News

C-store customers order up taste of the future

January 18, 2004

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Ordering fast food at the local Thorntons convenience store has become an exercise in fingertip control.

According to an article in the Courier-Journal, the Thorntons Quick Cafe and Market here is the first store of the chain to install touchscreen ordering kiosks for its made-to-order sandwich service.

Louisville firm IDS Engineering developed the software that runs the system through computers the stores use to keep contact with company headquarters. It uses Microsoft .NET software.

Using the screen, Thorntons customers can get a guided tour through a dozen screens of menu choices and extras options, place an order and pick it up a few minutes later without exchanging a word with the person behind the deli counter, the article stated.

The company is installing the system in a second store currently being built in the Indianapolis area. It could enter existing stores as the company works out design issues for the expanded deli and grocery concept.

Using the touchscreen, customers can choose from picture-and-word icons asking if they want a hamburger or a sub sandwich. If they pick the sandwich, for example, they are asked if they want it hot or cold, then which meats; what cheese; what toppings; extra meat or cheese; combo meal; or super-sized drink.

When the order's complete, a receipt slips out from under the screen and the order number gets in line on a 42-inch plasma video screen near the counter. When the order's ready, the number changes color and moves down to a different line. The bill is paid at the checkout.