and in-store operations:

Online orders include customization notes

AI flags these for kitchen staff

Staff prepare meals accurately

Customers receive loyalty rewards at pickup

This loop builds trust and keeps customers coming back.

Smarter AnalyticsAI tools track order patterns and customer behavior. This data helps you:

Optimize menu and pricing

Understand popular items

Improve checkout flow

AI in restaurants turns data into decisions, automatically.

Real-Time Expectations

Customers want real-time service. AI enables:

Smart wait-time estimates

Stock visibility

24/7 service through automation

This leads to better experiences and fewer complaints.

Top Online Ordering Trends to Watch

Here are four online ordering trends shaping the future:

Multi-channel ordering (voice, text, app)

AI-driven loyalty programs

Menu personalization

Order prediction with AI

All require smart automation to function well.

AI for Delivery Integration

AI also benefits delivery services. You can:

Sync menus across platforms

Optimize pricing and placement

Handle feedback through bots

AI simplifies multi-platform management.

Addressing Concerns

In today’s fiercely competitive food landscape, restaurant owners can no longer rely on outdated systems or patchwork software. Speed, scalability, and intelligent operations are non-negotiable. What used to work for a small set of stores doesn’t hold up when you’re managing 20, 50, or 500 locations across cities, states, or even countries.

That’s why forward-thinking brands are adopting a Modern Franchise OS—a unified, modular platform built specifically for scaling restaurant operations. In this blog, we’ll break down the ideal restaurant tech stack every franchise needs in 2025 and how Straunt delivers it all—modular, real-time, and built for aggressive growth.

Why a Traditional Tech Stack Fails Modern Restaurant Operations

Before diving into what works, let’s look at why most legacy systems break down:

No Centralized View: Operators juggle multiple logins, platforms, and spreadsheets to get basic visibility across locations.

Inflexible Tools: Most systems aren’t built to scale or adapt across different formats.

Manual Bottlenecks: From order entry to loyalty campaigns, everything needs human input or workarounds.

Limited Integrations: Tools don’t talk to each other. You end up hiring staff just to move data between systems.

This leads to slow growth, inconsistent brand experience, and fractured data.

The Ideal Restaurant Tech Stack Blueprint for 2025

A modern franchise needs a plug-and-play operating system that fixes the above pain points and enables these core pillars:

1. Unified Ordering & Menu Sync Across Channels

Your restaurant tech stack should allow real-time menu updates across delivery apps, websites, QR, AI ordering, and more. Update once, push everywhere.

Straunt uses a centralized Menu Engine that keeps every ordering channel synced, with zero delay or duplication.

2. Order Injection Into Any POS—Legacy or Cloud

Franchises often use different POS systems across stores. Replacing them is costly. A better move? Injecting orders into existing POS setups.

Straunt’s LayerTab makes that possible. It works as an overlay, sending online and third-party orders directly into any POS—no manual entry required.

3. AI Phone Ordering That Never Misses a Call

Missed calls cost you revenue. Straunt’s AI phone system answers every call instantly, takes accurate orders, and even upsells.

Whether your franchise operates in small towns or major cities, this AI system ensures consistent, scalable service.

4. Franchise-Wide Loyalty & Smart Marketing Engine

Marketing shouldn’t be store-by-store. Your franchise management system should support system-wide loyalty programs and automated campaigns.

With Straunt, you can:

Create campaigns across multiple brands or stores

Track redemptions in real-time

Retarget customers based on their behavior

Smarter marketing, without the legwork.

5. Delivery Aggregation with Margin-Saving Routing

Franchises listed on multiple platforms waste time juggling dashboards. Straunt aggregates all orders into one view and routes deliveries to in-house drivers when possible—reducing third-party commissions.

The result? Higher profit margins and streamlined operations across all stores.

6. Multi-Brand Control from One Tablet

Growing franchises don’t just add locations—they launch new brands. Straunt lets you manage multiple virtual brands from one tablet, syncing unique menus and routing all orders into the kitchen or POS.

This is how a modern franchise OS multiplies revenue without increasing overhead.

7. Real-Time Analytics, Not Monthly Reports

Why wait 30 days to react? Straunt offers live dashboards that track sales, loyalty redemptions, order channels, and more—per store or across your franchise.

This is actionable data, not just reports.

8. Role-Based Access for Governance at Scale

Running a franchise means enforcing standards. Straunt includes role-based access so you can control who manages menus, refunds, or campaigns—store-by-store or system-wide.

This is essential for any serious franchise management system.

9. Modular Design That Grows with You

Straunt isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool. Each module—AI ordering, loyalty, delivery, POS overlay—can be turned on as needed.

This modularity gives franchise operators the flexibility to build their perfect restaurant tech stack—fast to deploy, easy to train, and scalable.

10. Built for Scale, Not Just Features

Plenty of platforms have features. Few are designed for 100+ store rollouts. Straunt is built to handle the real-world complexities of large franchise networks—with tools that scale across teams, brands, and regions.

This is what makes it a Modern Franchise OS—not just a software suite, but the foundation of your operations.

Final Thoughts: Unlock Smarter Growth

Growth today isn’t about adding more—it’s about doing more with less. A Modern Franchise OS like Straunt gives you the power to scale smartly, unify operations, and grow without friction.

No more duct-taped tech. No more slow rollouts.

Just real-time control, modern tools, and fast results.

Straunt vs Traditional Tech Stacks: What Franchises Gain by Switching

In the fast-evolving world of restaurant franchise operations, the gap between winners and strugglers often boils down to one critical factor—tech. Not just any tech, but how smart, unified, and future-ready that tech is.

Traditional systems—POS, order management tools, loyalty apps, reporting dashboards, third-party delivery platforms—were not designed to work together. As franchises scale, these siloed tools turn into a tangled mess. It’s not just inconvenient; it’s expensive, inefficient, and a serious roadblock to growth.

Straunt changes that. It’s a unified Franchise OS that replaces fragmented restaurant technology stacks with a single operating system. The result? Faster onboarding, streamlined order management, real-time reporting, and smarter customer engagement.

Let’s break down the wins that modern restaurant franchise operators unlock by switching to Straunt.

1. Faster and Frictionless Onboarding

Traditional tech stacks mean training teams across different platforms: one for POS, one for delivery, another for loyalty, and yet another for reporting. That’s days—sometimes weeks—of setup, training, and support overhead.

With Straunt, onboarding is plug-and-play. Whether it’s a single unit or 100 locations, the system standardizes onboarding across the board. All tools are connected and pre-integrated—delivery marketplaces, POS interfaces, loyalty features, menu syncing, and VoIP/AI phone ordering. A franchisee can go live in hours, not weeks.

For growing restaurant franchise networks, this saves both time and money. It also makes expansion smoother, with consistency across all stores and fewer operational headaches.

2.Unified Order Management: No More Manual Juggling

Legacy systems force teams to juggle orders from multiple dashboards—POS, third-party delivery tablets, in-house apps, AI phone orders, and walk-ins. It’s a recipe for mistakes, missed orders, and frustrated staff.

Straunt consolidates all order channels—online, in-store, phone, delivery, QR code, AI assistant—into one streamlined interface. All orders are injected directly into the POS, eliminating manual entry. Staff spend less time copying tickets and more time focusing on food and service.

This unified experience not only cuts down errors but also improves speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. It’s especially powerful for restaurant franchise businesses managing high-volume locations or diverse ordering channels.

3. Real-Time Reporting and Analytics

Traditional tech stacks offer reporting—but in fragments. One dashboard shows sales, another tracks delivery, yet another handles loyalty and marketing. None of them talk to each other. Getting the full picture takes hours of manual exports and Excel wizardry.

Straunt offers a centralized reporting dashboard. Sales, customer behavior, delivery insights, upsells, staff performance—it’s all there, updated in real time.

Owners and operators get instant visibility across locations. Whether it's comparing weekend performance across branches or tracking the impact of a new promotion, it’s all a few clicks away.

This kind of connected reporting is a game-changer for restaurant franchise management, empowering smarter, faster decisions without guesswork or delay.

4. Smarter Customer Engagement Built-In

Traditional systems handle customer engagement like an afterthought—clunky SMS campaigns, third-party loyalty integrations, or disconnected CRMs.

Straunt bakes engagement into the core experience. It tracks customer behavior across channels, then uses that data to trigger automated and personalized campaigns—offers, reminders, loyalty rewards, review requests, and even AI-assisted responses.

Want to bring back high spenders who haven’t visited in 30 days? Straunt does it. Want to upsell based on favorite orders? Straunt automates that too.

For growing restaurant franchise brands, this means higher retention, increased average ticket size, and a stronger brand connection without adding marketing overhead.

5.Simplified Multi-Location Management

Managing multiple locations with traditional tech means different logins, inconsistent menus, and scattered data. If one tool updates, the others often lag. Menu changes have to be pushed manually, pricing adjustments are error-prone, and brand consistency suffers.

Straunt treats every franchise unit as part of one smart ecosystem. Menus, pricing, and offers can be rolled out across locations with a single update. Region-specific changes are easy to configure. Everything is synced—from marketplace menus to loyalty settings—across all units in real time.

This unified architecture is a major step forward for restaurant franchise management, giving owners tighter control and agility without overwhelming their teams.

6. POS-Agnostic Flexibility

Traditional solutions often lock you into their own hardware or require replacing existing systems. That’s costly and disruptive.

Straunt is POS-agnostic. Whether you use legacy systems or modern cloud POS tools like Square, Clover, or Toast—Straunt overlays or extends features without forcing a switch. Think of it as a modern software layer that enhances, rather than replaces, your existing stack.

For franchises with existing infrastructure, this means Straunt can plug in immediately—no downtime, no retraining, no compromises.

7. Automation That Actually Saves Time

Old systems require staff to confirm orders manually, update inventory line-by-line, or handle repetitive customer calls. All of that steals hours every week.

Straunt automates the tedious stuff—AI phone ordering, menu syncing, review responses, loyalty redemptions, and even delivery status notifications. That means staff stay focused on hospitality and kitchen ops, not on chasing missed calls or juggling tech tools.

For franchise operations where consistency and efficiency are critical, this automation removes friction and adds capacity without increasing payroll.

8. Ready for Scale From Day One

Traditional systems break as you scale. The more locations you add, the more moving parts you manage—more dashboards, more integrations, more support tickets.

Straunt is built for scale. Whether you’re managing five stores or fifty, the experience is the same—centralized control, automated operations, and unified systems. New locations inherit your core stack without needing custom integrations or rebuilding workflows.

That’s a massive win for restaurant franchise operators aiming for regional or national growth. It lets them focus on expanding the business, not fixing broken tech.

9. Modern Interface That Teams Actually Use

Let’s face it—most traditional systems have clunky interfaces. Training is hard, adoption is low, and even basic tasks feel tedious.

Straunt is designed for today’s teams. Clean UI. Mobile access. Intuitive workflows. Whether it’s front-of-house staff managing orders or franchise owners tracking performance, the experience is fast, modern, and frustration-free.

This boosts adoption and reduces training time—a crucial factor for restaurant franchise management, especially when turnover is high or when expanding rapidly.

The Clear Winner

Traditional tech stacks served their time—but they’re not built for modern restaurant franchise demands. They’re siloed, outdated, and make scaling harder than it needs to be.

Straunt is different. It’s not just a tool—it’s an operating system purpose-built for today’s fast-moving, multi-location restaurant world. It combines the best of restaurant technology—AI, automation, reporting, customer engagement, and operations—into one unified platform.

In today’s restaurant landscape, technology isn’t optional. But here’s the problem: many legacy systems are clunky, closed, and expensive to replace. Modern operators are tired of being boxed in. That’s why LayerTab was built to be POS-agnostic—a smarter, faster, and more flexible solution that works with whatever POS system you already use.

This blog takes a no-fluff deep dive into how LayerTab works, what "POS-agnostic" really means, and why it might be the most important upgrade your restaurant makes this year.

What Does POS-Agnostic Mean?

A POS-agnostic system is one that doesn’t require you to change your current POS system to unlock new features. It integrates and works on top of what you already have. In simple terms, LayerTab is like a smart add-on that plugs in without disrupting your operations.

This is critical for restaurants that rely on systems like Toast, Clover, Square, or even legacy platforms. With LayerTab, there’s no need to rip and replace—you just connect our tablet and start using modern tools instantly.

It’s seamless. It’s real-time. And it’s exactly what restaurants need to stay competitive.

The Problem with Traditional POS Systems

Your current POS system might be solid for in-house orders, but chances are it wasn’t built for online ordering, delivery integration, AI ordering, or multi-brand operations. That creates gaps that slow you down or cost you money.

Most restaurants today struggle with:

Extra screens for online orders

Manual order entry from delivery platforms

Lack of integration with marketing or loyalty tools

Zero flexibility for launching virtual brands

LayerTab closes these gaps with smart, modular tools designed to enhance, not replace, your POS system with online ordering.

How LayerTab Works (Plug-and-Play)

LayerTab is a modular tablet-based interface that works alongside your existing system. Here’s what makes it special:

Plug-and-play: No rewiring or new terminals needed

POS-agnostic: Works with both legacy and modern systems

Modular: Choose the features you want, ignore what you don’t

This approach to restaurant POS integration allows you to upgrade instantly without business disruption. The result? You get all the modern features without being tied to a new, expensive system.

Smart Order Injection (No More Manual Entry)

One of LayerTab’s most important features is Smart Order Injection. This means orders placed through LayerTab—whether via AI phone assistant, QR code, or online—go straight into your POS system automatically.

No:

Staff re-entering tickets

Mistyped orders

Missed delivery requests

It saves time, reduces labor costs, and eliminates order errors.

If your team is currently juggling multiple tablets or copy-pasting orders into the POS, this one upgrade can transform your daily workflow.

Unlock New Revenue Channels

With LayerTab, you can launch virtual brands, test new menus, or run promo-only concepts without affecting your core business. It allows you to operate multiple storefronts through one POS system with online ordering.

Examples:

A burger restaurant launches a late-night wings-only brand

A daytime cafe runs a smoothie delivery concept after hours

A pizza shop adds a pasta-only virtual brand to increase reach

These brands run through one tablet, one team, and one kitchen—with zero manual complications.

This flexibility is a game-changer for restaurants trying to boost revenue without new locations or added staff.

Modular & Customizable: Only What You Need

LayerTab was built for flexibility. You don’t have to commit to a full overhaul. Choose the restaurant POS integration features that make sense for your business:

AI phone ordering

Loyalty campaigns

Delivery marketplace integration

Virtual brands

QR and voice ordering

This modularity means LayerTab grows with you. Start small and scale when you’re ready.

Why Being POS-Agnostic Matters Now

Restaurants that want to stay lean, agile, and digital-first can’t afford to be locked into rigid ecosystems. A POS system with online ordering isn’t enough if it can’t adapt to modern needs.

LayerTab gives you that flexibility without the cost or risk of replacing what you already use. And it gives you tools to:

Capture more revenue streams

Cut down tech clutter

Eliminate repetitive tasks

Compete in a fast-evolving delivery market

It’s the kind of upgrade that doesn’t require a tech background or big capital.

Real-World Example

A mid-size restaurant using a legacy POS wanted to join multiple delivery platforms and launch a late-night virtual brand. Instead of replacing their entire POS, they installed LayerTab.

Within a week:

Orders from Uber Eats, DoorDash, and their website were auto-injected into the POS

Staff no longer needed to use 3 separate tablets

A new brand started generating $4K/month in added revenue

This is the power of smart restaurant POS integration.

Upgrade Without Replacing

LayerTab is more than a tech solution. It’s a practical restaurant operations upgrade. If your POS system can’t keep up with how customers want to order and interact today, LayerTab bridges the gap.

Whether you’re looking to:

Launch a virtual brand

Expand online ordering

Add AI ordering or loyalty tools

Eliminate manual entry headaches

...LayerTab does it without disrupting your business.

Running a restaurant today means thinking beyond tables and takeout. With margins tightening, rents rising, and competition increasing, restaurant owners need new ways to grow without taking on new real estate or overhead. That’s where virtual restaurant brands come in.

These digital-only food concepts allow you to tap into the booming online food business using the kitchen and staff you already have. No need for a second location, more staff, or expensive renovations. It’s simply a smarter, leaner restaurant growth strategy built for today’s delivery-first world.

In this blog, we’ll explain what virtual brands are, how they work, and why they’re helping restaurants unlock new revenue without added complexity.

What Are Virtual Restaurant Brands?

Virtual restaurant brands are delivery-only food concepts that operate out of existing restaurant kitchens. They don’t have a storefront or dine-in space. Instead, they exist entirely on food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and others.

A single kitchen can host multiple virtual brands, each with its own menu, branding, and identity. These brands often cater to specific cravings or niche audiences, like:

A wings-only menu

A vegan comfort food brand

A late-night snack concept

A healthy bowls and salads option

By launching virtual brands, restaurant owners use their current kitchen capacity more efficiently while generating more orders from different customer segments.

Why Virtual Brands Make Sense Right Now

Here are five reasons why now is the perfect time to launch a virtual brand:

Delivery demand is rising: The online food business is booming, and customers are increasingly searching for specific food types or cuisines on delivery apps.

You already have the resources: Your kitchen, equipment, and staff are underused during certain times of day or week. Virtual brands fill in those gaps.

Low cost, high return: Unlike opening a new location, launching a virtual brand requires minimal investment. You’re leveraging what you already own.

Test and scale quickly: With virtual brands, you can experiment with new ideas or trends. If something works, scale it. If not, pivot fast.

Meet customers where they are: Delivery is how many customers discover new restaurants today. Virtual restaurant brands meet that demand directly.

How It Works: A Simple Breakdown

Here’s how a typical virtual brand setup looks in practice:

You decide on a new food concept, like "Midnight Biryani" or "Waffle Kingdom."

You build a new delivery-only menu using ingredients and prep methods your team already knows.

You list this brand on delivery platforms with its own logo, name, and menu.

Orders come in just like your primary restaurant, but with a separate brand name.

Your kitchen team prepares the food, and delivery drivers pick it up like any other order.

Behind the scenes, nothing changes: same kitchen, same staff, same tools. But from the customer's point of view, they’re ordering from a new, specialized restaurant.

This approach allows you to add new revenue channels with no added rent, no new leases, and no additional full-time hires. It’s the definition of smart scaling.

Virtual Brands as a Restaurant Growth Strategy

Adding virtual restaurant brands is not just about keeping busy. It’s a long-term restaurant growth strategy for owners who want to future-proof their business.

Here’s how it supports sustainable growth:

1. Taps Into New Audiences

Each brand lets you appeal to different demographics. A single restaurant can serve families, college students, fitness enthusiasts, and late-night eaters — all through unique menus.

2. Maximizes Idle Capacity

If your lunch hours are slow but dinner is packed, create a lunchtime-focused brand. If weekends are strong but weekdays are weak, fill that gap. It keeps your team productive and your kitchen efficient.

3. Protects Your Core Brand

You can test new recipes or food styles under a virtual brand without risking your main restaurant's reputation.

4. Builds Delivery Dominance

On delivery platforms, visibility is everything. Multiple virtual brands mean more listings, more chances to show up in search, and more orders overall.

This is a winning move for any operator looking to thrive in the online food business.

Real Examples That Work

Restaurants across the country are already doing this:

A burger joint adds a wings-only virtual brand.

A breakfast diner launches a dessert-only delivery brand after 5 PM.

A healthy cafe creates a virtual brand focused solely on keto meals.

These aren’t gimmicks. They’re real restaurant growth strategies backed by data, customer demand, and smart execution.

Challenges to Watch (and Solve)

Like any new venture, virtual brands come with challenges:

Menu complexity: Don’t add items that strain your team. Use shared ingredients across menus.

Delivery consistency: Packaging and timing must be tight to avoid bad reviews.

Brand confusion: Ensure each virtual brand has its own identity. Customers shouldn’t feel misled.

With careful planning and clear operations, these are all manageable. Tools like Restro.one help streamline virtual brand management.

Getting Started with Virtual Restaurant Brands

Ready to launch your first virtual brand? Here’s a quick checklist:

Analyze your current kitchen usage – When are you slow? What equipment is underused?

Identify high-margin items – Build menus around what you do well and profitably.

Study delivery trends – What are people searching for in your area?

Design your brand – Name, logo, menu, and positioning should feel distinct.

List it on delivery platforms – Treat it like a new business with its own visibility.

Train your team – Make sure they understand ticket flows and prep procedures.

With these steps, you can quickly go from idea to live orders.

Virtual restaurant brands are not a trend — they’re a proven path to growth. In a digital-first dining world, this model gives restaurants the flexibility to scale revenue without scaling costs.

Whether you want to test a new menu, tap into the booming online food business, or strengthen your restaurant growth strategy, virtual brands offer a smart and practical solution.

No new lease. No new team. Just more revenue from the kitchen you already run.

Getting a new customer to try your restaurant is great. Getting them to come back again and again? That’s where long-term success lives. One of the most powerful tools for staying top-of-mind and driving return visits is something most restaurant owners overlook: restaurant push notifications.

These short, direct messages can be sent through your app, loyalty program, or even web-based systems. When done right, they deliver timely value, spark interest, and prompt immediate action. But to avoid becoming background noise, push notifications must be strategic, real-time, and laser-focused.

In this blog, we’ll break down 5 proven ways to use restaurant push notifications to boost customer retention, drive re-engagement strategies, and elevate your restaurant marketing game. Real examples included.

1. Time-Sensitive Deals That Create Urgency

Nothing grabs attention like urgency. One of the best uses of restaurant push notifications is sending out limited-time offers that customers can act on immediately.

Example:

"Craving tacos? Happy Hour ends in 2 hours. Show this message to get 2-for-1 tacos!"

Why it works:

Creates FOMO (fear of missing out)

Encourages quick decisions

Perfect for filling up slow hours

Customer retention improves when customers are reminded of time-bound incentives that match their past preferences.

Pro Tip: Use geofencing to send these only to customers near your location.

Restaurant marketing becomes more effective when tied to real-time behavior and context. These aren’t just promotions—they’re personal nudges.

2. Celebrate Personal Milestones

Personalization goes a long way in the restaurant business. Sending push notifications tied to birthdays, anniversaries, or loyalty milestones can be a powerful trigger to bring customers back.

Example:

"Happy Birthday, Sam! Your free slice of cheesecake is waiting. Dine in or order online today."

Why it works:

Makes the customer feel valued

Reinforces emotional connection with your brand

Offers a clear call-to-action that’s hard to resist

This is one of the most cost-effective re-engagement strategies. It deepens the customer relationship and boosts loyalty.

Customer retention isn’t just about discounts—it’s about relevance. Make your push notifications feel personal, and you’ll see the results.

3. Menu Updates and New Item Launches

Push notifications are a perfect way to build excitement around new dishes or seasonal items. Use them to announce limited-time menu items or changes that regulars would care about.

Example:

"Back by popular demand: Lobster Mac & Cheese is here for one week only. Order now!"

Why it works:

Taps into customer curiosity

Creates buzz and anticipation

Drives immediate traffic, especially from repeat guests

Restaurant push notifications should create urgency and delight. Showcasing your creativity in the kitchen can reignite interest among customers who haven’t visited in a while.

In terms of restaurant marketing, this is a great chance to build momentum without spending extra ad dollars.

4. Recover Lost Customers with Win-Back Offers

Not every customer returns on their own. But that doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. With the right message, you can reignite interest and turn a lost customer into a loyal one.

Example:

"We miss you! It’s been a while since your last visit. Here’s 20% off your next order — just for you."

Why it works:

Recognizes lapse in engagement without being pushy

Provides an incentive that shows appreciation

Offers a path back without pressure

This is one of the most effective re-engagement strategies you can use. And it’s automated.

Customer retention gets a big boost when people are reminded of their connection to your restaurant, especially with a targeted offer.

Restaurant push notifications aren’t just for regulars. They can bring back lost customers better than any social post or ad.

5. Loyalty Program Nudges That Keep the Cycle Going

Loyalty programs are goldmines — but only if people stay engaged. Push notifications that remind customers of their progress, rewards, or points about to expire keep them coming back.

Example:

"You’re just 2 orders away from a free pizza! Order today and get one step closer."

Why it works:

Encourages continued participation

Feeds the habit loop

Makes the rewards feel real and reachable

Push reminders tied to loyalty programs are some of the most powerful forms of restaurant marketing you can automate.

Restaurant push notifications here feel more like a helpful alert than a sales pitch. That’s the key to long-term customer retention.

Best Practices for Push Notification Success

Now that you have the "what," here’s the "how."

Keep it short: Aim for under 100 characters.

Include a CTA: Make it clear what the customer should do next.

Personalize when possible: Use names, order history, or preferences.

Don’t overdo it: 2-3 messages per week is enough for most restaurants.

Test and optimize: Track open rates, clicks, and redemption to refine over time.

Push notifications work best when they feel natural, valuable, and timely. Avoid being spammy, and always aim to add something meaningful to the customer's day.

Push Notification Tools for Restaurants

You don’t need to be a tech wizard to start using push notifications. There are plug-and-play tools available that integrate with your POS, loyalty programs, and mobile ordering systems.

Some popular platforms include:

Restro.one (built specifically for restaurants)

OneSignal

Pushwoosh

Firebase

Urban Airship

Look for tools that let you segment audiences, schedule campaigns, and automate messages based on behavior. Restaurant push notifications are more than just marketing messages. They’re real-time tools that drive customer retention, support re-engagement strategies, and maximize your overall restaurant marketing efforts.

Used wisely, they help you stay connected with your customers, deliver timely value, and keep your brand top-of-mind — all without breaking the bank.

In a world of noise, push notifications are your direct line to the people who matter most.

3 Quick Steps to Start Today

Identify one goal — Is it bringing back lost customers, promoting a new item, or rewarding loyalty?

Pick a tool — Start with an easy platform like Restro.one that integrates with your current system.

Write your first message — Keep it simple, relevant, and timely. Then hit send.

Why Every Liquor Store Needs a Branded Mobile App in 2025

In 2025, the liquor retail landscape is more competitive and tech-driven than ever before. Customers expect convenience, speed, and efficiency — and liquor store owners who fail to meet these demands risk falling behind. One powerful way to stay ahead of the curve is by launching a branded liquor store mobile app.

Why a Liquor Store Mobile App is Essential in 2025

The demand for convenience has driven a massive shift towards mobile commerce. From grocery shopping to food delivery, consumers are increasingly opting for mobile solutions. The liquor industry is no exception. Here’s why having a liquor store mobile app is essential for your business growth in 2025:

Enhanced Customer ConvenienceA branded liquor store app allows customers to browse, purchase, and schedule deliveries or pickups from their phones. With options like instant ordering and scheduled deliveries, your customers get the flexibility they crave. This convenience directly boosts customer loyalty and repeat business.

Increased Sales Through Liquor Delivery AppsOffering a liquor delivery app can significantly expand your sales channels. It’s no longer enough to rely solely on in-store purchases. With a branded app, you can provide delivery services, catering to the growing number of customers who prefer to order alcohol online.

Improved Customer Engagement and LoyaltyA liquor store mobile app is the perfect tool for running loyalty programs and offering exclusive discounts. Through personalized notifications and special offers, you can keep your customers engaged and encourage repeat purchases.

Must-Have Features for Your Liquor Store Mobile App

To truly reap the benefits of having a branded app, it’s crucial to incorporate the right features. Here’s what your liquor store app should offer:

User-Friendly InterfaceMake it easy for customers to browse through products, place orders, and make payments. A clean, intuitive layout is key to enhancing the user experience.

Product Search and CategorizationAllow customers to quickly find their desired products by categorizing items by type (beer, wine, spirits), brand, size, and price range.

Integrated Inventory ManagementAutomatically sync your inventory to reflect real-time availability. This prevents customers from ordering out-of-stock items and helps you manage stock more effectively.

Order Tracking and NotificationsProvide customers with live updates on their order status. Push notifications can alert them when their order is confirmed, dispatched, and delivered.

Loyalty Programs and DiscountsIncorporate digital loyalty cards, points-based systems, or exclusive offers that reward repeat customers. This boosts retention and drives consistent sales.

Secure Payment IntegrationSupport various payment options, including credit cards, digital wallets, and even Buy Now, Pay Later services. Providing seamless and secure payment options builds customer trust.

Personalized RecommendationsUtilize AI to suggest products based on previous purchases and browsing habits. This increases sales while improving the overall shopping experience.

Analytics Dashboard for OwnersProvide a backend dashboard that offers insights into sales trends, popular products, peak purchasing hours, and more. This helps in making data-driven decisions.

Marketing and PromotionsEnable push notifications for promotions, new arrivals, or limited-time offers. This real-time engagement drives impulse purchases.

Benefits of These Features for Liquor Store Owners

Boosted Sales and Revenue: Offering an app to order alcohol allows customers to place orders whenever they want, directly increasing revenue.

Improved Customer Retention: Loyalty programs and personalized offers encourage repeat business.

Efficient Inventory Management: Automated tracking prevents overstocking and helps reduce wastage.

Actionable Insights: The analytics dashboard helps owners identify trends and adjust marketing strategies accordingly.

Enhanced Brand Visibility: A well-designed liquor store mobile app reinforces your brand identity, differentiating your store from competitors.

Direct Customer Communication: Push notifications provide a direct channel for promotions and updates, ensuring high engagement rates.

In 2025, having a branded liquor store app is no longer optional — it’s essential. Customers demand convenience and fast service. They want an app to order alcohol that’s reliable, efficient, and user-friendly. Investing in your own liquor ordering app will not only boost your sales but also enhance your brand visibility and customer loyalty.

 Ready to Expand? Why Your Next Franchisee Deserves a Fully Equipped Digital Toolkit

Franchising is the dream of scale. A proven concept, replicated across cities and states, with operators running your playbook and driving consistent results. But here’s the catch: you can’t scale chaos.

If your franchisees are left to figure out digital tools, handle orders manually, or juggle five different systems, you’re not setting them up for success—you’re handing them a headache.

In today’s restaurant world, every new franchisee needs a modern, branded, plug-and-play digital toolkit from day one. It’s not a bonus anymore—it’s the bare minimum for consistency, efficiency, and brand integrity.

Let’s dive into why this matters and how one franchise owner scaled faster and smoother by giving his outlets a ready-to-run tech stack.

The Problem with Old-School Expansion

Restaurant franchising used to be about real estate, signage, and operations manuals. If a new franchisee had a good location and some hustle, things could work out.

Not anymore.

Today’s success hinges on technology. That includes:

Online ordering

AI-powered phone systems

Digital menus

Delivery marketplace management

Loyalty programs

Real-time reporting

Customer retention systems

If each franchise location is left to source, install, and learn their own tools, the result is a mess:

Inconsistent customer experience

Confused staff

Data silos

Missed orders and reviews

Weak brand presence

This hurts the franchisee’s ROI—and your brand reputation.

The Solution: A Plug-and-Play Digital Toolkit

Smart franchisors are now offering every new location a fully equipped, white-labeled digital stack that’s ready to go from day one.

What does this include?

Branded ordering website & app

Preconfigured AI phone assistant

Custom loyalty program

Online review management

Integrated POS or POS overlay (like LayerTab)

QR code menus and self-service kiosks

Analytics dashboard across locations

Marketplace integration for delivery apps

Think of it like this: the franchisee shows up, logs in, and everything works. No tech wrangling. No messy setups. Just focused operations and growth.

Real Example: How Jake Scaled 5 Locations with Straunt’s Digital Toolkit

Let’s talk about a real franchisee: Jake Thompson, owner of a growing southern comfort food concept called Smokey Barrel Kitchen. He started with a single location in Austin and quickly gained traction with hearty dishes and great word of mouth.

When he decided to expand via franchising, he hit a wall.

“My first franchise partner was excited but overwhelmed. He didn’t know where to start with delivery apps, digital menus, or phone order handling,” Jake said. “Everything felt disconnected.”

That’s when Jake decided to centralize his tech with Straunt’s white-labeled, plug-and-play stack.

Here’s what changed:

Each new outlet got a branded digital ordering page ready to launch within 48 hours.

Phone calls were handled by an AI assistant that took orders, upsold specials, and never missed a call.

Orders from Uber Eats and DoorDash flowed into a central device, eliminating manual entry.

Franchisees received live performance dashboards, showing sales, top dishes, repeat customer rates, and reviews.

Jake could launch chain-wide loyalty campaigns and monitor red flags from any location.

“It was a game-changer. My second and third franchisees were live and taking orders within days. No delays. No guesswork. Just clean execution,” he added.

Today, Jake runs 5 successful locations across Texas, each delivering consistent service, digital ordering, and brand experience—powered by a centralized tech backbone.

Why Your Franchisees Deserve the Toolkit

Your franchise partners are investing in your brand. They’re betting on your system. The least they deserve is a toolkit that sets them up to win.

Here’s why giving them a plug-and-play stack from day one is essential:

1. Fast Onboarding = Faster Revenue

Instead of spending 4–6 weeks figuring out digital tools, your franchisee can launch in days. Every delay costs money. Your toolkit speeds up the path to profitability.

2. Brand Consistency

From the look and feel of the ordering page to the tone of the AI answering calls—everything feels like your brand. Customers get a uniform experience, whether they’re in Houston or Phoenix.

3. Reduced Support Needs

When every outlet runs on the same tools, your training and support become 10x easier. You’re not troubleshooting 10 different POS setups—you’re scaling one unified system.

4. Real-Time Visibility

You get a clear dashboard of how each outlet is performing—sales trends, review volume, missed calls, order volume, and loyalty performance. That means better decisions and faster interventions.

5. Higher Franchisee Satisfaction

Let’s be real—franchisees are businesspeople, not tech experts. They don’t want to research apps or negotiate with software vendors. Give them a turnkey system and let them focus on food, staff, and customer service.

What to Include in Your Toolkit

Here’s a checklist you should provide with every new franchise opening:

✅ Ordering Platform – Website + mobile app with your logo, menu, and design. ✅ Phone Ordering Assistant – Branded AI that picks up missed calls, takes orders, and answers FAQs. ✅ Loyalty Engine – Centralized points system with location-level offers and bounce-back campaigns. ✅ Menu Management – One backend for updating items, prices, and availability across locations. ✅ Delivery Aggregator Hub – A single screen that pulls in orders from DoorDash, Uber Eats, and more. ✅ QR Code Menus & Kiosks – For dine-in or quick service experiences. ✅ Review Manager – Notifications for new reviews + ability to reply or escalate. ✅ Analytics Dashboard – Real-time metrics across all stores. ✅ Marketing Tools – Campaign manager to launch SMS, email, or push offers. ✅ Support & Training – Pre-recorded videos and live help for tech onboarding.

When every franchisee gets this toolkit, you don’t just grow faster—you grow smarter.

Final Word: Growth Without the Guesswork

Franchising should be about growth, not growing pains.

If you’re serious about scaling your restaurant brand, make tech enablement part of your franchise offer. Show your partners that you’re not just handing them a name—you’re giving them a ready-to-run system that works.

Don’t sell them hope. Give them horsepower.

With a white-labeled, centralized digital toolkit from Straunt, your franchisees will:

Launch faster

Operate smoother

Sell more

Stay longer

Represent your brand better

Voice Assistants in Restaurants: The New Frontier of Customer Interaction

The restaurant industry is changing fast, and today, the way restaurants interact with customers is going through a major transformation. At the heart of this change is the rise of the restaurant voice assistant. From taking phone orders to helping with drive-thru service, voice technology is becoming a key player in restaurant operations. If you’re still relying on old methods, it’s time to pay attention.

What is a Restaurant Voice Assistant?

A restaurant voice assistant is an AI-powered solution that understands and processes voice commands to help with customer interactions. Think of it as Siri or Alexa, but designed specifically for restaurant tasks. It can handle incoming calls, take orders, answer frequently asked questions, suggest upsells, and even process payments.

But unlike human staff, it doesn’t get tired, doesn’t miss calls, and it works 24/7. It offers consistency, speed, and convenience — three things customers expect today.

Why It Matters Now

The demand for speed and convenience has never been higher. Customers want to place orders quickly, without waiting on hold or repeating themselves. Phone lines still make up a large chunk of orders, especially in takeout-heavy operations, but missed calls or rushed conversations often lead to lost revenue.

A restaurant voice assistant ensures every call is answered instantly. No customer is left waiting. No order is misunderstood. And every opportunity for upselling is fully utilized.

Real-World Use Cases

Let’s break down how this technology is already making an impact:

Voice ordering for restaurants: Customers call in and place orders through an AI voice assistant. It confirms items, recommends add-ons, and processes the request in seconds.

Restaurant voice ordering on drive-thrus: Instead of a human taking the order, an AI voice handles the task. It reduces errors, speeds up the line, and keeps the staff focused on kitchen work.

Voice AI food ordering for late-night or high-volume hours: When human staff is limited, the AI keeps handling calls non-stop.

Major brands like McDonald’s, Chipotle, and Wingstop are already testing or deploying voice AI in selected locations. But you don’t need to be a big chain to use this. With platforms like Restro.one, even small and mid-size restaurants can implement this tech easily.

Benefits That Matter

Let’s skip the fluff and focus on what really matters to you as a restaurant owner:

1. No More Missed Calls

One of the biggest silent revenue killers in restaurants is missed calls. Every call you don’t answer is a potential lost order. A restaurant voice assistant handles every call, 24/7, with no wait time.

2. Increased Average Order Value

Voice AI doesn’t just take orders; it sells. With built-in upsell prompts, it can suggest appetizers, drinks, or desserts at the right moment, increasing check size automatically.

3. Reduce Labor Pressure

Hiring and retaining staff is tough. Let voice AI take care of repetitive tasks like order taking and answering FAQs. It frees up your team to focus on what they do best: preparing great food and providing in-person service.

4. Faster Service, Happier Customers

Nobody likes waiting on hold. With a restaurant voice assistant, customers are greeted instantly. They get what they want faster, and your brand reputation goes up.

5. Accurate Orders Every Time

Human errors in order taking can lead to customer complaints, refunds, or bad reviews. Voice AI follows a programmed script, confirms orders clearly, and integrates directly with your POS or delivery system.

The Evolution of Voice AI in Restaurants

Just a few years ago, voice tech in restaurants was clunky and unreliable. Today, thanks to massive advances in natural language processing and machine learning, voice assistants can understand different accents, slang, background noise, and even complex menu items.

Voice ordering for restaurants has reached over 90% accuracy in many systems.

Smart voice AI can identify repeat customers and remember past orders.

It integrates with loyalty programs, delivery apps, and feedback systems.

And all of this happens without needing a customer to download an app or visit a website.

How It Works in Practice

Here’s a simple flow of how restaurant voice ordering works:

Customer calls the restaurant.

The voice assistant picks up and greets them.

It listens, understands the order, confirms it, and suggests upsells.

Order is sent directly to the POS or printed in the kitchen.

Payment is processed (or COD is confirmed).

Customer receives an order confirmation by SMS or call.

It’s that smooth. And it’s fully customizable for your restaurant.

Common Questions Restaurant Owners Ask

Is this going to replace human jobs?No. It helps staff by offloading repetitive work. Your team can focus on cooking, packing, and in-person service.

What if the customer has a special request or allergy?The voice assistant is trained to handle common customization requests. Complex orders can be routed to a human.

Does it sound robotic?Not anymore. The latest voice AI sounds natural, friendly, and smart. In fact, many customers don’t realize they’re talking to AI.

Future-Proofing Your Business

Voice tech is not a fad. It’s part of a larger shift towards automation and efficiency in food service. With more customers using voice across devices (smartphones, smart homes, cars), it’s natural they expect the same convenience when ordering food.

Voice AI food ordering is the next frontier for growth. If you wait too long, you’ll be playing catch-up. Adopting this technology now gives you an edge in service, efficiency, and profitability.

3 Action Tips to Get Started

Audit Your Phone Orders: Track how many calls you miss daily. If you’re missing even 10 calls a day, that could be thousands in lost revenue each month.

Test a Voice Assistant: Try a basic version of a restaurant voice assistant through a platform like Restro.one. You can start with one location or time slot (like weekends or peak hours).

Train Your Team: Teach staff how to work alongside the AI. It’s a tool, not a threat. The more they understand it, the better the experience for everyone.

Voice is the future. And the future is now. Don’t let your restaurant get left behind.

In the restaurant business, missed calls mean missed money. Period.

Every time a customer tries to place an order over the phone and no one picks up—or worse, gets a rushed or confused response—it’s a lost sale, a poor experience, and a dent in your reputation. And in today’s fast-paced world, people expect instant service. If they don’t get it, they move on. That’s where AI phone ordering for restaurants changes the game.

At Straunt, we believe your restaurant should never miss a single opportunity—especially not when it could increase your revenue. This blog breaks down exactly how AI answering systems help you capture every call, every upsell, every time.

The Hidden Cost of Missed Calls in Restaurants

Before diving into solutions, let’s look at the problem. Here’s what typically happens in many restaurants:

A customer calls during rush hour.

Staff are busy handling dine-in or delivery orders.

The call rings out or goes unanswered.

If answered, it’s often rushed, leading to errors or missed upsell opportunities.

Result: You lose that customer. Maybe forever. Worse, you lose the potential to increase the check size with simple add-ons like a drink, dessert, or combo.

Now, imagine this happening 3-5 times per day. That’s dozens of lost orders every week, which easily translates to hundreds or even thousands in lost revenue each month.

Why AI Phone Ordering for Restaurants is a No-Brainer for Owners

AI phone ordering for Restaurants solves all of that. Here’s how:

1. AI Answers Every Call—Instinctively and Instantly

With Straunt’s AI answering system, every incoming phone call is answered, regardless of time or staff availability. Whether it’s peak dinner hour or a quiet Tuesday afternoon, your AI agent is always on, never stressed, never distracted.

No missed calls.

No putting customers on hold.

No more “Sorry, can you repeat that?”

2. Accurate Order Taking—No More Human Errors

AI doesn’t mishear orders. It doesn’t forget modifiers. It doesn’t confuse “no onions” with “extra onions.” Every instruction is followed precisely and sent straight to your POS or kitchen display system.

This reduces:

Order returns

Complaints

Wasted food

Negative reviews

It also increases:

Operational efficiency

Customer satisfaction

How AI Upsells Automatically (and Subtly)

Now let’s talk about the real money-maker: upselling.

Smart AI agents do more than just take the base order. They follow logic and behavior patterns to intelligently suggest upgrades or add-ons. This is where most human staff drop the ball—either due to being too busy or simply forgetting.

Examples of AI Upselling in Action:

Let’s say a customer calls and orders a cheeseburger.

Instead of stopping there, the AI says:

“Would you like to make that a combo with fries and a drink?”

“Would you like to add a dessert today? Our most popular is the brownie sundae.”

“We’re offering 20% off wings with any burger today. Want to add 6 wings to your order?”

The customer didn’t come in thinking about these items—but they might say yes. AI doesn’t push hard. It offers gently, every time, with consistency, based on current promotions, weather (yes, even that!), time of day, and past customer behavior.

Why It Works:

Humans often skip upselling to speed things up or avoid sounding “salesy.”

AI doesn’t hesitate. It suggests without emotion, making it easier for customers to decide.

It doesn’t forget to apply for active deals or promotions.

Real-World Results: AI in Action at Restaurants

Let’s look at real data from restaurants using Straunt’s AI phone ordering system:

 Example 1: Local Burger Joint, Houston, TX

Before AI:

Missed ~15 calls per day during peak hours

Average order value: $12

After AI:

Missed call rate dropped to 0

AI suggested combos and upgrades

Average order value jumped to $17.80

Over $1,200/month increase in revenue—just from phone orders alone

 Example 2: Pizza & Wings Takeout, Chicago, IL

Before AI:

Staff didn’t upsell consistently

Orders were taken quickly, with errors

After AI:

AI agent always offered sides, drinks, and desserts

Upsell acceptance rate: 28%

Order accuracy hit 99%

Reduced food waste from fewer mistakes

Example 3: Indian Cloud Kitchen, New Jersey

Before AI:

Missed calls due to single-staff operations

No upselling in place

After AI:

AI handled 100% of calls, even after hours

Suggested naan, desserts, and combos

Added over $900 in monthly upsell revenue

Owner saved 12 hours/week not handling phone calls

Why AI is Better Than Hiring Extra Staff

Hiring staff to manage phones is expensive—and inconsistent.

People take breaks. AI doesn’t.

People call in sick. AI doesn’t.

People get overwhelmed. AI doesn’t.

With Straunt’s AI phone ordering:

There are no training costs

No additional overhead

No scheduling nightmares

And it scales effortlessly during busy hours or sudden surges

It’s like hiring your best, most polite, and most knowledgeable employee, available 24/7, for a fraction of the cost.

AI + POS = Full Automation

Straunt’s AI integrates directly with your existing POS. This means:

Orders go directly from the phone to the kitchen

No need to re-enter anything manually

No transcription errors

Faster ticket printing

Happier kitchen staff

You can also track which AI upsells are converting, adjust promos, and get real-time reporting on order trends. It’s like having a sales manager inside your phone system.

The Late-Night Advantage

One of the most underrated benefits of AI phone ordering is after-hours revenue. Some customers still prefer to call—especially older ones or late-night eaters.

With AI:

Your restaurant never truly “closes”

You can take orders even after staff go home

No more voicemail = no more missed business

This alone can add hundreds of dollars to your bottom line each week—especially for takeout-heavy or cloud kitchens.

Why It Matters More Now Than Ever

Customer expectations have changed.

People don’t want to wait.

They expect precision.

They want convenience and consistency.

AI answers all three needs while saving your team time and making your restaurant more money. It’s not just a tool—it’s a growth engine.

Final Takeaway: AI is Your New Profit Partner

Let’s recap:

✅ No missed calls ✅ 24/7 answering ✅ Accurate order taking ✅ Smart upselling suggestions ✅ Higher average check size ✅ Seamless POS integration ✅ Reduced labor burden ✅ Happier customers

This is not the future. This is now.

AI phone ordering is essential for any restaurant that takes phone orders and wants to grow. Whether you run a cloud kitchen, food truck, casual dine-in, or high-volume takeout spot—Straunt’s AI handles it like a pro.

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it. You just need to be smart enough not to leave money on the table.

Ready to Let AI Answer Your Next Call?

If you're a liquor store owner in today's digital landscape, relying on third-party marketplaces might feel like the easiest way to grow. But what seems convenient now could be costing you more than just commission fees. You're losing customer data, control over your brand experience, and long-term profits. This blog will show you how to break free from third-party delivery alternatives and regain control using smart, simple, and real-time digital tools for liquor stores.

Why Third-Party Delivery Marketplaces Are Costing You More Than You Think

Third-party delivery platforms promise exposure and ease, but they come with hidden costs:

Customer data loss: You don’t get access to emails, phone numbers, or preferences.

Brand dilution: The customer experience is tied to the third-party app, not your store.

Lower profit margins: Up to 30% commissions eat into your already tight margins.

No loyalty: Customers become loyal to the app, not your store.

This is where choosing third party delivery alternatives becomes critical to long-term success.

Why Owning the Customer Relationship Matters

When you control your own customer data and touchpoints, you unlock three major benefits:

1. Build Repeat Business

Customers who buy directly from your website or app are more likely to come back. You can send reminders, promotions, and personalized offers at the right time.

2. Boost Profit Margins

No commissions mean you keep the full sale. That margin can be reinvested into marketing, better inventory, or staff training.

3. Control the Experience

You decide how your store looks online, what offers are shown, and how communication flows.

How to Make the Shift from Third-Party to Direct Ownership

1. Launch Your Own Website

Your own website is your digital storefront. Holiq helps you create a mobile-friendly, high-converting website that showcases your products and makes ordering easy. Unlike third-party delivery alternatives, it’s fully yours.

With Holiq:

Showcase real-time inventory

Enable pickup, delivery, or in-store options

Highlight offers, bundles, and seasonal promotions

2. Use a Liquor Store CRM System

Owning a website is just step one. You need a liquor store CRM system to collect, organize, and act on customer data.

With Holiq CRM, you can:

Track customer purchase history

Create targeted promotions based on preferences

Auto-send birthday deals or restock alerts

This builds real relationships, not just one-off sales.

3. Enable Text Alerts & SMS Marketing

Text messages have a 98% open rate. With Holiq’s text alert tools, you can send real-time messages like:

"New bourbon just arrived. Limited stock."

"Get 15% off all wine this weekend only!"

Unlike push notifications from third-party apps, these messages come straight from you. Another strong case for exploring third party delivery alternatives.

4. Offer Coupons and Loyalty Rewards

Reward loyal customers with personalized coupon codes and loyalty points. Holiq’s built-in rewards engine makes it easy to:

Set up buy X get Y offers

Reward referrals and first-time customers

Track coupon redemption and performance

When customers get value directly from you, they stay with you.

5. Provide a Mobile App Experience

Today’s consumer expects mobile convenience. Holiq can white-label a mobile app for your store so customers can:

Browse and order on-the-go

Save payment info for faster checkout

Track past purchases and favorite items

Again, this is your app, not a third-party interface. More control. More loyalty.

6. Add AI-Powered Phone Ordering

Yes, customers still call! Holiq's AI phone assistant can take orders, suggest items, and answer questions 24/7. This ensures:

No missed calls = No missed sales

Voice-to-cart automation

Data sync into your liquor store CRM system for smarter follow-up

This feature is especially helpful for older customers who prefer phone over screens.

What Digital Independence Really Looks Like

Imagine this:

A customer finds your store on Google

They visit your clean, branded website

They place an order and join your rewards program

Next week, they get a personalized text alert for a new vodka

They call and reorder using your AI phone assistant

At no point did a third-party app own that interaction. You did. And all of this is possible with the digital tools for liquor stores that Holiq provides.

Your Customer. Your Relationship. Your Rules.

Breaking free from third-party delivery alternatives doesn’t mean cutting off growth. It means investing in long-term, high-value relationships. It’s about using your website, CRM, text alerts, app, and AI tools to stay connected with your customers on your terms.

At Holiq, we’re building a future where liquor store owners are empowered, profitable, and in control.