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OhWaiter, Inc. Adapts to the New-Norm by Launching Ordering & Payment Text-Messaging Service

As COVID-19 cases continue to decline, restrictions are slowly being lifted and the city of Los Angeles is opening – with precautions of course. Since March the lively city of Angels has had to adapt rather quickly to the new reality of social-distancing, limited capacity, or even just take-out in order to comply with regulations.

Founder of OhWaiter Jonathan Chu! Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Chu

There is one service that is a game changer for the hospitality industry - OhWaiter, Inc.! OhWaiter recently launched its ordering & payment text-messaging service which was created for the restaurant & hospitality industry. Amid COVID19, OhWaiter enables servers and guests to safely order while maintaining physical distancing and good customer service.

We had the chance to chat with founder of OhWaiter to get the low-down on the service and how it’s a win-win for the hospitality industry and consumers.


IdentifyLA: What is OhWaiter?

Jonathan Chu: OhWaiter is a new text messaging platform, offering contactless & efficient communication between guests and service-based businesses such as restaurants, bars, hotels just to name a few.

IDLA: How does it work?

JC:  When a guest makes a text-messaging request, that message is sent to the provided tablet and any team member is capable of fulfilling the request. This enables both the restaurant staff and their guests to communicate seamlessly and prevent delays. Guests can connect with OhWaiter customers with their mobile device, by texting the OhWaiter provided number. Customers are immediately alerted via the provided tablet whenever a request is received.

IDLA: How much does it cost for the service-based business?

JC: $149 a month and the business gets 2 tablets

IDLA: What businesses are you currently at right now?

JC: We're currently at a dozen properties on the West Coast including: 

· The Independence

· Gladstones

· Lobster & Beer

· Chicas

· Sweet Lady Jane

· Pitfire Pizza

· Hotel Erwin

· Tiato

IDLA: What prompted you to create OhWaiter?

JC: With rising labor costs and other negative trade winds affecting our industry, I was inspired to create a solution to help operators save and enhance business margins. 

IDLA: Can guests use OhWaiter instead of talking to a server?

JC: Yes. But it is not intended to replace the server.  It is an insurance plan and communication tool to help servers.

IDLA: Why should businesses start using OhWaiter?

JC: “Contact-less” ordering, mobile payment, enhanced service, improved margins, better reviews, analytics, to name a few