App8’s innovative technology allows foodservice brands to delight customers with digital ordering experiences, while reducing operational bottlenecks and improving the bottom line. Ottawa-based App8 aims to revolutionize the foodservice industry through its mobile ordering solution. With App8, the customers of foodservice brands can easily browse menus, place orders, and make payments using their own devices. The company is currently working with national foodservice brands such as Boston Pizza and Bowlero. App8’s innovative back end and integration logic enables seamless integration with various operational components like point of sales, notifications, reporting, robotics, and membership programs. The implementation of App8 will bring numerous benefits to both foodservice operators and customers. It will not only remove friction from the guest ordering experience but will also allow foodservice brands to increase the efficiency of their operations by streamlining processes, reducing errors, and eliminating redundancies.
The company received $249,998 in funding for its supply chain automation enablement project.
We spoke to CEO Elias Hage to learn more about the company and its plans.
Q: What is your company’s mission?
A: Our mission is to unlock the full potential of foodservice brands using technology.
Q: Why did you apply for this funding and how will you use it?
A: We applied for this funding to automate the purchasing experience for consumers while streamlining foodservice operations that leverage AI and robotics technology. The investment will be used for research and development, team expansion and implementation to bring a scalable solution to market quickly and effectively.
Q: What excites you most about working in this area of the food industry?
A: The most exciting aspect of working in digital transformation and automation is unlocking new ways to delight guests, while solving major long-standing operational challenges faced by foodservice brands.
Q: Why is collaboration so important for accelerating innovation in the food industry? Is it difficult to find good collaborating partners, and what would make the process easier?
A: Collaboration is crucial for driving innovation in the food industry. By partnering with other best-in-class organizations, we can innovate beyond a single specialized area and collectively deliver integrated and streamlined operating environments powered by digital and automation technology.
Q: Please comment on the importance of public funding to help companies clear innovation hurdles and access leveraged funds.
A: Public funding has been a critical factor in allowing companies like ours to take calculated risks, innovate, connect with collaborators, and realize new opportunities. With access to public financing, we can invest in the development of new technologies and products, engage with experts and partners from diverse industries, and explore untapped markets. Furthermore, the support from public funding sources provides a safety net to pursue bold ideas. The result is a thriving foodservice industry that is driving innovation and creating new solutions for a sustainable future.
Q: Looking ahead, what’s on the horizon for your company?
A: App8 is innovating towards a fully connected end-to-end digital solution which puts digital guest experiences at the centre of a robust and fully connected technology suite for foodservice brands.
Q: What are your passions or hobbies outside of work?
A: I’m a father, and an outdoors enthusiast. When time permits, I’m camping under the stars, diving into a lake, or snowboarding down a slope.
Q: If you had to pick one person to make you a meal, who would you choose?
A: My mom. She’s a great cook, and despite generations of Mediterranean recipes passed down to her, she’s constantly trying new things.
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