Wendy’s is adding technology to ease the delivery process at thousands of restaurants.
The burger chain is partnering with order integrator ItsACheckmate at all of its more than 6,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Checkmate’s software will connect Wendy’s third-party delivery channels directly to its POS system, sending all incoming orders to the same place and making it easier to update menus and prices across channels.
It’s part of a push to grow digital sales at the 7,000-unit chain.
Wendy’s uses DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates and Grubhub and also has a native ordering experience.
“We selected ItsaCheckmate because of their ability to integrate with the Wendy’s digital platform and quickly bring on new delivery providers,” said Matt Spessard, Wendy’s chief technology officer, in a statement. “Their excellent service and support, backed by a robust technology, helps alleviate pressure from our team and allows us to scale rapidly.”
ItsACheckmate works with more than 20,000 restaurant locations, and this deal makes Wendy’s one of its largest customers. Arby’s and Sonic parent Inspire Brands is a Checkmate investor and uses the technology at thousands of locations.
The move comes as restaurants are looking to reduce friction for employees and customers. By integrating ordering channels, they can improve speed and accuracy because employees don’t have to enter orders into the POS by hand.
Delivery makes up a small but growing portion of Wendy's business: During its most recent earnings call, in August, executives said 10% of its global sales came from digital channels, including delivery and mobile orders. And it’s intent on growing its digital business and delivery in particular.
One way it planned to do that was by opening 700 ghost kitchens with licensee Reef Kitchens. But in August, it announced it was scaling back those plans to just 100 or 150 locations, mostly outside the U.S., after sales failed to meet expectations.
That same month, Wendy's unveiled a new prototype that emphasizes digital, including a mobile order pickup area and a pickup window for delivery drivers as well as behind-the-scenes tech that allows it to handle more online business.
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