Nation’s Restaurant News reports “More restaurant brands are working to say “there’s an app for that” to meet both the growing consumer use of smart phones and the demand for more convenience.”

“Most recently, Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks Coffee and bd’s Mongolian Grill have introduced new smart-phone apps focused on mobile ordering, nutrition information, mobile payments and brand loyalty programs. Restaurant smart-phone apps also span several types of platforms, including not only Apple devices but also Android-powered phones and tablets. The goal is to build sales and consumer loyalty, chain executives say, and now is the time to place resources against developing mobile applications. ‘I was waiting for these iPhone and smart-phone apps to become more mainstream for restaurants,’ Denise Head, vice president of marketing at bd’s Mongolian Grill, a 35-unit stir fry chain. ‘I feel we’ve turned a corner. I still hear skepticism that you can’t be sure it drives traffic. But we feel we’re at the point where we can put applications in there that drive more sales.’”

Read more: http://nrn.com/article/restaurants-%E2%80%98there%E2%80%99s-app-that%E2%80%99#ixzz1PSD3M4uR