Hand-Held Service

I was reading about new technologies for the industry, and come across wireless hand-held devices. I was wondering if anyone has seen or used these type items. Also do you think it would help or hinder the service quality?

The Irish Rover had them for a while. I eat there a lot but always sit in the bar so I'm not sure if they're still in use and I just haven't been seeing them because I'm in the bar or if they've discontinued them.

I didn't have much of an opinion on them one way or the other but my grandmother, whose very paranoid about letting her credit card leave her sight, loved the concept.

I first saw them in use in Belgium in 1996. My wife and I were vacationing (beer tour!) in Brugge, stopped at a little cafe off the beaten path. The server punched in our order, beamed it through the window and I believe she got some sort of page when our order was up.

The Tumbleweeds on River Road uses them, and I find it extremely annoying while ordering. (Here is where I insert my credentials on dining, and my disdain for a failing chain, and my nostalgia for having enjoyed it in college.) When the waiter takes your order, his or her entire focus is on making the stylus do the correct things to make this mini-computer perform. It would be more professional if they outsourced this portion of the dining experience to India.
On the other hand, at the end of the meal I kind of like the credit card swipe and printout at the table. But for me this is not a security thing, I just like technology and efficiency.
All in all, I like the hand-held wireless devices when I return a rental car, but they are not yet ready for prime-time dining.

I actually like them. I can't prove it, but I believe ordering accuracy to be better with these devices. As a qualifier, that would assume (dangerous word, I know) the server knows how to use the device. I happen to be in the IT field, so maybe I am biased in my favoritism towards technology. If it can make my life better and easier, I am all for it, even when dining out.

I agree with Tony, for paying I think they work very well and also affords the protection of the credit card not leaving your sight. However for order entry it seems like they cause the waiter (waitress) to become more distant from their customer and more concerned with the device.

In Europe a large portion of the restaurants use the tableside credit card devices but I have not yet seen one used for order taking there. Of course in general Europe has an overall higher regard for the dining experience than the United States does and are less likely to use technology.

I loved the hand helds for paying when the Irish Rover was using them. I haven't seen them anywhere else in town. They were convenient and I believed, much more secure, as I kept my credit card in hand. Does anyone know why they discontinued them?

I think I heard that they were temperamental and the tech support was not as it was billed for the sale. And I don't think they ever used gadgets for ordering. I can't imagine working for an establishment that uses them. What if the server mis-keys an order, sends it, and has to run off to the kitchen to tell them not to fire the order. Their embarrassed and you're annoyed.

They are the only option in France. At least it was the only option we had no matter if it was high end restaurant or tiny cafe. I loved it. They didn't use it when I was ordering though. I wonder if Tumbleweed is using something different? It's sad how that place has gone in the crapper.

People are just uncomfortable with change. If you go to an event at Conseco Field House in Indianapolis they use hand held units and it is great. They come around, take your order, process your payment and someone else delivers almost immediately.

As for the Irish Rover, they used it for security. It is the most secure processing, because you do not give your credit/debit card to someone else.

It will happen in Louisville eventually, just like phone technology. I hope those that are uncomfortable with the hand helds are still using a corded phone.

Molly Malone's uses a hand-held credit card terminal. It seems to be a little on the bulky side, but I've never encountered a problem when I've been there.

IF The "Tumbleweed" has the money to spend on this tricked out device, It pains me to have to drink out of a PLASTIC MUG and eat off of PLASTIC PLATES..I really hate the fact if I'm going to spend over $40.00 for both of us to eat that PLASTIC TABLEWARE is used....(It must help the FRANCHISE)

I agree with Tony. That stuff at T-weed is a mess and, in my experience, impairs service. The last guy who headed this chain must have been a numbers guy and not a retaurant guy. If the new guy doesn't get it refocused on quality product and service, it will be history.

I agree with Tony D. That stuff at T-weed is a mess and, in my experience, impairs service. The last guy who headed this chain must have been a numbers guy and not a retaurant guy. If the new guy doesn't get it refocused on quality product and service, it will be history.

I think Tumbleweed started going downhill years ago when they first went public and had to justify their bottom line to a bunch of people that weren't in the restaurant business - which started corner cutting. When that starts it's a downhill, slippery slope to plastic dinnerware. Jeeze. El Nopals are still privately owned and you eat on real dishes.