How Stoney's Bar & Grill uses me&u “to combat labor costs and increase sales”

In the bustling heart of Denver, Colorado, Stoney's Bar & Grill has established itself as a beloved local sports bar since its inception in 2010. The brainchild of four industry veterans, Stoney's has grown into a community staple, known for its vibrant atmosphere, extensive beer selection, and its sick sports memorabilia. 

Like everyone, Stoney's has been up against increasing labor costs, prompting the need for innovative solutions to maintain their high standards of full-service hospitality without breaking the bank.

“We never want to get rid of full service, so we decided we needed a solution to help combat increasing labor costs and hopefully increase sales,” Stoney told us.

Enter me&u, a platform designed to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and boost sales. Stoney's adopted me&u with a clear goal: to manage rising labor costs effectively while continuing to deliver top-notch service. 

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Addressing labor costs with technology

One of the main drivers behind integrating me&u was the escalating labor costs. 

me&u allows customers to place orders directly from their tables, reducing the need for constant staff attention and thus optimizing labor usage. 

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Tracking the impact: Sales and labor efficiency

Early indications suggest a positive trend, particularly in terms of Sales Per Labor Hour (SPLH), a critical metric for gauging efficiency in the service industry.

At the Uptown location, there has been a noticeable year-over-year increase in SPLH:

February: 6.5% increase in SPLH versus February 2023

March: 22.5% increase in SPLH versus March 2023

April: 7.19% increase in SPLH versus April 2023

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Similarly, at the OG location, the figures reflect a steady improvement:

February: 1.1% increase in SPLH versus February 2023

March: 2.35% increase in SPLH versus March 2023

April: 10.23% increase in SPLH versus April 2023

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These numbers suggest that me&u is helping Stoney's manage labor costs more effectively, which is a significant win in an industry grappling with fluctuating sales and operational challenges.

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Shifts in customer ordering behavior

Another interesting trend observed since implementing me&u is a shift in customer ordering behavior. The Uptown location, in particular, has seen an uptick in add-ons for food. This increase suggests that the convenience of ordering directly from the table may be encouraging customers to explore more menu options and make additional purchases they might not have considered otherwise.

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Staff and customer reception

Adopting new technology in a traditional service environment can be challenging, but the response at Stoney's has been largely positive. Staff members, initially hesitant, have started appreciating the benefits, especially during peak hours when the system helps manage the workload more efficiently. 

Uptown staff, for example, have found that me&u has been a lifesaver during unexpected busy periods, enabling them to keep up with demand without compromising service quality.

“​​Uptown has been bailed out numerous times by getting busy out of no where and the staff being able to keep up by utilizing me&u.”

From a customer perspective, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 90. Most customers appreciate the ease and convenience of the me&u system. The primary concern has been around entering personal information, but “overall though people get why it is a good tool and easy to use”

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Most impactful features of me&u

One of the standout features of me&u for Stoney's has been the ability to customize service levels across different sections of the venue.

This flexibility allows them to offer Order & Pay options in areas not manned by servers, while still providing traditional service in other sections. This adaptability has proven crucial in managing staff workload and ensuring all customers receive timely service.

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A positive partnership with me&u

Overall, Stoney's Bar & Grill's experience with me&u has been highly positive. 

“Overall the experience working with me&u has been great! Keaton has been more than helpful every step of the way. We appreciated being heard when we met with the team in Vegas and continue to feel heard when we have issues.”

The support from the me&u team, particularly Keaton, has been instrumental in the successful integration of the system. Their proactive approach and willingness to listen to feedback have made the transition smoother and more effective.

To get started with Order & Pay, find out more here.

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