Hospitality insights | me&u Blog

How to get the most out of Crew on a public holiday

See how Solotel processed $80K through Crew in a single day, and what it means for your next big public holiday.

Navigating Hospitality Profitability: Insights from Industry Leaders at "Plating Up Profit"

The "Plating Up Profit" event, hosted by me&u and Lightspeed, brought together hospitality professionals to discuss the ongoing challenges facing the industry and the evolving role of technology in helping businesses stay afloat.

Top 15 Trends in Australian Pubs in 2024

The Australian pub scene is evolving rapidly, blending traditional charm with modern innovations to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. As we step into 2024, here are the top 15 trends reshaping pubs across the country:

Next-Gen Hospitality: How Venues Can Appeal to Gen Z

Now making up 30% of the population and covering $450 billion of the world’s spending power, Gen Z is your go-to target demographic.

Menu Mastery: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting the Perfect Menu for Your Venue

Your menu is the first stepping stone that invites customers to embark on a unique and fruitful culinary experience and that is why creating the ‘perfect’ menu is so important. Today we dive into the essentials of creating the perfect menu for your venue.

Customer Convenience: The Centrepiece of Success in Today’s Hospitality Environment

In the intricate landscape of the hospitality industry today, customer convenience is not simply a consideration, it is the cornerstone upon which success is built.

The Future of Restaurant Sustainability

Restaurants are a large contributor to food, plastic, water, and energy waste around the world. As a restaurant owner, you can do your part to minimize the environmental impact of running a restaurant. The tips included here are not exhaustive, but are a good start for any restaurant owner who is working toward a greener future.

Better together: How mobile ordering technology pair perfectly with a hospitality-specific CRM

Creating sales and marketing tools for the hospitality industry, which we conveniently called “Serve” and “Grow”, means that all we care about is creating products and services that help you create unique serving experiences and build long-term customer relationships through personalised offers.

QR code order & pay: UK guests have their say

To gain deeper insights into consumer preferences in the post-COVID era, we partnered with KAM for a comprehensive study focusing on the usage of QR code order & pay technology across three key sectors: food halls, competitive socialising venues, and large pubs and bars.

81% growth in 2024: UK food halls report (February 2024)

The UK food hall scene is experiencing a remarkable transformation, propelled by evolving consumer behaviours, diverse culinary offerings, and technological advancements. We heart sharing insights that not only highlight these changes but also offer valuable perspectives for both new entrants and existing operators in the food hall industry.

How Funlab is using me&u’s Staff Upsells to generate extra sales on the move

We sat down with Patrice Beckmann, Head Of Operations at Funlab, to chat about how mobile ordering enhances the experience for me and you (because of our company name). Patrice has been with Funlab for 16 years (!) and started as a bartender in Sydney before progressing up the ranks.

10 hospitality campaigns that captivated customers (part 2)

The economic and social benefits of food halls, especially in the post-pandemic world: An interview with Simon Anderson

Simon’s journey and insights into the food hall concept highlight the potential for tech companies in the food service industry to innovate and adapt. By embracing principles such as inclusivity, community, and the blending of technology with traditional hospitality values, businesses can create spaces that not only meet the evolving needs of consumers but also contribute positively to local communities and economies.

10 hospitality campaigns that captivated customers

Hospitality brands are constantly in pursuit of innovation, creativity, and strategic marketing activities to attract more guests to their venues. Competition is a constant drag, so campaigns play a vital role in capturing the attention of your future customers. Let’s explore 10 remarkable (as in, they are worthy of remarks) examples of how hospitality brands have successfully attracted more guests to know about their venues.

15 book recommendations for the restaurant, hospitality, and service industries

If you’re running a blossoming hospitality business, you probably don’t have time to read books, but you do have time to recommend books to other people and portray an air of having read them yourself. So here are 15 book recommendations for people who want to learn about the restaurant, hospitality, and service industries.

How other industries have personalised their products

Personalised customer experiences can be implemented in a variety of ways across different industries. Here are a few examples of how various industries have personalised their customer experiences.

Restaurant Launch x Baccomatto Osteria: Generating $48,840 in revenue in two months

“We have been blown away by the overwhelming response from our email marketing campaigns by Nathan at Restaurant Launch,” Michael Stevens, owner of Baccomatto Osteria, said.

7 ways to get people talking about your business without spending any money

Getting people talking about your business doesn't have to mean splashing cash and hoping for the best. Here are seven ways to generate buzz and get people talking about your business without spending any money.

What is the optimal amount of visits a restaurant should aim for per guest?

The optimal number of visits a restaurant should aim for per guest can vary depending on factors such as the restaurant's menu and pricing, target audience, and location. However, in general, a restaurant should aim to build repeat business by encouraging guests to come back multiple times.

What does a typical restaurant profit & loss statement look like?

A restaurant profit and loss (P&L) statement is a financial document that provides a snapshot of a restaurant's financial performance over a certain period of time, typically a month or a year. A typical restaurant P&L statement includes the following sections.

10 tips for having a website that converts more bookings

A well-designed and optimized website can help you attract new customers, increase sales, and boost your bottom line. And if it’s bookings you’re looking for specifically, we’re dishing up 10 tips to increase your conversion rate.

How to use email automation to get your customers to come back

Email marketing is a powerful tool for any restaurant, but it can be especially effective for getting customers to come back more often. By automating your email marketing, you can send personalized messages to your customers at the right time, which can help you increase sales and improve customer loyalty.

Insights from the first Food Hall-specific workshop in the UK

We hosted an intimate event specifically for the Food Hall market, bringing together half of all Food Hall brands in the UK. There were two panels: How to Make Food Halls Thrive: Operations, Tech & Marketing, and Food Hall Opportunities: Now and the Future. Here are some insights from both panels.

How to use email marketing to boost your restaurant business

Email marketing is a powerful tool that restaurants can use to reach their target audience, build relationships with customers, and drive sales.

How to hire and train the best restaurant staff

Hiring and training killer staff is critical for any successful business. Your staff is the face of your restaurant, and they’re responsible for providing a great dining experience for your guests. The better they are, the more efficient and productive they’ll be too, which is a plus for your bottom line.

How to reduce food waste when managing a restaurant

Restaurants play a major role in food waste, accounting for about 14% of all food waste in the United States. This waste can occur at all stages of the food supply chain, from production and processing to distribution, preparation, and consumption. Here are seven things you can do to reduce food waste.

How to use data to improve your restaurant's performance

It's more important than ever to use data to make informed decisions about your business. By tracking and analysing key metrics, you can identify areas where you can improve your operations, increase sales, and reduce costs. Here are some tips on how to use data to improve your restaurant's performance.

How to use SMS marketing to fill your restaurant

SMS marketing is a great way to reach your target audience directly and promote your restaurant. It's also a very cost-effective way to market your business, and it can be very effective at driving sales.

Better together: Mr Yum and me&u complete merger to create a food-tech super team

The two leading sales and marketing tools for hospitality brands, Mr Yum and me&u, have completed a merger to become the global leader in their category. The combined company, which processes over $2B in dining transactions per year, will be led by Mr Yum co-founder, Kim Teo, as the new chief executive.

How to create a positive restaurant work environment

Employee satisfaction, productivity, and a magical guest experience. What are the benefits of creating a positive restaurant work environment? That was a bit of an old-school Jeopardy start to this piece!

The 5 most common restaurant operational mistakes

Even the most successful restaurateurs make mistakes, but there are a few common boo-boos that can be easily avoided, and doing so can make a big difference in your restaurant's bottom line. Here are the five most common restaurant operational mistakes, and how to avoid them.

How 10 me&u team members approach their mental health and wellbeing

October is Mental Health Awareness Month in Australia. To raise awareness and promote better mental health for all, we asked the team some questions to get their insights on mental health and wellbeing.

Helping make restaurants Greener by telling you HOW to be more sustainable

We’ve partnered with Greener, the experts in helping hospitality brands start reducing emissions and unlocking exclusive offers that can help save you money at the same time.

How to deal with restaurant customer complaints

Customer complaints are a normal part of running a restaurant. No matter how hard you try, there will always be times when something goes wrong and a customer is not satisfied (and they’re not always right). The way you handle these complaints can make a big difference in whether or not the customer returns to your restaurant in the future. Here are some tips on how to deal with restaurant customer complaints.

Email automation ideas: Recency automations

This is a slice of a four-part series sharing 21 email automation ideas that we see get the most bang for buck for hospitality businesses. We’ve split the most effective email automations into four themes: behaviour, monetary, recency, and frequency.

Email automation ideas: Monetary automations

Email automation ideas: Frequency automations

Email automation ideas: Behaviour automations

How to get the most out of SMS marketing for your hospitality business

SMS marketing is a powerful tool that helps you connect with your customers and drive more sales. Here are some tips and tricks for your hospitality business.

Why successful restaurateurs work in the industry

The restaurant industry is a tough one. Long hours, low pay, and high turnover are just a few of the challenges that restaurateurs face. But for those who are passionate about food and hospitality, the rewards can be great.

The different types of loyalty programs

There are several different types of loyalty programs that businesses can use to incentivise repeat business and encourage customer loyalty. Some common types include:

Social media trends for restaurant owners and managers

Social media is a powerful tool for restaurant owners and managers. It can be used to connect with customers, promote your business, and drive traffic to your restaurant.

Not all customers are created equally, so don’t treat them all the same

Treating all your customers the same way is not it. Here is why.

How to retain your staff and maintain a strong culture

In the restaurant industry, turnover is a major challenge. According to the National Restaurant Association, the average turnover rate for restaurant employees is 75%. This means that for every 10 employees you hire, 7.5 will leave within a year.

How to manage increasing costs and inflation in your restaurant

The restaurant industry is facing a number of challenges, including increasing costs and inflation. These challenges can make it difficult to maintain profitability.

How to create a loyalty program for your restaurant brand

Creating a loyalty program for a restaurant brand requires a strategic approach and careful consideration of the customer experience and the specific needs of the business.

Hospitality interior decorating blogs and websites to follow for inspiration

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and one of the most important aspects of any successful restaurant or hotel is its interior design. A well-designed space can create a memorable experience for guests, and it can also help to attract new customers.

How do businesses make money from loyalty programs?

Loyalty programs can be a valuable tool for businesses to increase revenue and profitability in several ways:

The 13 terms you need to know in hospitality marketing

Growing a hospitality brand can be a challenging and complex process, particularly in today's competitive market that’s peppered with staffing issues, growing importance on digital channels, and the rising cost of living.

Spice up your restaurant marketing with these ideas

Looking to boost your restaurant's marketing game? Check out our killer tips for social media, local marketing, seasonal specials, loyalty programs, and customer service.

What makes a good hospitality marketer

From creativity to customer-centric focus, learn what it takes to stand out in a crowded market and create unforgettable experiences for your customers.

How to take drool-worthy food photographs and make upsells your specialty

Food photography is a must for any venue that wants to attract customers and highlight its delicious food and drinks. Discover top food photography tips here.

Why industry-specific tech is the way to go

Discover why industry-specific software is the way to go for food and drinks businesses. From tailored features to expert support, learn about the advantages of using software designed specifically for your industry.

What does a typical restaurant marketing campaign look like?

So, you're running a restaurant and want to spread the word about your amazing menu, unique atmosphere, and exceptional customer service? How do you do that? Enter the world of restaurant marketing campaigns!

How to optimise guest experiences with technology

Guest experiences can make or break the perception of your venue. The good news is that you can knock guest experience out of the park every time with the right tech tools.

10 elements of a good restaurant tagline

Learn how to create a tagline that encapsulates the essence of your brand and sticks in customers' minds.

The benefits of splitting restaurant bills through an app

The modern customer craves convenience. Find out how restaurant bill-splitting apps deliver that convenience in a highly adaptable package.

Ways to boost your bookings using hospitality marketing

Nothing boosts your venue's bookings like a coordinated and strategic marketing campaign. Find out how to increase your revenue through hospitality marketing.

How Multi Vendor Ordering works for guests and operators

Multi Vendor Ordering is a me&u feature that allows guests to order from more than one operator. Discover how it works and why customers love it.

Up your game (and profits) this sports season with our guide

Sports seasons and events are prime time to kick goals for your business. Read Mr Yum’s guide on how to make that happen.

Why should you choose a specialised hospitality CRM?

CRM software is more than just a sales tool. Find out why it's become crucial to the hospitality industry, and what to look for when implementing your own CRM.

The benefits of a CRM platform in your restaurant and why you need one now

In the food service industry, patrons now expect unparalleled personalisation. Learn the benefits of a CRM in restaurants and how it will drive sales.

Why you should use dietary and allergen tags in your digital menu

Providing dietary and allergen tags is an easy way to ensure your customers are viewing, ordering and enjoying the food and drinks that are right for them.

Why you need a loyalty program for your restaurant

The majority of businesses benefit more from customer retention than they do from customer acquisition, and a restaurant loyalty program is an effective way to keep customers coming back.

The ultimate guide to social media marketing for your restaurant

As an increasing number of customers look to social media to research where to eat & drink. Here’s your complete guide to staying relevant.

Top 5 tips to prepare for switching to a QR code menu

Looking to take your menu online with a QR code? Fast-track your success with our top 5 tips on preparing to go digital!

Tips for hiring front-of-house staff

So, you want to hire front-of-house staff? We’ve got a few hiring tips for bringing in the right talent.

The benefits of implementing a mobile web app for restaurant ordering

What are the benefits of implementing a mobile app for restaurant ordering and what are your options? Read all about it here.

The importance of upsells and how to increase them

Discover how to grow your hospitality business through the power of upsells.

Seasonal menus: why they’re worth the effort

Are seasonal menus for your venue or establishment worth the extra effort? Here’s why they are and how you can nail it.

Reduce food waste in your restaurant with these tips

Running a hospitality venue means ensuring there’s enough produce to satisfy orders without needing to discard too much. Here are some tips to help you reduce food waste in your venue.

Nailing your restaurant website: 5 ways to increase bookings

Your restaurant website can make or break you. It is an integral part of increasing bookings and ultimately increasing revenue. Here are five ways to make sure your website is killing it.

How to make a free QR code menu

Explore your options for how to make a QR code menu for free. Learn some of the benefits and essentials for creating a QR code menu that boosts sales.

How to increase customer loyalty in your restaurant

The restaurant industry is currently facing a myriad of challenges. Learn how to increase customer loyalty in your restaurant and rise above the competition.

How to help your staff earn more tips

One common misconception is that digital ordering and payments bring fewer tips. We’re here to show you the opposite is the case and give you some pointers for earning more tips.

How tech can ease labour woes

A perfect storm of labour cost increases and shortages may paint a bleak picture, but there are ways to persevere and come through stronger than ever through the smart use of tech.

Hospitality-specific CRM vs general: Which is right for you?

Looking for a CRM for your hospitality business? We’ve done the legwork for you and compared hospitality-specific CRMs to general ones.

Hospitality bookkeeping: accounting tips to get you started

We all know how critical it is to stay on top of bookkeeping for small businesses, but do you have all the info? Here are some things to consider when doing the accounting for your hospitality venue.

Grow your business with these Christmas period tips

The silly season is one of the busiest periods in the hospitality industry. We’re here to help you make the most of the period with some hot tips.

Encouraging your customers to refer your hospitality business

So, how do you get more referrals? Here are some tips on creating and making the most of customer referrals.

Connect mobile ordering with email marketing to form long-lasting connections with your customers

Email marketing is one of the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective ways of connecting with your customers. Use Mr Yum and one of our awesome integration partners to get started email marketing to your customers today!

Choosing the right POS system for your hospitality venue

Choosing a POS system is kind of a big deal. It needs to meet your business requirements, have the right features AND fit within your budget. Here’s a rundown to help you out.

5 simple things you can do to easily improve your social media game!

Wanting to improve your online presence, but find it too intimidating? Here are 5 easy tips you can do right now.

Can we stop calling it 'contactless ordering'?

In a world where many of us are starved for human connection, ‘contactless’ in your food experience doesn’t tickle the senses.

Benefits of setting up QR code menus

Explore the benefits of setting up QR code menus, as well as a few key metrics that show the impact QR codes have had on the restaurant industry.

5 easy ways to make your menu more accessible

Creating accessible menus for your restaurant, bar, cafe or venue isn’t just a good idea – it’s a must. Join us as we run through five easy ways to improve your menu accessibility.

11 golden rules for increasing head spend at your restaurant

Venues are constantly looking for innovative ways to improve head spend. Here are 11 simple ways to get started.

4 branding tips for creating a magical local cafe

Find out how to take your local cafe to the next level with our branding guide.