June 30, 2009

Self Order Kiosks and Digital Menu Boards a "new standard" for Airport Food Service

NEXTEP SYSTEMS, a leading provider of automated ordering solutions for food & beverage, reports that Self Order Kiosks and Digital Menu Boards have become the new standard for airports. Increasingly, airport authorities and concession operators are requiring touch screen ordering and/or digital menu boards.

I can't imagine opening a new concept with traditional, backlit menu boards in 2009," commented NEXTEP sales manager Keith Wilson, "It would put the concept at a distinct competitive disadvantage in attracting travelers." Digital Menu Boards easily attract more travelers to a concept and speed the order process by displaying product photos, animations, promotions, and specials. Some concepts even include full motion video to attract hungry passengers.

In the past few months, NEXTEP has announced projects for leading concepts like Popeyes Chicken, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Boar's Head, Earl of Sandwich, and others.

NEXTEP is also the leading provider of touch screen ordering kiosks in airports, which allow customers to self order and pay without standing in line. Orders are consistently 10%-20% larger and concepts can serve more meals during peak periods by shifting counter staff to fulfillment. NEXTEP reports a 3-6 month payback period on a typical kiosk project. "There is no better way to increase revenue 20% or more overnight than by installing two or three kiosks at the counter," added NEXTEP's Keith Wilson.

NEXTEP is providing self order kiosks and/or digital menu boards to the most progressive concessions management companies, including OTG Management, AREAS USA, Delaware North, Concessions International, Midfield Concessions, and others. NEXTEP has implemented systems at JFK International, Philadelphia International, Boston Logan, Detroit Metro, Reagan National, with many others installations underway.