20 Reasons Eatertainment Venues Choose the GoTab POS

The eatertainment sector is expanding rapidly, with innovative ideas emerging daily, from pickleball and ax throwing to golf simulators. The range of options is impressive. However, merging these activities with food and beverage services is a complex challenge. It requires a clever blend of technology and process to ensure a smooth experience for guests who are engaged in games, dining, or enjoying both simultaneously.

This is where the idea of an eatertainment point-of-sale (POS) system becomes essential. Not all POS systems possess the critical features required to create an exceptional guest experience while ensuring profitability in an eatertainment setting. GoTab stands out as the pioneering POS designed specifically for eatertainment. It provides a unique array of features, unparalleled by almost any contemporary POS, that streamline operations in venues serving food and drinks, making them more efficient and profitable than those operating on traditional POS platforms.

In this article we’re sharing the top 20 reasons eatertainment venues choose GoTab. If you’re curious to see how GoTab works in action, contact us at info@gotab.io or request a demo today.

1. Tab vs Table Based Ordering

Tabs are linked to each guest and will accompany them throughout the venue. Guests can maintain an unlimited number of open tabs at one table, a must-have feature in an entertainment venue. This eliminates any mix-ups with guests mistakenly using someone else's credit card to place orders.

2. Tab Sharing and Splitting

GoTab simplifies the process for guests to share their bills with fellow party members or divide the total when they're ready to leave. Guests can share their tabs via text or by showing a QR code on their phone. Additionally, since this feature is integrated into the mobile ordering and payment experience, staff can avoid juggling numerous cards and receipts, thus saving time and reducing the likelihood of errors and delays.

3. Triple Seat Integration

Easily integrate GoTab products into Tripleseat banquet event orders (BEOs). Event deposits and tabs are on the POS for staff convenience. Sales sync automatically for accuracy. Deposits are noted as deferred revenue until the event date. Then, they are counted as sales. We are the only Tripleseat POS integration partner, making GoTab a great choice for entertainment POS.

4. Advanced Kitchen Display System

Entertainment venues often find it hard to make money on food. GoTab’s KDS makes it easy to execute even the most complex menus. Guests who splurge on a night of eatertainment expect high-quality F&B experiences. GoTab lets operators communicate with guests via two-way text which is a must-have feature for large, busy eatertainment venues.

Using the GoTab KDS, operators can 86 items, handle product delays, comp/void adjustments, and 86 modifiers. Search through tickets, automate text notifications or print tickets on fulfillment, and organize order batching. Enhance prep time coordination, group stations, and provide recipe and plating guides for prep cooks. 

5. Self-Pour Integration

Self Pour beverage technology has become the de facto standard for many eatertainment experiences. GoTab allows operators to generate self-pour RFID cards directly from the point of sale (eliminating the need for additional tablets). Automatically settle tabs at closing time. You can also set a standard gratuity or service fee. RFID ordering via the pour wall is compatible with handheld devices, POS systems, and kiosks, allowing customers to effortlessly add to their tab without requiring a name search by the server or bartender.

6. Gaming Integrations

The GoTab Open API facilitates rapid integration development, resulting in active integrations with prominent gaming platforms such as Konami, Intercard, and Amusement Connect. If you don’t see a gaming platform you’re interested in, reach out to us and we’ll connect with your partner and support the integration process.

7. Easy Tab

Patrons have the option to place orders at the bar or through a server, with their bill sent via text using their stored card and name for easy identification using GoTab’s patented Easy Tab feature. This effective hybrid service model streamlines the process, allowing guests to create a GoTab profile for future recognition. It eliminates long wait times, facilitates quick reordering or bill settlement from a mobile device, and can potentially double average tab revenue.

8. Advanced Event Management Features

GoTab makes it easy to create and update F&B menus on the fly. Operators can monitor and customize different menus for various groups in separate areas. Guests can order via RFID or Event Cards with pre-loaded funds.

9. Next-level Offline Mode

Operate within a completely localized network while maintaining a connection to the cloud.

10. Insufficient Funds Protection 

Real-time authorization prior to processing an order confirms that funds are accessible when a guest opens a tab.

11. Flexibility

Simplified menu planning. Tailored ordering options according to location. Automate SMS notifications for guests upon order completion, depending on their respective zones. Utilize your entire space without requiring additional staff during less busy periods.

12. Guests Recognition

Return guests who have previously utilized GoTab are instantly identified. This ensures a fast, seamless ordering process. A wealth of guest information is also accessible so operators can automatically personalize their experience for streamlined discounts or exclusive promotions.

13. Memberships

Open a potential for a new source of recurring revenue with GoTab’s out-of-the-box memberships and subscriptions features. The features dramatically streamline the process for discounts and exclusive offers, among other features and also encourages guests to engage with their loyalty offers, motivating them to return and increase their spending.

14. Station Overrides

Redirect order printing automatically according to the ordering zone. This process is straightforward and efficient, managed with a single toggle on the manager's dashboard instead of adjusting POS devices individually.

15. Opening Tabs with Chip or Tap 

With traditional POS platforms, operators can only authorize tabs by swiping. This makes charge backs easy and requires the operator to hold on to the guest’s card and close them out with a chip or dip at the end of service. With GoTab, operators can open tabs with Apple Pay. They can also auto-close tabs at the end of the service with a default tip! Operators using this method see average tips of more than 13 percent on self-service orders allowing them to offer their staff higher wages.

16. Rules Engine

Creating very granular discounts or coupons involves designing highly specific promotional offers that cater to distinct customer segments, purchasing behaviors, or product categories. GoTab’s Rules Engine makes it easy to create  targeted marketing efforts and encourage customer loyalty. Examples include:

• Frequent buyers, occasional visitors, first-time guests, or loyal patrons.
• Offer discounts on particular items that are frequently purchased together or are complementary. For instance, a coffee shop could provide a discount on pastries with the purchase of a coffee.
• Implement a tiered discount system where customers receive larger discounts based on the total amount spent. For example, spend $20 and get 10% off, spend $50 and get 20% off.
• Loyalty Rewards: Develop a loyalty program that gives customers points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts on future transactions. This encourages repeat visits and higher spending.
• Time-Limited Offers: Create urgency by offering discounts that are valid for a limited time. This can be particularly effective for encouraging guests to make a visit sooner rather than later.
  

17. Spot Assignment

Allocate specific sections to servers, ensuring they receive all sales and gratuities from each table, even if a customer uses a QR code to place their own order. Additionally, send alerts to the servers' handheld devices when a guest scans a QR code, when their orders are ready to be run, and other relevant updates!

18. Open API

The Bespoke GoTab solution allows for custom development on our platform. Operators own their data and can access it freely. GoTab works with top solutions and is open to new partners. What’s more, the majority of GoTab integrations are offered at no additional cost.

19. Support

GoTab offers optional onsite setup and training with continuous, virtual support available around the clock.

20. Flexible Hardware

Operators can often significantly reduce their initial expenses by utilizing current equipment. The GoTab POS and Manager App can be run directly from a smartphone. What’s more, operators can accept “tap” payments on smartphone devices that are fully compliant with PCI standards.