From Millenials to Generation Z: The generational shift at German universities and colleges is in full swing. The difference between them is enormous - and also affects behavior in the cafeteria!
While the Millenials first had to learn how to use modern technologies such as smartphones, tablets and social media as "pioneers," Generation Z has grown up with them - their use is accordingly a matter of course. Identification and application possibilities in the cafeteria? Not a chance! A dedicated Mensa app closes this gap.
Ordering food and drinks via the Mensa app makes breaks more convenient for guests and simplifies the processes in the university kitchen
With the Lunch App - the basis of the Mensa App - students, employees and guests can order food and drinks regardless of location and time. Even before the first lecture, the menu of the respective refectory can be viewed and the preferred dish ordered and paid for. The order is linked to a QR code - which then only needs to be presented at the serving counter and the food is served.
For the guests, of course, this means enormous time savings and more convenience. And the restaurateur? Thanks to advance ordering, they can estimate demand much more accurately, have to stock fewer dishes, and thus prevent overproduction and the associated food waste.
Another advantage of the app solution is that payment can be handled securely and easily: The usual Mensacards become obsolete. Almost all common means of payment (SEPA, PayPal, credit card, etc.) can be stored in the app.
No lectures and the cafeteria is too far away? Then just go to the food vending machine in the dorm or to the food truck around the corner.
During the pandemic, many dining halls had to remain closed. But the students were still hungry! Resourceful restaurateurs found solutions to continue feeding their guests: Food vending machines in the residence halls, food trucks on campus, or even supplying students with cooking boxes. Food options that can be implemented much more efficiently via the Lunch App. Modern vending machines can be effortlessly linked to the app and the order module and thus filled according to demand, food trucks can use the advance orders to better estimate which dishes will "go on the road" with them, and the delivery function can be used to automatically link the order and payment to the delivery address and map them in a process.
For Generation Z, sustainable solutions play a central role. Reusable systems are therefore unavoidable on campus.
Strict waste avoidance and the explicit use of reusable packaging determine the public discourse and are also increasingly assumed by students. The cooperation with the providers Relevo, Rieber and VYTAL enables the corresponding integration of reusable packaging solutions. By means of deep linking, the Mensa app and the app of the respective system provider communicate - users do not have to change the application for serving, depositing, taking back and booking the dishes. Dishes can be returned 24/7 via return vending machines.
Advanced refectory design: digital signage system provides modern options for menu promotion and customer engagement.
With the introduction of a digital signage system, gastronomic concepts can be expanded and new customer experiences created. In addition to upgrading the cafeteria and thus enhancing its image, students, employees and guests can find their way around more easily and be informed more quickly about changes to the menu. In addition, important information on prices, ingredients, etc. is communicated more attractively.
Real-time occupancy display and visitor flow measurement. The 2D customer frequency meter as a support to direct visitor flows.
The 2D customer frequency meter graphically displays the capacity utilization in the cafeteria and supports the detection of peak times and the guidance of visitor flows. Students, staff and guests can determine the ideal time to visit and benefit from shorter waiting times. The data is provided in real time with 100% data protection guaranteed.
