Chili's Grill & Bar is partnering with Olo, a leading digital ordering provider, to power its online ordering platform and build an infrastructure for future capabilities. This partnership is a strategic investment in Chili's to-go business and will support future growth through an improved digital experience for guests using their smartphones, tablets or PCs to order online.
In summer 2016, Chili's will implement Olo's online ordering platform, which provides fast and secure digital ordering and seamlessly integrates with current operations and systems. Olo's industry-leading technology brings new, innovative features that will allow for pre-order, group order, and payment flexibility.
"To-go ordering is the fastest growing part of our business," says Wade Allen, vice president of digital innovation and customer engagement for Chili's Grill & Bar. "This investment in technology for online ordering is a clear opportunity for further growth and lays a foundation for us to add new features that will continue to deliver a digital guest experience like no other in the casual dining industry."
Once the new platform is launched, 4.3 million members of Chili's growing loyalty program, My Chili's Rewards, will have the flexibility of paying for to-go orders with loyalty points through the Chili's app or online. Whether dining in restaurant or grabbing Chili's favorites to go, guests will control how and when they redeem loyalty points, coupons, and gift cards.
"Consumers continue to spend more of the 'food dollar' at restaurants that can provide them convenient and delicious meals to fit their busy lifestyles," says Noah Glass, founder and CEO of Olo. "We're thrilled to work with Chili's in expanding their digital hospitality and capabilities."
Chili's approach to technology innovation is simple—build an infrastructure and keep the digital guest experience at its core. Starting in 2013, Chili's revolutionized the casual dining industry with the introduction of Ziosk tabletop tablets, now on more than 70,000 Chili's restaurant tables nationwide. In 2015, the brand launched a state-of-the-art loyalty program, My Chili's Rewards, which leverages technology, personalization, and gamification to make earning and redeeming points more engaging than ever before. This year, Chili's has set its sights to introduce a new era for online ordering.
