Skyline Chili is a franchise that is known for it’s unique taste and easily assembled 3-, 4-, and 5-Way chili dishes. Founded in 1949 by Nicholas Lambrinides, Skyline Chili was the dream of a man who grew up in Greece watching the meals his family made become the draw for everyone to come home and relax. Nicholas started his first restaurant on a hill that overlooked the skyline of Cincinnati was dedicated to bringing friends and family together with his secret, special blend of spices and his commitment to quality ingredients. As a testament to the quality of the product, Skyline Chili now has 130 locations in four different states.
There is only one Skyline Chili in Richland County, and General Manager Paul Dilley opted to have Retriever Digital Signage installed in their location. The goal was to have an eye-catching display that the patrons and the employees could see throughout the dining area. In the restaurant industry, table tents are the primary means of introducing new menu items, sales and events. Print media is typically how upcoming events or promotions are communicated with the public. However, with the rise of the digital age, changes are coming to the restaurant industry, and the digital signage is an additional tool in upselling products they might not ordinarily sold.
For small companies, locally owned franchises, the addition of another feature to the store should be simple and easy. Most of these businesses don’t have an IT staff, much less a person who is experienced in graphic design. However, using a combination of DRM’s moving graphics and basic computer skills, Paul is able to do all the updates himself. “The process is simple and once you fully understand how to do it, it can be done very quickly.” Using technology to attract attention, he can relay a multitude of messages in a neat, space saving manner.
Having the simplicity of the Retriever system, Paul is able to keep up with any specials that are being offered, and add a slide into the mix without disturbing the flow of the slides already playing out in the eating area. The Skyline Chili Retriever uses a variety of slides with the food specials, restaurant events, community events, weather, fun and interesting trivia and sports updates. Skyline Chili restaurants are known for unique restaurant facilities and their own special blend of food service and hospitality; using the Retriever’s customizable slides, this location is able to continue the heritage of individuality while staying on top of the digital trends.
For Skyline Chili, the Retriever has opened up a new style of communication with everyone who enters their doors. It’s simplicity of use and excellent customer service when they run into “rare problems” has made it an indispensable facet of their restaurant. As Paul puts it “it’s so easy… even a caveman could do it!”