Chef's iPhone app aims to streamline food industry

 A chef with 24 years in the catering industry has launched the first ever fully branded iPhone and Android app which allows customers to order food or reserve a table and receive promotions.

Andy Evans from London worked in a number of chain hotels and rosette restaurants before setting up Chylled Consultancy in 2009.

“As a chef I have always tried to be innovative and encouraged pre-ordering of food for large groups or those on a tight schedule”, said Evans. “This often wasn’t possible in certain venues but I was certain that there was an easy solution out there.”

Chylled Apps acts as an ordering or pre-booking facility, through which the customer is able to view and place their last order, as well as book rooms for private functions.

On the operational side, orders and bookings are received into the control panel and via email and text, which can automatically be printed out. Customer email addresses are collected and can be used in promotional activity, with the customer also being given the option to opt out at any time.

The booking functionality can be modified to show only certain availability as time slots become taken, and each aspect of the app is made bespoke to reflect the nature of the establishment and its service offerings.

Evans said the app’s reporting functionality can be broken down daily, weekly or monthly, to highlight recurring quiet periods and produce coupons to encourage customers into the establishment during those quiet times.

“I have produced this app to make the dining experience more enjoyable and seamless for both customers and catering professionals,” said Evans.

Although the brand is not yet present in the Middle East, it is looking for resellers in the region.

Eveans commented: “With the current hospitality development of areas such as Dubai the possibilities are endless, and with feedback as the app is trialed across Europe, the app can be tailored to specific needs.”