Posted in Travel

A QR experience – the right way

A few days ago I wrote about my very disappointing QR experience at Bahama Breeze. Or should I say un-experience. Just a few days later I sat down at a restaurant that did it the right way.

We cruised around the LBJ turnpike in the dark and sailed through security at DFW. With some time on our hands we checked the dining kiosk for breakfast places. IHOP was a five minute walk to the other end of the terminal. Two “yes” votes and we were on our way.

A very nice hostess sat us and pointed to a QR code on the table. “Oh boy,” I thought, “Here we go again.” I scanned the code and brought up the menu. Pricey selections. But the breakfast sampler included more than enough food for the two of us. I punched in my choices, added two coffees, clicked on the shopping cart, and hoped for the best. I put in my credit card info, added a tip, and I was done.

A minute later a server arrived with a pot of coffee, two cups, and silverware. “Since you’re splitting a breakfast, I’ll bring an extra plate.” Perfect. She brought out our food a few minutes later.

I entered a skeptic, and left a believer. I don’t mind interacting with a live server. I don’t mind interacting with electronics, either. As long as each gets the job done.

Posted in Life

QR deception

When we sat down at a table by the window in Bahama Breeze in the Orlando airport, I saw a QR code on the table. Interesting. I could scan, order, and pay right on my phone. Sweet. About five minutes later, when no server had come to our table, I decided to give it a try.

I scanned the code, brought up the menu, and started clicking boxes for our meals. Salad, fish tacos, drinks. Done. Easy-Peary. I clicked on the shopping cart to check out.

A message popped up. “A server must open a tab for this table to use virtual ordering.”

Wait a minute. I thought the purpose of this was to bypass the need to wait for a server. If a server had come to our table, I wouldn’t need to order online.

Finally someone did come over. Paola greeted us, saying, “I guess I’m your server.” There were very few servers working a couple dozen table, so she was hustling. She did a good job and I gave her a nice cash tip.

But hey, don’t tease me with a QR code if you’re only going to lead me to a dead end.