Burger King Tests New App for Dine-In Reservations in Italy

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Fast-food chain Burger King is testing a new app that enables customers to order digitally and make dining reservations at its Italy locations. Through the new app, customers can easily reserve a table, order dine-in or takeout food, and pay before going to their chosen Burger King branch. About 30% of the tables at each branch will be allotted for digital reservations during peak hours. According to Andrea Valota, general manager of Burger King Italy, the purpose of this initiative is to encourage people to dine in again after over two months of the strict lockdown in the country. The chain hopes to stabilize its revenues with the new initiative and plans to launch the app in other countries if it becomes a success in Italy. Earlier in March, nearly all branches of Burger King in Italy were temporarily closed because of the strict government-imposed lockdown. Throughout the lockdown period, the chain slowly reopened about 40 of its branches to accommodate home deliveries. Even though some restrictions have been lifted, Burger King still fears that apprehension about the possibility of another outbreak might prevent customers from dining in its stores. Valota said the pandemic might alter customers’ behavior for years, so it is important to assure them that they can be safe even in places commonly perceived as crowded. In addition to creating the app, Burger King has also implemented new safety standards at its restaurants. One of these is the strict observance of physical distancing for both employees and customers. Customers' temperatures will also be taken before they can enter the restaurant, and kitchen staff will be required to wash their hands more frequently.