Applebee’s is turning to Toast as its new point-of-sale provider.
The casual-dining chain plans to install Toast technology at all of its 1,500 restaurants nationwide, it said Monday. In addition to Toast POS terminals, Applebee’s will also be using its handheld tablets for servers, kitchen display systems and restaurant management software.
The move will allow Applebee’s to digitize its operations in the front- and back-of-house as it looks to run more smoothly and provide a better experience for customers.
“This is a crucial step in the evolution of our 45-year-old brand,” said Justin Skelton, CIO of Applebee’s parent Dine Brands, in a statement. “POS and KDS systems are essential to efficient operations and can have major impacts on both the guest and team member experience. We look forward to working with Toast to enhance Applebee’s technology capabilities.”
It also represents a big new customer for Toast. The Boston-based company has historically focused on independent restaurants but has been pushing upmarket in recent years.
“Applebee’s is an iconic brand and at the heart of so many communities. Like Toast, they are focused on enabling moments that bring people together around a great meal,” said Toast CMO Kelly Esten in a statement. “We are thrilled to help Applebee’s and Dine Brands innovate their front- and back-of-house digital experience, while maintaining the best of this brand we know and love.”
Early last year, Applebee’s sister brand IHOP completed a POS transition of its own, from a legacy provider to the cloud-based Tray. The change has allowed IHOP to be more nimble and get better data, Dine CEO John Peyton said in an interview last month.
It continues a trend of restaurants adopting end-to-end, cloud-based POS systems that are built for omnichannel ordering and enable a more integrated tech stack.
Applebee’s is coming off of a difficult year in which systemwide sales tumbled nearly 6%. The chain has invested in value-based deals and menu innovation to attract customers and will now overhaul its technology in hopes of improving its operations as well.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.