Top Tech for Your Pie Shop: Must-Haves!

Owning and operating a pie shop can be a delightful and profitable venture, especially when you have the perfect slice of technology to support your operations. From the front of the house to the back, numerous tech gadgets and systems can streamline your workflow, minimize errors, and ensure your customers have a satisfying experience that keeps them coming back for more. Discover the essential tech must-haves to elevate your pie shop to the next level.

Point of Sale (POS) Systems

Efficiency At The Checkout

A seamless transaction is the final touch on a customer’s positive experience. Modern POS systems are more than just cash registers—they are multifunctional tools that handle sales, inventory, and customer management.

Square: Known for its simple set-up and user-friendly interface, Square is perfect for small businesses like pie shops. It allows you to take payments, manage inventory, and offer features like marketing and loyalty programs.
Toast: This is an all-in-one POS system designed specifically for the foodservice industry. It offers tableside ordering, kitchen displays, and an integrated online ordering system.
ShopKeep: Aimed at small to medium-sized businesses, ShopKeep offers an intuitive system that can manage customers, inventory, and even employee hours.

Smart Ovens

Consistency in Every Bake

The quality of your pies is paramount, and smart ovens ensure each batch is baked to perfection.

RATIONAL SelfCookingCenter®: Offers precise temperature control and can cook different items simultaneously, which is great for a busy pie shop.
TurboChef: Provides rapid cooking speeds without compromising quality, perfect for quick-service pie shops looking to serve customers efficiently.
June Oven: This smart oven is a more compact option. It is perfect for smaller spaces and can be controlled via a smartphone app.

Digital Inventory Management

Simplified Stock Taking

Keep track of ingredients and supplies with digital inventory management systems. These can help predict order quantities, prevent waste, and alert you before you run out of stock.

MarketMan: Offers real-time inventory tracking against your recipes, so you can keep an accurate count of your ingredients and supplies.
Partender: This reduces the time to do an inventory from hours to minutes, helping you quickly identify what needs to be reordered.
BlueCart: Designed to streamline the ordering process and closely monitor inventory levels.

Online Ordering Platform

Expand Your Sales Channels

With most consumers valuing convenience, having an online ordering platform is essential.

ChowNow: An online ordering system that’s designed to integrate directly with your website and branding.
Toast TakeOut & Delivery: Works with your Toast POS to take and process online orders.
Uber Eats: Though known as a food delivery service, it also offers a platform for customers to place pick-up orders from local businesses.

Digital Marketing Tools

Connect With Your Customers

Marketing tools help you reach out to new customers and keep regulars engaged.

Mailchimp: An email marketing service that helps you send out newsletters, promotions, and personalized campaigns.
Hootsuite: Manage all your social media accounts from one dashboard, schedule posts in advance, and track engagement.
Canva: Helps you easily create professional-looking digital marketing materials, from menus to social media posts.

Scheduling Software

Streamline Employee Management

Ensure that your shop is always adequately staffed without over or under-scheduling.

When I Work: Simplifies the scheduling process and allows employees to request time off or trade shifts.
7shifts: Optimized for restaurants, this app helps you manage shifts and communicate with your team efficiently.
Homebase: Beyond scheduling, this tool also aids in tracking time and managing labor costs.

Integrating these tech must-haves into your pie shop allows you to run a smooth operation that focuses on what you do best—creating delicious pies. Investing in the right technology will enhance your customers’ experience and contribute to your business's overall success and growth. Enjoy the intersection of baking tradition with cutting-edge tech as you make your pie shop a favorite in the community.