For Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), where laughter fills the air and fun knows no bounds, the backbone of seamless operations lies in a robust Point of Sale (POS) system. It's not just about transactions; it's about crafting unforgettable guest experiences while streamlining complex operations.
Best POS System Features for Busy FECs
For Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), where laughter fills the air and fun knows no bounds, the backbone of seamless operations lies in a robust Point of Sale (POS) system. It's not just about transactions; it's about crafting unforgettable guest experiences while streamlining complex operations. So, what features should FEC operators prioritize in a POS system to keep both the fun and the funds flowing smoothly?
1. Cashless Transactions with RFID Technology
Juggling tokens and tickets is so last decade. Modern FECs are embracing cashless systems using RFID wristbands or cards, allowing guests to load funds and make purchases with a simple tap. This not only accelerates transactions but also encourages increased spending, as the ease of use often leads to guests indulging in just one more game or treat. Families or parties can preload cards with funds so each member of your party can have set spending limits for your venue.
2. Comprehensive Food and Beverage Management
From popcorn stands to full-service cafes, managing food and beverage operations within an FEC can be complex. A POS system with integrated F&B capabilities streamlines order taking, kitchen communication, and inventory tracking, ensuring that guests receive their snacks promptly and accurately, keeping the energy high and the smiles wide. From mobile ordering, to counter systems, to zones with special menus, your entire venue can be turned into a revenue generator, all without extra staff.
3. Flexible Party and Event Booking
Birthday parties and group events are the lifeblood of many FECs. A POS system equipped with party booking functionalities simplifies reservations, manages deposits, and coordinates schedules, ensuring that each celebration is a hit without a hitch. After all, a well-orchestrated party leads to happy guests and repeat business.
4. Robust Reporting and Analytics
Knowledge is power. Advanced reporting tools within a POS system provide insights into sales trends, peak times, and inventory levels. Understanding these metrics allows operators to make informed decisions, optimize staffing, and tailor marketing efforts, ensuring that the FEC remains both a fun zone and a profitable venture.
Building lasting relationships with guests turns first-time visitors into loyal patrons. A POS system with CRM capabilities tracks guest preferences, visit history, and spending patterns, enabling personalized promotions and communications that make guests feel valued and eager to return.
5. Self-Service Kiosks and Mobile Ordering
Empower guests with the convenience of self-ordering kiosks and mobile ordering options. Whether purchasing tickets, reloading game cards, or ordering food, these features reduce lines, enhance the guest experience, and allow staff to focus on other critical areas, keeping operations smooth and guests satisfied.
Selecting the right Family Entertainment Center POS is akin to choosing the right conductor for an orchestra—it ensures all elements harmonize to create a symphony of seamless operations and delightful guest experiences. By prioritizing features like integrated ticketing, cashless transactions, comprehensive F&B management, and robust analytics, FEC operators can orchestrate an environment where fun thrives and business prospers.
Tap Room Playbook Episode 2:
When you really think about it, with everything managers need to do in a tap room, the hospitality aspect is often overlooked.
Situated “in the heart of it all, yet tranquil enough to make you feel away from it all too,” The Limelight Hotel Snowmass offers 99 hotel rooms and 11 residences, as well as footsteps-to-gondola access in winter and summer — right in the middle of Snowmass Base Village.
The Situation
Especially over the last few years, the Limelight Hotels IT team had witnessed a significant shift to contactless technology in the hospitality industry. After evaluating friction points in the guest journey, aligning with modern technology platforms in their restaurant was determined to be an effective way to offer elevated contactless dining experiences to their guests while also evolving their technology platforms to continue to support long-term company goals. Limelight Hotel partnered with GoTab to provide an enhanced on-demand dining experience on par with the brand’s reputation for exceptional guest service.
The Solution
Reducing Staff Touch Points Without Sacrificing Guest Experience
Guests are now able to begin a tab from their room or the property’s restaurant by scanning a QR code, texting a link to friends or family members on the ski slope to add in their orders, then meeting up together at the patio or lodge to enjoy their meal and après ski festivities without interruption. By streamlining tasks like inputting orders and processing payments, this eliminates friction for hotel staff and allows them to focus on delivering renowned guest service for a memorable experience. Since partnering with GoTab, Limelight Snowmass has consistently seen higher check averages and sales.
“We found the Point of Sale platforms we were looking at offered the guest and staff limited opportunities to further reduce touch points or improve the traditional restaurant experience. The GoTab platform enabled the guest to take an active role over the flow of their experience while simultaneously reducing touch points and further streamlining restaurant operations.”Nick Giglio, Manager of Hotel IT Operations, The Little Nell Hotel Group
According to the Limelight Hotels team, some of the other platforms that were evaluated were either missing some of the pieces they were looking for, had weak customer support models, or had little willingness to develop integrations to existing hotel platforms already in place. To that end, GoTab integrated with cloud-based platform, Infor. Together, GoTab and Infor are providing dynamic solutions to support central, efficient service across hotel amenities and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
“Previously, guests would call down to the restaurant to begin an order from their room or while they were out enjoying the ski slopes. Using GoTab, guests can now place orders from anywhere on the resort, giving them the on-demand service they want without interrupting their day. GoTab empowers us to give control to the guest, reducing touch points and streamlining overall restaurant operations, making Limelight Hotel the resort of choice for Snowmass.”Nick Giglio, Manager of Hotel IT Operations, The Little Nell Hotel Group
Since introducing GoTab, The Limelight Hotel has seen a consistent level of upsells and items sold per check resulting in additional revenue capture. They have been able to maintain service levels in their restaurants during periods when there was reduced staffing available without significantly diminishing the guest experience.
The Benefits
Eliminate Phone Orders – Take Orders from the Slopes. Guests can start a tab from their room or on the mountain without interrupting the flow of their day.
Future-Proofed Technologies – Delivering elevated contactless ordering via integration with the Infor hotel management platform.
Eliminating Friction in the Guest Journey – Maintaining service levels during periods of reduced staff without diminishing the guest experience.
Eliminating Friction in the Guest Journey – Maintaining service levels during periods of reduced staff without diminishing the guest experience.
Eliminating Friction in the Guest Journey – Maintaining service levels during periods of reduced staff without diminishing the guest experience.
Eliminating Friction in the Guest Journey – Maintaining service levels during periods of reduced staff without diminishing the guest experience.
Eliminating Friction in the Guest Journey – Maintaining service levels during periods of reduced staff without diminishing the guest experience.
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