Tap & Barrel introduces QR-code 'robo-servers' to streamline bill payment

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Diners at B.C. restaurant chain Tap & Barrel can now view, split and pay their bill by scanning a tabletop QR code with their smartphones.

The so-called “robo-server” feature will allow diners to scan a QR code and be connected to the bill at their table, view and select which items to pay for, and finally pay by tapping their phone.

“When your meal is done, the last thing you want to do is wait another 30 minutes to pay and leave, especially when you’re in a big group and servers are busy getting the bills out and processing payments,” said Laurent May, whose company Ready is responsible for the self-pay technology.

Of note is the split-cheque feature, which allows diners to pay separately for their own meals while dining at the same table with friends, instead of asking to have the bill split or doing tabletop math.

According to May, Ready’s technology has helped restaurants to turn over tables 23 minutes faster on average.

“We are constantly looking for innovative ways to improve our guests’ experience while helping to alleviate unnecessary friction, allowing our staff to focus on what’s important,” said Daniel Frankel, founder of Tap & Barrel restaurants.

“When Ready approached us, we saw this as the perfect opportunity to support both parties and address these goals.”

The feature is now available at all Tap & Barrel restaurants across Vancouver. No app or sign-up is required for the feature.

It’s unclear if the technology will impact hospitality job trends, though a common criticism about self-checkout tills at grocery stores are that the unmanned stations could signal a potential loss in jobs.

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