Labour Shortages and New Tech Solutions in Montreal Restaurants
Following the recent full reopening of restaurants and bars to full capacity and with crowds increasing, one issue remains: labour shortages. Some Montreal restaurant owners needed to cut back on their opening hours, while others have faced challenges to be able to open their terraces as spring arrives. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 85,000 workers have left the restaurant industry in Quebec.
To make life easier for restaurant owners, sunday, the technological solution that allows you to pay your bill from your smartphone, has launched QR code ordering. This unique solution now allows customers to place their order themselves and pay their bill from their smartphone in less than 10 seconds, right from their table.
For customers, the benefits of this solution are simple: no more waiting at the counter or at your table to request a new round of beer, and the luxury of being able to sit back and enjoy the moment 100 percent on the spot. Pilot projects are being launched across Canada at a few key high-traffic restaurants, including Yokato Yokabai on Drolet Street and Mae Sri on Milton in Montreal, with more locations to come this summer.
After seeing the success of the QR code payment feature, many restaurants have expressed a desire to take this solution further with the QR code ordering option. The people behind sunday have listened to this strong industry demand which will be implemented in the coming months. Last fall, sunday acquired CHK PLZ, the Montreal-based startup offering online ordering, delivery and electronic menu services. Go to www.sundayapp.com.
Ottawa Tip of the Month: Shinka Sushi Bar
From my Ottawa files, let me recommend Shinka Sushi Bar, located on Laurier Avenue West near Elgin. It has been around since 2004. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it pivoted exclusively to take-out and delivery. Their clientele responded in strong numbers, so they have stuck to this format. A second location will open later this year at a location to be determined.
This was the first time in many years when we got to enjoy our sushi dinner omakase-style. The phrase omakase literally means “I leave it up to you,” and it is most commonly used at Japanese restaurants where the customer leaves it up to the chef to select and serve seasonal specialties.
A big thanks to Shinka owner chef Peo “John” Diep for making such a superb selection. Everything came neatly packaged, with a personalized description of the omakase selection on glossy paper. We started out with some appetizers and the large box of sushi was a thing of beauty, with such a nice mixture. Log on to https://www.shinkasushibar.com/menu.
