Pesapal Targets Bars and Entertainment Industry With Innovative Tech Solutions

Pesapal, a payment solutions provider for businesses and personal products, on Friday presented technology-based solutions for the bar and entertainment industry.

The company outlined innovative digital solutions that are helping restaurant owners and managers to run their businesses more efficiently and sustainably whilst safeguarding against instances of theft.

Pesapal communicated to the bar and entertainment industries stakeholders during the Pesapal Caffé Session.

Like other sectors of the economy, technology continues to transform traditional aspects of the full-service dining room to cater to new diner expectations, emerging trends and consumer experience for convenient, contactless experiences.

“Our innovative technology solutions have helped restaurants and bars transform how they operate not just to survive, but thrive, in this new connected and contactless era,” Pesapal Kenya Head of Sales – Hospitality sector, Mercy Kanini said.

“In the last two years, the growth in the bar and entertainment industry has entirely been driven by off-premise consumption. As customers resume physical dining experience, using technology is not just about improving operations and service delivery, but also reimagining restaurants.”

From online ordering, self-checkouts, and touchless payments to delivery and pick-up, the bar and entertainment industry can no longer afford to ignore the trends that are helping businesses reinvent themselves to remain relevant and competitive.

Speaking at the event, Pubs, Entertainment & Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) Chairperson Michael Kiragu said tech innovations have helped solve some of the bar industry’s challenges, including monetary and inventory-related theft, high staff turnover, pilferage and wastage. These have been some of the long-running challenges in the bar industry, with adverse effects on the profitability of businesses as they result in huge costs.

“Most of our operators have identified the need for technology adoption to help achieve efficiencies and save time and money. Over the past few years, we have seen our members increase their investments in back-of-the-house technology such as point-of-sale systems to help seal leakages and improve operations,” Michael Kiragu said.

But technology’s role in the bar and entertainment industry goes beyond table reservations and online payments. Businesses are adopting solutions that help with distributions as well.

“We have strengthened our online distribution to serve more customers. We started by launching Party Central, then partnered with e-commerce platforms. Through these platforms, we have enabled customers to order their drinks from the comfort of their homes and enjoy delivery right to their doorstep,” said Ms. Anne Joy Michira, Acting Marketing & Innovations Director, Kenya Breweries Limited.

Internal theft and pilferages are common challenges in the bar and restaurant industry. The challenge causes considerable harm to the overall profitability of the business. Despite tight checks and measures, there is always a likelihood of theft occurring in these outlets.

Pesapal has a variety of solutions for the bar and entertainment industry. These include the Pesapal Sabi POS terminal, Reserveport, Invoicing, Payment Links, and Ticketsasa.

Pesapal Caffé Sessions is an initiative by Pesapal targeting professionals in various sectors. The aim is to connect individuals, share learnings and transfer knowledge with a critical focus on the digital economy.