Delaware North Cos. has brought uWink to the Chili’s Too Margarita Bar at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL).
The uWink touch-screen terminals allow guests to order their food and drink, play electronic games and pay for their meals – all directly from their table. Some of the games allow for interaction and competition among tables or the entire restaurant.
Four of the terminals have been installed at the restaurant and bar. The FLL eatery is the first location to use the technology in airport dining.
Delaware North chose FLL because the U.S. Customs and Border protection agency’s designation of it as one of 18 “Model Ports of Entry” airports, which seeks to improve the experience for international travelers. To that end, terminals offer menus in Spanish and English, with German, Italia, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Hindi, Russian and French coming soon.
“We’re pushing very hard to bring cutting-edge brands to travelers across the country, so our partnership with uWink represents an incredible opportunity,” says Matt King, president of Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services. “I think people are going to be blown away by how much fun they have at the uWink terminals and how convenient they are for international visitors.”
Nolan Bushnell, who founded uWink and is its chief executive officer, says, “We are excited to have such a great partner as Delaware North bring our technology and restaurant concept to the airport industry and the Fort Lauderdale Airport.”
The company has opened three self-operated restaurants in California since 2006.
Delaware North’s King says the Chili’s ordering systems are a test for potential expansion to other airport restaurants operated by the company.
In other Delaware North news…
Delaware North has partnered with Which Wich, a sandwich company focusing on giving customers fresh bread and ingredients.
It offers more than 50 types of sandwiches, allowing customers to customize them. The company also offers chips, shakes and cookies.
“Delaware North is very excited about our new strategic partnership with Which Wich,” says King. “We take pride in partnering with innovative companies like Which Wich that stand out in the industry. Now, we can provide airports and travelers with a concept others simply can’t offer.”
Jeff Sinelli, founder and chief executive officer of Which Wich, says the company is excited about the pairing.
“It’s the right move for our brand and it will enable us to engage a whole new group of customers with our interactive and customizable concepts,” he says. “We’re confident this partnership will equate to great things for Which Wich.”
Which Wich’s sandwiches are all the same price, and customers place their orders using custom red Sharpies to mark up pre-printed menus on sandwich bags.
“Simply put, these are the relationships Delaware North wants to build in our industry,” said King. “We want to help creative brands like Which Wich strengthen their national presence by featuring them in airports around the country.”
Delaware North says it plans to include Which Wich in a handful of upcoming bids. The first location for the concept is undetermined.
