In today’s episode, we’re exploring the implications of self-ordering within coffee and hospitality. From QR codes and mobile apps to kiosks and premium vending, the ordering experience is becoming increasingly digital and putting more control into the hands of consumers than ever before.
But what are the business benefits of digital and self-ordering systems? Do customers really spend more when they place the order themselves? And crucially, what does this digital shift mean for the human element of hospitality?
We’ll speak with Mariam French, Marketing Director, Leon, Liam Crooks, Managing Director EMEA, Lightspeed, and Vince Kelders, Group Category Leader Hot Drinks, Selecta.
Credits music: "Bare Minimum" by Daisy Peacock in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show
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Guests
Mariam French
Marketing Director, Leon
Mariam French is Marketing Director at UK food and coffee chain Leon. With a career spanning from waitressing at Wimbledon to launching her own restaurant and consultancy, Mariam brings deep industry insight to her role. Leon, founded in 2004, now runs over 70 UK outlets and was an early adopter of self-ordering kiosks in 2021.
Liam Crooks
Managing Director EMEA
Liam Crooks, Managing Director EMEA at e-commerce platform Lightspeed. Lightspeed works with over 35,000 hospitality businesses across Europe, providing operators with integrated payment systems and “Order Anywhere” Point of Sale tools like QR codes, and mobile and tableside ordering.
Vince Kelders
Group Category Leader Hot Drinks, Selecta
Vince Kelders is the Group Category Leader for Hot Drinks at Selecta, a leading FoodTech company offering convenience food services and world-class coffee brands. Kelders began at Selecta in 2017, initially working as a project manager before moving to Pelican Rouge Coffee Roasters, where he managed intercompany sales of coffee and ingredients.
