Wow Bao, a fast-casual concept specializing in savory steamed buns, pan-seared dumplings, and rice & noodle bowls is opening its sixth Chicago location at 1 West Division Street in the Gold Coast neighborhood. The next-generation store, opening December 1, is set to become Chicago’s first and only fully automated dining experience.
As the first brand to license the innovative eatsa technology platform, Wow Bao’s restaurant will feature an automated storefront that enables digital ordering via mobile app or in-store kiosk, delivering both a seamless customer experience and optimum food delivery speed. Once orders are placed, diners will pick up their food via one of 12 custom LED-lit cubbies. Displaying the guest’s name along with social media-friendly animation, each cubby will give a series of prompts, including when the food is cooking or when to double tap and open for a completed order. A Wow Bao “concierge” will be on hand to answer any questions and explain the process within the store.
Wow Bao has always been a leader in technology innovation, having been an early adopter of both mobile and kiosk ordering, and recently launching its first delivery-only restaurant in LA. Utilizing the eatsa technology platform, Wow Bao aims to tap into the desire for speed, quality, and the ability to deliver a product driven by what the customer wants. The restaurant concept plans to expand utilizing this new technology, expecting to double its number of locations in 2018.Wow Bao’s brand new mobile app will launch simultaneously with the opening of the new location, allowing diners to order on the go with ease.
“When I first heard about eatsa’s technology back in 2015 I knew they were onto something special. Within months of their San Francisco opening, I visited their store to get a first-hand understanding. The platform created a seamless customer service experience that was both entertaining and efficient. I knew right away it would be the perfect piece to incorporate into our future locations,” says Wow Bao President Geoff Alexander. “We couldn’t be more excited to be the first restaurant partner for eatsa and look forward to delivering the same high-quality food our customers expect in a way they have never seen before.”
Wow Bao’s signature lunch and dinner menus will be available to enjoy for dine-in, carryout, and delivery service. In addition, the new location will offer brand new bao and rice bowl options, a coffee program complete with Do-Rite donuts for breakfast, and a late-night window for after-hour cravings during warmer weather.
The contemporary interior design features a sleek eat-in counter surrounding the perimeter of the restaurant, a communal high-boy table, video screens, and dynamic animations for optimum guest engagement.
Wow Bao’s sixth Chicago location is located at 1 West Division Street at the corner of State & Division Streets.
