8.22.2024
Scaffidi’s Restaurant & Tavern in Steubenville, Ohio, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to family tradition and a commitment to serving up “homemade recipes, generations in the making.” But behind the warm atmosphere and comforting Italian dishes lies a savvy approach to technology, one that has enabled this family-owned business to grow and thrive in a competitive industry.
Founded in 2009 by Dawn and Nino Scaffidi, the restaurant began as a cozy 25-seat space, offering a taste of “Grandma’s house on Sunday” to the Steubenville community. The Scaffidi family’s passion for authentic Italian cuisine quickly resonated with diners, leading to rapid expansion. Today, the Scaffidi Restaurant Group encompasses multiple brands across Ohio and West Virginia, with a dedicated team of 45 employees carrying on the legacy of their culinary heritage.
Frankie DiCarlantonio, CEO of Scaffidi Restaurant Group, understands that preserving tradition doesn’t mean shying away from innovation. He recognizes the power of technology to streamline operations, enhance the guest experience, and empower his staff. This forward-thinking approach led him to Square for Restaurants, a point-of-sale (POS) system that has become an integral part of Scaffidi’s success story.
Facing the Challenges of a Dynamic Industry
Like many restaurants, Scaffidi’s faced a number of challenges in recent years, including staffing shortages, rising food costs, and the shift towards online ordering during the COVID-19 pandemic. DiCarlantonio sought a technology solution that could address these challenges head-on, while also improving the overall dining experience for his customers.
“Don’t be afraid to try something that’s not what your brand is known for,” says DiCarlantonio, reflecting his willingness to embrace change and explore new possibilities. This mindset led him to pilot Square for Restaurants, a decision that would transform the way Scaffidi’s operates.
From Paper Tickets to Tableside Ordering: A Seamless Transition
Initially, the idea of replacing traditional pen-and-paper ordering with tablets was met with some resistance from the staff. However, the intuitive design and user-friendliness of Square’s software quickly eased the transition. Servers who were once tethered to a central POS station were now empowered to take orders and process payments directly at the table, freeing up valuable time and improving efficiency.
“With the layout of our restaurant, Mobile POS is saving a lot of physical steps, which has increased staff satisfaction and alleviated some of the stress on their positions,” says DiCarlantonio. “We’re seeing a lot of additional efficiency in our operations because our staff are spending more and more time on the floor rather than out of reach putting in orders.”
Streamlining Online Ordering: A Profitable Solution
The shift towards online ordering presented a new set of challenges for Scaffidi’s. Their previous system, DoorDash Storefront, lacked integration with their POS, leading to manual order entry, errors, and high commission fees that made delivery unprofitable. Customers were also unable to redeem gift cards, discounts, or loyalty points when ordering through DoorDash.
Square for Restaurants provided a seamless solution, integrating directly with their Square for Restaurants POS and eliminating commission fees. This integration streamlined the order management process, reduced errors, and made online ordering profitable for the first time. Customers could now enjoy the same rewards and promotions online as they did in the restaurant, further enhancing their experience.
The Power of Integration: A Unified Ecosystem for Success
Today, Scaffidi’s leverages the full power of the Square ecosystem, utilizing Square for Restaurants for POS, online ordering, invoicing, email marketing, coupons, gift cards, and loyalty programs. This integrated approach creates a seamless experience for both customers and staff, simplifying operations and maximizing efficiency.
“We used to subscribe to multiple operating systems that do the same thing,” says DiCarlantonio. “They were expensive and took up staff time. In 13 years of business, Square is the most complete ecosystem we’ve used.”
Tangible Results: Increased Sales, Reduced Errors, and Happy Customers
The impact of Square for Restaurants on Scaffidi’s has been significant. Tableside ordering has led to faster ticket times, increased order accuracy, and a noticeable improvement in customer satisfaction. The streamlined online ordering process has boosted sales, reduced errors, and made delivery a profitable revenue stream.
“The biggest upside of Square for Restaurants mobile POS has been keeping my staff on the floor more of the time which has led to greater customer satisfaction,” says DiCarlantonio.
The numbers speak for themselves:
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22% increase in alcohol sales due to faster bar service.
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57% decrease in voids due to out-of-stock items.
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100% reduction in refunds and delivery errors due to online ordering integration.
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1.9x increase in repeat customer rate, indicating increased customer loyalty.
Investing in Staff: Empowering Employees Through Technology
DiCarlantonio’s commitment to his staff is evident in his approach to technology adoption. He recognizes that empowering employees with the right tools not only improves efficiency but also enhances job satisfaction and fosters professional growth. Square for Restaurants has enabled Scaffidi’s to cross-train employees across various roles, from servers to bartenders to hosts, creating a more versatile and adaptable team.
“With Square for Restaurants handheld device, any Scaffidi’s employee can pick up the mobile POS and be a server for the day,” says DiCarlantonio. This flexibility ensures that one team member’s absence doesn’t disrupt operations and provides employees with opportunities to expand their skillsets.
A Recipe for Success: Tradition, Innovation, and a Commitment to Excellence
Scaffidi’s Restaurant Group’s success story is a testament to the power of blending tradition with innovation. By embracing technology, specifically Square for Restaurants, the company has been able to streamline operations, enhance the guest experience, empower its staff, and ultimately, drive profitability. Their journey demonstrates that even in a traditional industry like hospitality, a forward-thinking approach to technology can be the key ingredient to achieving lasting success.
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Disclosure: The solution provider named in this sponsored article is an affiliate marketing partner. This post contains affiliate links, which means that Restaurant Technology News receives a commission if you utilize this partner solution.
