Multi-Location Technology
On November 10, FSC Franchise Co. announced that it has picked PAR Technology as the recommended platform for loyalty, digital ordering and catering across its three restaurant brands. The brands are Newk's Eatery, a fast-casual chain with more than 100 locations in 13 states; Beef 'O' Brady's, a family sports pub with 125 locations in 15 states; and The Brass Tap, a social house and kitchen concept with 52 locations in 16 states.
Each brand already used some PAR products. The change makes those pieces match. Newk's is adding online ordering and catering to the loyalty and operations tools it already runs. Beef 'O' Brady's is adding catering. The Brass Tap is moving its loyalty program onto the same platform as its sister brands. The phased rollout starts in early 2027.
FSC's IT vice president, Jason Saposnik, explained the reason plainly: "Our franchisees shouldn't have to navigate three different technology environments to operate their restaurants."
What it means for multi-location businesses
Many franchise systems and multi-location businesses grew one location, or one acquisition, at a time. That usually leaves a different ordering tool, loyalty program, Wi-Fi setup and support contact at each site. Every one of those differences means more training, more vendor calls and more ways for something to break during a dinner rush.
Picking one software platform is the visible part of standardizing. The less visible part is the setup at each location. The software only behaves the same everywhere if the stores underneath it are also alike: dependable internet, a separate network for staff devices and guest Wi-Fi, solid cabling to the point-of-sale stations and kitchen screens, and a clear process for setting up new locations.
Questions to ask before a systemwide rollout
- Does every location meet the same minimum standard for internet, network gear and Wi-Fi coverage, or will some stores need upgrades first?
- Are payment and ordering devices kept on a different network from guest Wi-Fi?
- Is there a written build standard, so new and remodeled locations open ready for the platform instead of being fixed afterward?
- When a location has a problem, does the franchisee know who to call: the software company, the internet provider or their IT partner?
A phased rollout like FSC's gives brands time to answer these questions one location at a time. Brands that get the groundwork in place before the software arrives usually have a smoother launch.
How Vexitey helps
Vexitey works with multi-location and franchise brands on the groundwork under new systems: structured cabling, location buildouts and Managed IT. Contact us or call (815) 749-0600 to talk through your network, cabling and location buildout plans.