Computer-based method and system for online restaurant ordering

• US 20060218043A1
• Filed: 01/24/2006
• Published: 09/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Homa Gr, Michael Rosenzweig, Peter G. Becan
• Original Assignee: Homa Gr, Michael Rosenzweig, Peter G. Becan
• Inventors: Rosenzweig, Michael, Becan, Peter G., Homa, G.R.
• Application Number:
  US11/338,419
• Publication Number:
  US 20060218043A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/15
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0603 Catalogue ordering
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/12 Hotels or restaurants

Abstract

A web-based restaurant ordering method and system wherein the customer accesses the restaurant'"'"'s own web-site, reads the online menu, and may make dining reservations or place an online order by clicking on the desired menu items, verifying the order, and automatically sending the order via facsimile. The system monitors the order to ensure that no order is lost. The customer can place the order in a few minutes and the order is always correct, and therefore, satisfying to the customer. Moreover, the restaurant receives consistent up-to-date orders and thus can save money while providing better customer service.

Claims

1. A computer-based method for online restaurant ordering comprising the steps of:

displaying restaurant menu items and prices on a restaurant website devoted to a single restaurant;

allowing a customer to select menu items from said website;

displaying a virtual guest check proximate said displayed menu items and prices and indicating thereon all customer-selected items and associated prices, together with a calculated total price for all customer-selected items on said virtual guest check;

allowing said customer to review, enter delivery information, confirm and submit an order in accordance with the totalized virtual guest check;

automatically sending said submitted order from said website to said restaurant via facsimile transmission; and

sending an email confirmation from said restaurant to said customer confirming receipt of said order.

2. A computer-based method for online restaurant ordering according to claim 1, further comprising a step of displaying ancillary information on said restaurant website inclusive of restaurant location(s), gift certificates, photographs of the restaurant, testimonials of satisfied customers, and information about the restaurant and special events.

3. The computer-based method for online restaurant ordering according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

allowing a customer to request a dining reservation from said website;

sending said dining reservation to said restaurant via facsimile; and

confirming said dining reservation via a telephone call from said restaurant to said customer.

4. A computer-based system for online restaurant ordering comprising:

restaurant website templates, wherein said restaurant website templates serves as a basis for allowing individual restaurants to generate their own unique website;

a database to store restaurant demographic and menu data for restaurants, wherein individual restaurant demographic and menu data for a particular restaurant is displayed on the corresponding individual restaurant website;

a menu screen on each individual restaurant website, wherein said menu screen captures menu selections by a customer entered into said restaurant website;

a guest check screen on said website for displaying said selections and totaling process therefore; and

an order submission screen for causing menu selections entered by a customer into said restaurant website are transmitted to the appropriate restaurant via facsimile.

5. A computer-based system for online restaurant ordering according to claim 4 wherein said restaurant website template is a home page template, wherein said home page templates include a plurality of tabs for customer access of restaurant locations, contact information of said restaurant, and hours of operation of said restaurant.

6. A computer-based system for online restaurant ordering according to claim 5 wherein said tabs include a tour tab for displaying photographs of said restaurant.

7. A computer-based system for online restaurant ordering according to claim 5 wherein said tabs include a testimonials tab for displaying testimonials of satisfied customers.

8. A computer-based system for online restaurant ordering according to claim 5 wherein said tabs include an information tab for displaying special events at said restaurant.

9. A computer-based system for online restaurant ordering according to claim 5 wherein said tabs include a reservations tab for allowing customers to make dining reservations online said reservations being transmitted to said restaurant via facsimile.

10. A computer-based system for online restaurant ordering comprising a website displaying a restaurant menu with user-selectable menu items and prices associated with a single restaurant, and a virtual guest check displayed proximate and simultaneous with said menu, said virtual guest check displaying user-selected menu items and prices and a calculated total price for all customer-selected items on said virtual guest check, said website also including controls to allowing said user to review user-selected menu items, prices and totals, enter delivery information, and confirm and submit their order, whereby upon submission said order is automatically sent from said website to said restaurant via facsimile transmission.

11. A computer-based method for updating online restaurant ordering comprising the steps of:

logging into a system administration website using a pre-assigned user id and password;

clicking on a restaurant website URL in a administration utility home page to view restaurant website;

viewing orders in order maintenance view on said restaurant website;

updating said orders in said order maintenance view; and

logging out of said order maintenance view.