Moe’s Southwest Grill said Wednesday it’s going to become the first brand in the Mexican fast casual space to open an all-digital, kiosk-only location. The first two restaurants are slated to open in Pittsburgh and Charlottesville, Virginia, in the first quarter.
Each store will come equipped with four self-order kiosks and will feature Moe’s new brand design.
According to a recent study cited by Moe’s, 32 percent of millennials are pre-ordering meals with their mobile devices, which fits these two developing locations as they will be situated near both University of Pittsburgh and University of Virginia campuses.
The Pittsburgh location will be owned and operated by Moe’s multi-unit franchisee, Mike Geiger, who has experienced recent success with his newest urban location that added a separate section specifically for mobile/pick-up orders only.
Results were compelling—with online sales rising 346 percent, year-over-year, the company said. Geiger, along with the owner of the Charlottesville location, Angelo Dajon, said they are optimistic that they will be able to replicate similar results with these kiosk locations.
The self-order kiosk will accept cash, Apply Pay, and, in the case of Pittsburgh college students, university CC.
One point-of-sale register will be available at the location and the Pittsburg restaurant will seat roughly 15 people. The Charlottesville unit will host about 40.
