Novin says that the version of Presto that Uno first used was less dependable than subsequent generation devices currently in place. He says he would like to see a calorie counting feature and Internet-browsing capabilities added to the device in the future.
Vallas says that he hopes to add a delivery feature to Zoe’s iPhone application.
Advances in technology have also addressed security concerns, as some restaurants have developed a system allowing customers to have their credit cards swiped in front of them.
Legal Sea Foods on 20 University Road in Charles Square, uses a pay-at-table credit card swipe. A common feature in Europe, the system allows customers to swipe their credit cards at the table.
“The technology enhances the guest’s experience. Our owner recognized it as something we could use to separate ourselves from other restaurants and provide better quality service,” says Chris Incorvati, director of information technology at Legal Sea Foods.
According to Incorvati, Legal Sea Foods is one of the first American restaurants to use this system. It is now used in 24 Legal Sea Foods restaurants, and the company plans to expand it to all of their restaurants.
The battery-operated devices at Uno also allow for customers to split the bill, pay via credit card, and e-mail a receipt to themselves right at the table. Consequentially, tips have also increased, according to Novin, because the device offers options for 15, 18, 20, 22, and 25 percent tips as well as a customized percentage.
A group of customers from Miami who was visiting a friend who is a Harvard undergraduate were hoping to use the Presto device to order but were greeted by a server who took their orders instead.
“We just played the trivia games, and we ended up getting 20 percent off desserts,” said Becky M. Espinosa.
“We learned a lot. It makes you feel smart being next to Harvard,” said Jamie G. Bolduc.
Even though she did not use it to order, Bolduc said she appreciated how she was able to see the pictures of all the menu options.
During a busy lunch hour at Au Bon Pain, several customers noted that they enjoyed the speed and convenience of the new iPad systems.
Jamie Reed, a frequent Au Bon Pain customer, said that he preferred the old sandwich ordering system by paper.
“It was good enough for me,” Reed said.
Novin says that the Presto device sees about 10 to 15 percent customers decline to use the device, mostly their older customers.
But the technology is not intended to reduce the number of restaurant personnel, according to Suri.
“We’re not trying to replace any waiters,” he said. “The whole purpose is to increase sales.”
—Staff writer Kerry M. Flynn can be reached at kflynn@college.harvard.edu.
—Staff writer Xi Yu can be reached at xyu@college.harvard.edu.