TLDR

Two Buffalo natives, John Henninger and Dan Borowski, have transformed their passion for Buffalo wings into Dan & John's Wings, now a beloved go-to spot in New York City. With lines out the door each weekend, their classic Buffalo wings bring joy to thousands across the five boroughs. But is Dan & John's Wings reaching its full potential? By building a custom mobile app, you can take your wings to more than just New Yorkers while boosting revenue and efficiency. Read on to learn how a mobile app helps regional chains like Dan & John's Wings expand their customer base, increase order frequency, and improve operations. With some strategic digital investments, your homegrown restaurant can become a Buffalo wing empire across NYC.

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The Origin Story of Dan & John's Wings in NYC

A Taste of Home in the Big Apple

Dan and John were two Buffalo natives craving the iconic flavors of their hometown. After moving to New York City, they found the city's wing offerings lacking - unable to satisfy their hankering for the perfect, crispy Buffalo wing.

Crafting Wings in a Brooklyn Apartment

Determined to recreate that authentic Buffalo taste, Dan and John began experimenting in Dan's Brooklyn apartment kitchen. Drawing inspiration from family recipes passed down through generations, they painstakingly perfected their sauce - a perfect balance of vinegar, butter, and a proprietary blend of spices.

Their signature wings quickly gained a cult following among homesick Western New Yorkers and spice aficionados alike.

From Humble Beginnings to NYC Sensation

What started as a hobby born out of homesickness soon blossomed into a full-fledged business. Dan & John's Wings opened their first location in 2014, with lines stretching around the block from day one.

Word of their addictive wings spread like wildfire, attracting fans from all over the city craving a genuine taste of Buffalo culture. Today, with multiple locations across NYC, Dan & John's has cemented itself as the go-to spot for classic Buffalo-style wings done right.

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How a Custom Mobile App Can Increase Sales and Loyalty for Dan & John's

Boost Customer Engagement

A custom mobile app provides a direct line of communication with your customers. Push notifications allow you to share new menu items, promotions, and events. This keeps your brand top-of-mind and drives engagement. Targeted push notifications also help build better customer relations by sending personalized messages, coupons, and alerts about new menu items.

You can also integrate loyalty programs to incentivize frequent visits. Customers can easily track rewards and feel appreciated for their patronage.

Maximize Order Convenience

Ordering through a custom-branded app is convenient for customers. In fact, 70% of customers prefer using a restaurant's mobile app for ordering over other methods due to convenience and customization options. They can browse your full menu, customize orders, and pay through secure options like Apple Pay - all from their phone. This seamless experience increases the likelihood of orders and higher spend per transaction.

Data-Driven Insights

Behind the scenes, your app collects valuable customer data like order histories and preferences. Use these insights to optimize your menu, marketing campaigns, and operations. Targeted promotions keep customers coming back for their favorites. The Per Diem merchant dashboard give merchants access to monthly and weekly analytics to help them make data driven and informed business decisions.

Brand Loyalty and Advocacy

A branded app reinforces your identity as an innovative, customer-centric brand. Providing this premium experience nurtures loyal patrons who are more likely to recommend your restaurant. This drives new business through word-of-mouth. Customers who have a positive experience tend to become your biggest brand advocates, posting reviews and sharing their experience with friends and followers on social media. This viral growth through authentic recommendations is a powerful way to gain new customers.

Reduce Reliance on Third-Party Delivery Apps

Building your own mobile app allows you to reduce or eliminate the hefty commission fees charged by third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash. These fees can add up quickly and significantly cut into your profits. By providing customers with a convenient way to order directly through your own branded app, you give them less reason to use third-party services. This means keeping more of the revenue from each sale for your own business.

Streamlined Operations

When orders flow directly from your app into your Square POS, operations become far more efficient. Your staff can focus on quality food preparation and service rather than juggling orders across multiple channels.

By investing in a custom mobile ordering app from Per Diem, Dan & John's can unlock exciting new avenues for growth. Increased customer engagement, convenience, and brand loyalty lead to higher sales and a thriving business.

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Actionable Tips for Dan & John's Wings to Implement Mobile Ordering

Streamline Operations for Efficient Fulfillment

To successfully implement mobile ordering, Dan & John's will need to optimize back-of-house operations. Cross-train staff on mobile order procedures and consider designating dedicated runners to expedite pickup orders. Clearly communicate pickup instructions and locations to avoid bottlenecks.

Mobile orders often have higher average tickets, so ensure the kitchen can handle increased volume during peak hours. Analyze sales data to forecast demand and staff accordingly.

Prioritize the Customer Experience

Make the mobile ordering process seamless from start to finish. Invest in an intuitive, user-friendly app with a well-designed interface. Prominently showcase your signature wings and most popular items.

Offer secure digital payment options and real-time order tracking to build customer confidence. Personalize the experience with saved preferences, order history and loyalty rewards.

Promote and Incentivize Mobile Adoption

Launch a robust marketing campaign to drive awareness and downloads of your new mobile app. Highlight the convenience and contactless nature of mobile ordering. Offer limited-time discounts and promotions for first-time mobile orders.

Capture customer data to retarget through email, push notifications and social media advertising. Implement a referral program to leverage word-of-mouth from brand advocates.

Mobile ordering is the future for quick-service restaurants. By optimizing operations, prioritizing customer experience and executing a strategic promotion plan, Dan & John's Wings can successfully implement this channel to drive incremental revenue.

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Final Thoughts

You've built an impressive brand bringing authentic Buffalo wings to New York City, but a custom mobile app would take Dan & John's Wings to exciting new heights. Integrating online ordering into your POS system streamlines operations while boosting revenue. Customers want an easy, seamless experience from craving to consumption. Meet this demand with your own app, watch ROI climb, and carry on the upward trajectory of Dan & John's Wings.

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