BlueStar Retail & Hospitality Newsletter Q3.25

From The Studio

Cafés in the Digital Spotlight:

How Technology is Changing the Game

by BossIt

While my career has been focused predominantly on QSRs, restaurant chains, and bars, I’ve noticed that many of the technology trends shaping those businesses are becoming just as relevant for cafés. What strikes me most is how operators - whether running a single café or a chain - are leveraging technology to work smarter, move faster, and create better experiences for customers.

From my perspective, modern POS systems and cloud-based management platforms are game changers. I’ve seen firsthand how these tools make daily operations smoother: orders flow faster, errors drop, and staff can focus more on service than on paperwork. 

For café chains or hybrid café/bar models, these platforms provide real-time insights into inventory, staffing, and sales across multiple locations - a vital advantage in a busy, competitive market.

On the customer side, digital loyalty programs, pre-ordering lunch, click & collect, contactless payments, and personalised promotions are reshaping expectations. Even smaller cafés can punch above their weight, offering convenience and personalisation that keep customers coming back. I’ve observed that when these technologies are used thoughtfully, cafés don’t just serve coffee - they create memorable experiences that build loyalty.

Across Europe, many cafés double as bars or quick-service spots, presenting unique operational challenges. Flexible technology allows operators to manage diverse menus, boom in peak hours, and manage aggregator sales seamlessly, ensuring quality no matter the time of day.

Looking ahead, I see predictive analytics, AI-driven recommendations, and smarter management systems continue to evolve the way cafés operate. Technology will help cafés anticipate busy periods, tailor offerings, and improve efficiency - all while enhancing the customer experience.

From my perspective, cafés that embrace these tools won’t just survive - they’ll thrive - delivering better service, happier customers, and sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market.

BossIt is member of BlueStar's TEConnect ISV Programme. Discover our entire range of innovative ISV partners and solutions available through the TEConnect ISV portal - visit today and see how these software partnerships can elevate your business.

Happy Hour Right on Cue:

The Smart Tech Behind Spontaneous Sips

Bars and restaurants live and die by foot traffic. A busy street might mean hundreds of potential customers walk by every evening — but how many of them actually step inside? That’s where GEO-fence marketing comes in.

Imagine this: a young professional heads home after work, walks past a bar, and suddenly their phone buzzes with: “Happy Hour starts now – first round half price!” To them, it feels like perfect timing. To us, it’s smart technology at work.

So how does it work?

• The fence: We create a virtual boundary around the bar, typically 50–100 meters wide.
• The trigger: As soon as a smartphone with location services enabled enters that zone, the system delivers a push notification.
• The message: Bars can fully customize what appears — promotions, live music announcements, or special offers tied to the time of day.

For bar owners, the value is simple: GEO-fence marketing converts casual foot traffic into loyal customers. It helps fill seats during slow hours, drive awareness for events, and even foster repeat visits with personalized incentives.

For our partners, the opportunity is just as powerful. GEO-fence marketing is:

• Proven – already used by top hospitality brands to increase footfall.
• Flexible – messages can be tailored by time, event, or customer segment.
• Easy to position – a plug-and-play solution that fits neatly into your existing portfolio.

The best part? Bars don’t need to worry about complicated integrations. The setup is quick, and the impact is immediate.

In short: GEO-fence marketing doesn’t just put bars on the map — it brings the customers right through the door. (And no, it won’t fetch their coats or pour the drinks… at least not yet. )

European Accessibility Act:

A Game-Changer for Cafés and VARs in the EU

If you are a value-added reseller (VAR) serving cafés across the EU, you are facing a significant shift thanks to the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which came into effect on June 28, 2025. This directive harmonizes accessibility requirements across all EU member states to ensure products and services are usable by people with disabilities and the elderly, removing barriers and opening new market opportunities for inclusive technologies.

What Is the European Accessibility Act?

The EAA replaces diverse national laws with a single, EU-wide standard designed to create a level playing field. This means fewer compliance hurdles and larger, more accessible markets for VARs and their customers. For cafés, this translates into the necessity for accessible technology such as payment terminals, self-service kiosks, digital menus, and online ordering platforms.

Key Areas Impacted in Café Environments

• Payment terminals and POS systems: Must offer tactile buttons, voice guidance, and screen reader compatibility.
• Self-service kiosks: Should provide audio output, tactile feedback, high contrast visuals, and screen magnification.
• Digital signage: Needs clear fonts, alternative formats (e.g., audio or braille), and navigation adapted for all users.
• Online ordering systems: Must comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), enabling keyboard navigation and screen reader support.

Why It Matters to VARs

The EAA affects all players in the product supply chain—manufacturers, importers, and distributors—and imposes stringent compliance obligations. VARs are uniquely positioned to lead the charge by:

• Reviewing existing café technology portfolios for EAA compliance.
• Partnering with vendors actively developing accessible solutions.
• Advising clients on regulatory requirements and best implementation practices.
• Expanding product offerings with accessibility features that meet or exceed legal standards.

What to Do Next

1. Audit your current portfolio — Identify which products or solutions you sell that fall under the EAA’s covered categories.
2. Engage with vendors — Ensure your partners are already working toward compliance. Early adopters will have a competitive edge.
3. Educate your customers — Position yourself as a trusted advisor on compliance, helping them navigate both regulatory requirements and implementation.
4. Expand your offering — Look for new vendor relationships or complementary services to address the accessibility gap.

The Bottom Line

As cafés evolve digitally, delivering accessible experiences is paramount. The EAA signals a shift to universal design, with legal enforcement through national regulators, fines, and market oversight. VARs acting now gain a competitive edge by aligning with these standards and helping cafés create inclusive environments for all customers.

Blending Speed,

Service & Simplicity

by Smart Volution

Cafés today are more diverse than ever. From a busy high street coffee spot in the UK serving teas and bacon rolls, to a European café offering wine, pastries, or even full meals, the expectations remain the same: fast, accurate service paired with a great customer experience. To meet these demands, cafés need more than just a till system, they need a flexible, modern EPOS that keeps service flowing smoothly and staff focused on customers, not paperwork.

Efficiency from Order to Table
Like many service businesses, cafés want to streamline every part of service. Ideally orders can be taken tableside on handheld devices and sent instantly to the kitchen printer or KDS, eliminating handwritten mistakes and speeding up preparation. When it is time to settle up, bills can be printed or split directly at the table, with payment taken on the spot. The result is less time wasted, fewer errors, and happier customers who enjoy seamless service.

Smart Management Behind the Scenes
Beyond the counter, café managers need powerful reporting and stock control. Real time data makes reconciliation straightforward and helps identify top selling items at a glance. With centralised stock and pricing management, cafés can keep tight control over margins while making informed decisions on menu design and purchasing. This is especially valuable in a sector where small efficiency gains make a big difference.

Built for Flexibility
Every café is unique, and it is important for the POS software to flex with different service styles. Table management tools make it easy to track covers and manage service across indoor and outdoor seating. Tab management lets staff keep orders open, add to them as needed, and split bills by item or amount in seconds. Modifiers help servers capture customer preferences quickly while creating natural upsell opportunities. Integrations with platforms such as Deliverect and accountancy packages ensure that cafés can stay connected, efficient, and in control.

Whether serving a quick coffee run, handling a busy brunch, or supporting evening drinks, the POS system adapts to the flow of business. With over 350 configurable features, Register provides cafés with the same enterprise grade tools used in larger hospitality venues at a price point that makes sense.

Smart Volution is member of BlueStar's TEConnect ISV Programme. Discover our entire range of innovative ISV partners and solutions available through the TEConnect ISV portal - visit today and see how these software partnerships can elevate your business.

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