Features

Appetize, Sidearm bring mobile ordering to US colleges

Modern point of sale company Appetize has partnered with Sidearm Sports, a leading provider of collegiate athletic web and mobile solutions, to bring digital ordering and payment experiences to college sports fans in the US.

Sidearm’s client base includes more than 1,100 college campuses nationwide, while Appetize is seeking to transform the foodservice and retail payment technology sectors for enterprise businesses.

The partnership will result in Appetize’s mobile ordering platform being directly integrated into the Sidearm Sports Mobile Application via its API. As a result, fans will be able to select their seat, menu items and checkout on their phones.

Appetize sends orders to the closest kitchen display system for delivery or for pickup, with fans receiving updates via text message. Sidearm partner schools can opt in and enable mobile ordering for their athletic departments within their existing application.

University of North Carolina is a client of both companies and has opted to become the first partner to deploy the joint solution. Sidearm partners will also be given the chance to introduce Appetize’s full point of sale product suite, which includes fixed POS, self-service kiosks, and handheld tablets. Campuses can monitor their operations and run real-time reports through Appetize Connect, the web-based POS management platform.

Jeff Rubin, president and chief executive of Sidearm Sports, said: “Sidearm is focused on delivering an exceptional fan experience to our collegiate partners. It was only natural that we incorporate the in-seat ordering experience into our platform.

“As a leader in the mobile ordering, we are excited to partner with Appetize to bring modern and innovative solutions to our partners that will improve the guest experience and increase revenue opportunities.”

Kevin Anderson, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Appetize, added: “We’re thrilled to partner with Sidearm Sports who not only shares the common mission of improving the guest experience, but who also provides a platform that complements our omni-channel approach to point of sale.

“Together, we are meeting the guests beyond the traditional register within their favourite team app, and providing a convenient way to make purchases on their own time.”

Image: Appetize