Visiting Cafetaria ’t Hout

Six years ago, Wilco took over Cafetaria ’t Hout in Mierlo-Hout from the previous owner. For him, it almost felt like coming home: he literally grew up in his parents’ snackbar and has run several businesses since. Together with his team, he has built a close crew that knows exactly how to delight customers, not just offline, but also online. On sociale media, they are impossible to miss.

Anyone who knows ’t Hout also knows their famous ‘Topa fries’. A local legend that we at QIOX love to enjoy from time to time during lunch. ‘Every week, we go through about three large pieces of meat weighing sixty kilos each, twenty kilos of tzatziki, and twelve liters of chili sauce,’ laughs Wilco. ‘That says it all, right?’

A loyal NTF-fan

Wilco has been using NTF software for years, and when he received an offer for a self-service kiosk from them, he decided to take a look at their showroom in Culemborg. That’s where he spotted the ALLY from QIOX and was sold immediately. ‘I thought: this fits perfectly in my shop.’

‘When I saw that even an older lady walked straight up to the kiosk, I knew this works for everyone.’

To see it in action, he visited a nearby café where the kiosks were already in use. ‘We were standing there with a few people when an older lady walked in,’ Wilco recalls. ‘She walked straight up to the kiosk and placed her order. That’s when I realized: it’s not just for the younger generation. Anyone can use this.’

Smart investment in convenience

Of course, a kiosk is an investment, but Wilco quickly did the math. He also sees the ALLY primarily as support for his staff.

‘They’re constantly busy preparing orders. The kiosk takes the pressure off order-taking. It really adds an extra layer of convenience.’

The kiosk also offers practical benefits. ‘The multilingual interface and allergen information means my team has to explain less. It saves time and prevents mistakes.’

Ready for the future

Wilco notices that customers are becoming more impatient. ‘The regulars will still order at the counter, but new visitors who see it’s busy are more likely to go straight to the kiosk. I think giving them that freedom of choice is important.’

With a big smile, he concludes: ‘I hope I’ll end up needing six of them!’