Effort and Relaxation Under One Roof; Uninterrupted Ordering During and After Sports via QR

For more and more people, the idea of an ideal evening out includes an hour of playing padel or golf followed by a nice drink and snack at the bar. Or, while bowling with friends, easily ordering a round of beers and bitterballen during the game. Hal22 and Chi Chi Golf Resort are two sporty venues in the Utrecht region that have discovered the convenience of digital ordering and payment and are fully utilizing it.

Hal22, part of the Utrecht Horecagroep, was founded in 2021 with this exact purpose: to combine sports with atmospheric hospitality. And Chi Chi not only makes golf accessible to experienced players but also to novices, in part by adding various interactive game forms. These two sports venues recognize like no other that visitors in 2024 desire a certain level of service and quality both during and after sports. This is evident: both interiors are beautifully designed, and the menu offers a wide variety of drinks and dishes that rival those of a “normal” restaurant.

Chantal, employed by the Utrecht Horecagroep, which also includes venues like Dengh, Club Claar, and Basta, states, “At the start of Hal22, it was immediately clear to us that we needed a form of QR code ordering. This way, we can let groups easily order their snacks and drinks at any time they wish during bowling or playing pool, without needing a lot of staff.” Manager Floris of Chi Chi started Butlaroo for roughly the same reasons: “It’s not cost-effective for us to staff all day just to take orders from our golfers. We welcome everyone and then explain that they can order not only through our staff but also via the QR code. Guests respond very well to this and find it more convenient than disruptive, as it doesn’t interfere with their golf flow.” So, guests can enjoy uninterrupted play but still have the option to order food and drinks, which are quickly served by the staff.

Both Chantal and Floris acknowledge that the convenience of QR ordering has surprised them, as well as the benefits it brings. Chantal comments, “We don’t always have enough staff available and are sometimes overwhelmed by the crowds. Because our guests can always order via QR, we can maintain our service level.” Additionally, the staff at Hal22 especially see benefits with groups: “Taking orders from large groups is often more difficult and chaotic for many employees. By letting these groups place their own orders, we tackle this issue and also see that the average spending is much higher than before. Everything ordered is put on one bill that is settled at the end of the evening, so it also saves us a lot of extra administrative work.”

Floris adds, “We organize competitions among the staff each month to see who can upsell the most. Much of our audience is very receptive to suggestions, like an oyster with a glass of wine or a portion of bitterballen with a beer, once they are prompted. However, these upsell opportunities are also available within Butlaroo and are frequently used. It’s a good thing Butlaroo doesn’t participate in the upsell competition, because I fear they would often win against my staff,” says a laughing Floris.