By RTN Staff - 1.25.2023
WOWorks, the holding company of several major restaurant brands offering healthy and unique fast-casual dining options, achieved significant growth in 2022 with new franchise openings and signings, as well as the addition of Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina and Zoup! Eatery to its portfolio. According the the companyt, WOWorks opened 14 locations in 2022, including four Saladworks, two Frutta Bowls, one Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, three Zoup! Eatery, and four co-branded locations, and signed 21 new franchises, including eight Saladworks, two Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, eight Frutta Bowls, two Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina, and one Zoup! Eatery.
WOWorks, which was formed in 2020 and is fully owned by Centre Lane Partners, also made efforts to streamline its operations and boost its guest loyalty program through new technology partnerships. These included the implementation of a cloud-based POS system, management of a centralized menu that can be pushed to third-party marketplaces, and the ability to run campaigns and restaurant promotions through direct messaging to guests’ phones and emails.
The Pennsylvania-based company plans to continue this success in 2023 with renewed technology partnerships, including the following:
- QU: This is a cloud-based POS system that provides a fully integrated platform for WOWorks’ restaurants. It streamlines the checkout process and allows for real-time data tracking and analysis, helping the company to improve efficiency and guest experience.
- OLO Rails: This technology allows WOWorks to manage a single, centralized menu that can be automatically pushed to third-party marketplaces. This helps to ensure consistency across different locations and makes it easier to update menu items.
- OLO Dispatch: This technology enables WOWorks to offer branded delivery directly through each of its restaurant brand’s websites and apps. This allows the company to maintain ownership of the relationship with its guests and improve customer loyalty.
- PUNCHH: This technology allows for direct messaging to a guest’s phone and email, as well as the ability to run campaigns and restaurant promotions. It also supports the loyalty program which is a key aspect of the customer retention.
- WorldPay: This is a merchant services and payment processing provider that offers a payment gateway for online transactions. This helps WOWorks to securely and efficiently process online payments, which is especially important for takeout and delivery orders.
- Kitchen United Mix Food Hall: This is a partnership with Kitchen United Mix Food Hall locations in Columbus, Ohio which allows Saladworks to make its menu available for on-the-go meals, takeout, and delivery, that will help to expand its reach and increase its sales.
- REEF Technology: This partnership allows WOWorks to open new REEF Hubs, which are shared spaces that provide delivery and takeout services for multiple restaurants. This can help to increase efficiency and reduce costs, while also expanding the company’s delivery capabilities.
Last March, the company appointed Kyle Mark as Chief Information Officer (CIO) of WOWorks. He has been responsible for leading the company’s technology strategy and implementing new technology solutions and leading WOWorks in its efforts to streamline operations, processes, and boost guest loyalty through technology partnerships.
“This past year was not only a year of growth, but a year that reinvigorated WOWorks and the better-for-you restaurant brands within the portfolio,” said Kelly Roddy, CEO of WOWorks, in a press statement. “We set ourselves up for success and look forward to continued innovation, strategy, and brand growth in the new year.”
