Enhancing Hospitality Services with Self‑Serve, Mobile, and Robot Technologies

An introduction to non-traditional service methods

The hospitality industry is undergoing a quiet revolution. As customer expectations shift towards speed, personalisation and convenience, traditional service models are being reimagined. Increasingly, venues are turning to technology driven solutions- such as self-service kiosks, mobile ordering apps, and even robot waiters- to meet these demands.

Self-serve Kiosks and mobile app ordering

Self-service kiosks and mobile app ordering have transformed the hospitality landscape, cutting down queues and allowing customers to order from their seats with ease. Designed to meet modern expectations and promote customer autonomy, Lolly’s solutions aim to elevate the guest experience while delivering tangible benefits to business owners. By streamlining operations and enhancing ordering accuracy, tools like Lolly HQ empowers venues to level up their tech stack- combining customer convenience with operation efficiency.

Mobile EPoS and table-side ordering

Mobile EPoS (Electronic Point of Sale) devices are refining how hospitality teams interact with guests. Whether you're running a busy festival stall, serving on a pop-up bar or taking charge of a large-scale event, these handheld systems allow staff to take orders and payments on the move and improve service speed. This flexibility is especially valuable in these high-footfall environments where traditional fixed tills can slow down operations. With Mobile EPoS, staff can reduce wait times and the customers can enjoy a smoother experience- all while the venue benefits from increased efficiency and revenue.

Robot waiters and pre-order pods

As automation continues to shape the future of hospitality, robot waiters and pre-order pods are emerging as innovative solutions to streamline service and create memorable guest experiences. These technologies are particularly effective in high-volume or novelty-driven venues, where speed and innovation go hand in hand.

Robot waiters can deliver food and drinks directly to tables, freeing up staff to focus on customer engagement and upselling. Meanwhile, pre-order pods help to reduce congestion and improve throughput during peak times. These tools not only enhance efficiency but add a futuristic flair that can set your venue apart. By choosing to integrate them into your business, you can optimise workflows, reduce human error, and offer a consistent level of service- even during the busiest hours.

Key benefits of non-traditional service

Adopting non-traditional service methods offers a range of advantages that go beyond convenience. These tech systems are designed to solve real operational challenges while enhancing the customer journey.

Faster throughput: Venues can process more orders in less time- especially during peak hours.

Lower staffing needs: Automation reduces pressures on human staff, allowing teams to operate efficiently with fewer people, or relocate staff to more customer-focused roles.

Better hygiene: Contactless ordering and payment options minimise physical interaction and supporting safer service environments

Consistent upselling: Digital interfaces can prompt customers with add-ons and updates automatically, increasing average spend without relying on staff memory.

Deployment at Stanhope Weekender

A standout example of non-traditional service in action is the Stanhope Weekender- a live music event delivering a host of amenities, from bars to an assortment of street vendors.

Having previously used a combination of standalone card machines and a common ‘off the shelf’ EPoS system, Lewis Maddison, co-founder of the festival, said that, “I used to view EPoS equipment as an expense rather than an investment. However, earlier this year, we decided to opt for a custom-built and managed EPoS system, which is when we came across Lolly,”

He added; “I can genuinely say that this was one of the best business decisions we ever made. At a music festival with over 3,000 attendees, our bar operated with exceptional efficiency, and there were never any queues. The system that Lolly developed for us was incredibly streamlined and significantly reduced the workload for our bar staff.”

Planning your tech mix

Choosing the right combination of service technologies isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision- it depends on your venue's unique needs. Whether you’re a large or a small venue, your tech mix should align with key business needs.

Footfall: Busy venues may benefit from self-serve kiosks and mobile ordering to reduce queue, while a mobile EPoS device might be more valued by a smaller space who want to allow their staff to stay flexible and responsive.

Staffing model: If you’re operating with fewer staff, automation tools such as pre-order pods or robot waiters can help to maintain service quality without overextending staff- and allowing them to focus on the customers personal experience.

Scalability: Lolly HQ allows businesses to centralise their reporting, making it easier to manage multiple service points or expand their operations over time.

Final thoughts

Non-traditional service methods aren’t just about novelty. They’re strategic tools that help businesses streamline operations, reduce staffing pressures, and enhance the overall guest experience. Whether it's a bustling bar, an independent cafe or a high-end restaurant, tech-enabled service is becoming a cornerstone of modern hospitality. At Lolly, we believe in perfecting the guest experience with technology designed to future-proof your business.

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