COVID prevention with technology

In order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, local restaurants and Winthrop Dining Services are utilizing technology. Technology has been a big part of how businesses are continuing to stay open. These places are building on their company so they can keep their customers happy and safe. Online websites and apps are being used to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We are not really using new technologies, just expanding on what we already had,” Bryan Harris, general manager of Winthrop Dining Services, said. “GrubHub app for pre-order in all retail operations allows students to order food ahead and pick up so [there’s] no waiting/gathering in line,” adding that, “[we] have card scanners at all registers so that students don’t have to hand their cards to the cashier. It limits
touchpoints for customers.”

In addition, Dining Services has implemented new programs to make students feel safer and answer any questions they may have.

“MyDtxt allows us to text message those participants with information about dining services, questions of what their needs are or to promote specials in retail and in Thomson,” Harris said. “The BITE app allows
students to view the daily menu in Thomson. It also gives nutritional information about each food item offered and students can send information to Winthrop Dining with this app.”

Winthrop Dining Services were able to implement these programs quickly because the “technologies are partners of our company Sodexo,” he said.

“[We will continue to] expand and transform with additional products and services… [and] continue to promote them so more students take advantage of their services.”

Some local restaurants and businesses are also expanding their scope of technological use to keep customers safe, including Amelie’s French Bakery and Cafe.

“There is a website so that people can order for curbside pick-up from our website,” Justin Sanders, manager of Amelie’s, said.

Sub Station II has been using “a Clover tablet that has an app for the register and also used to clock in,” Janaysja Williams, manager of the restaurant, said, adding that they have been using this fo the
past few years, but it has helped improve the amount of social distancing possible.

Starbucks located on Celanese Road “[has] iPads that have questionnaires for staff to check-in before they even step foot on the floor,” Josie O’Neal, shift supervisor at the Starbucks, said, adding that they use a program called Partner Hub to inform people about “changes that go on in the store.”

The use of applications, programs and technology has had a large impact on how businesses are handling the pandemic and their customers. This is to ensure the safety of students, staff and customers while still maintaining a good environment for dining.

Graphic by Lizzy Talbert