Intel-Powered Presto Tablets to Enhance Guest Experience at Every
Applebee’s in 2014
GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 3, 2013--
For more than 30 years, Applebee’s has defined the casual dining
experience in America, influencing food trends for more than 1 million
guests every day and defining value and service for the industry. Today,
Applebee’s steps into the future to redefine and enhance the guest
experience through the installation of 100,000 E la Carte Presto
tablets, powered by Intel, on every table and multiple bar positions at
more than 1,800 Applebee’s® restaurants in the United States by the end
of next year.
Applebee's is introducing 100,000 E la Carte Presto devices at its 1,860 U.S. restaurants - every table of every domestic restaurant - by the end of 2014. (Photo: Business Wire)
DineEquity (NYSE: DIN), franchisor of Applebee’s and IHOP® restaurants,
announced the relationship with an aggressive schedule for 2014
installation throughout the Applebee’s system. The tablets, which enable
guests to add to their orders, pay and play games from their seats, will
also be considered for introduction at IHOP locations.
“Let’s face it, everyone who has ever been to a restaurant has been
frustrated by waiting for their check,” said Applebee’s President Mike
Archer. “Starting out, our goal was to create a way for guests to
control when and how they pay their check. What we learned after nearly
two years of testing is we can provide much more. The Presto tablet will
deliver our guests a robust slate of offerings for not only
transactions, but entertainment, social interaction and more, moving
forward.”
In the pilot program, the Presto tablets not only significantly reduced
transaction times for guests, but also provided them a better overall
experience, based on their feedback. By simplifying the transaction
process and allowing guests to control the timing, Team Members were
able to provide better service and more attention to guest needs
throughout the dining experience, rather than focusing on delivering a
check.
“We started developing the Presto tablet concept at MIT. Over five years
of field research and customer trials conducted by our Silicon Valley
engineers and restaurant experts, we’ve been focused on developing a
tool to provide an amazing, modern guest experience,” said Rajat Suri,
Founder/CEO at E la Carte. “We are thrilled to be selected for a
long-term partnership with the industry leader, Applebee’s, and we are
fully aligned in our vision and commitment to bring the dining
experience for restaurant guests into the 21st century.”
The Presto tablet, powered by Intel, features an all-day battery, an
illuminated credit card reader, and a ruggedized design that withstands
spills and bumps in a busy Applebee’s environment that welcomes 1
million guests per day. Importantly, the Presto tablet is equipped with
the latest in technology, including Bluetooth, cameras and NFC (near
field communication) chips to seamlessly transition to opportunities for
mobile wallet and mobile phone interaction and more.
Initially, the tablets will provide guests the ability to pay at their
table, add additional drinks, desserts and other menu items to their
order and a selection of games. During the next 18 months, enhanced
functionality, such as video streaming, music, additional games, social
media interaction with Applebee’s active Facebook community and personal
pages, sharing, gift card sales and more, will be added.
"E la Carte designed Presto specifically for restaurants, creating both
a best-of-breed tablet platform for operators and a fun, easy-to-use
experience for guests.” said Arvind Sodhani, President of Intel Capital
and Intel Executive Vice President. “Intel Capital is pleased to have
played a collaborative role in bringing E la Carte’s innovative
technology to the largest casual dining chain in the world, transforming
dining experiences nationwide.”
Presto tablets will continue to be available in pilot program markets
while installation rolls out nationwide. As dates and markets are
finalized, information regarding availability in specific areas will be
available at www.applebees.com.
About DineEquity
Based in Glendale, California, DineEquity, Inc., through its
subsidiaries, franchises and operates restaurants under the Applebee’s
Neighborhood Grill & Bar® and IHOP® brands. With more than 3,600
restaurants combined in 19 countries, over 400 franchisees and
approximately 200,000 team members (including franchisee- and
company-operated restaurant employees), DineEquity is one of the largest
full-service restaurant companies in the world. For more information on
DineEquity, visit the Company's Web site located at www.dineequity.com.
About Applebee's International, Inc.
Applebee’s (www.applebees.com)
is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with approximately 2,000
locations in 49 states, 15 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in
Kansas City, Mo., Applebee’s restaurant takes pride in providing a
welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining
experience. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® is a DineEquity, Inc.
(NYSE:DIN) brand, and is franchised and operated by Applebee’s
International, Inc. and its affiliates.
About E la Carte
E la Carte is enabling a restaurant revolution by equipping restaurant
tables with easy-to-use Presto tablets. Diners can quickly split checks,
peruse menus, place orders, make payments and play games, all from the
comfort of their restaurant seats without having to wait. Founded out of
MIT in 2008 by Rajat Suri (a PhD candidate at the time), E la Carte is
headquartered in Silicon Valley. For more information, visit www.elacarte.com
or follow @prestotablet.
About Intel Capital
Intel Capital, Intel's global investment and M&A organization, makes
equity investments in innovative technology start-ups and companies
worldwide. Intel Capital invests in a broad range of companies offering
hardware, software, and services targeting enterprise, mobility, health,
consumer Internet, digital media and semiconductor manufacturing. Since
1991, Intel Capital has invested more than US$10.8 billion in over 1,284
companies in 54 countries. In that timeframe, 202 portfolio companies
have gone public on various exchanges around the world and 320 were
acquired or participated in a merger. In 2012, Intel Capital invested
US$352 million in 150 investments. For more information on Intel Capital
and its differentiated advantages, visit www.intelcapital.com
or follow @Intelcapital.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20131203005451/en/
Source: Applebee’s
Applebee’s
Dan Smith, 913-890-0370
dan.smith@applebees.com
