Donnie Leary, District Manager at Vito’s Pizza and Subs, a Toledo-based franchise since 1989, emphasizes innovation in specialty pizzas. Having grown with the company since childhood, Donnie has a deep understanding of their operations. He first encountered FoodTec at the 2024 Pizza Expo, though he was already familiar with them through a competitor who experienced significant growth after adopting FoodTec. This observation sparked the idea that FoodTec could be a catalyst for Vito’s own expansion.
Why Donnie Picked FoodTec
When choosing a POS system, Donnie highlighted several key factors that set FoodTec apart: robust online ordering with secure credit card storage, centralized menu control, and the crucial ability to scale with a growing franchise without limitations. He also stressed the importance of FoodTec’s marketing and remarketing features, allowing them to tailor promotions to specific customer segments, like targeting a customer who ordered a large pepperoni and sausage pizza differently from one who ordered a medium veggie.
More Online Sales and Coupons Used
While exact figures are still being put together, Donnie has seen clear benefits: Higher Online Order Averages: The upsell features built into FoodTec’s online ordering have made a difference, with online order totals much higher than in-store orders. More Coupons Redeemed: It’s now much easier for customers to find and use specials and deals sent out via FoodTec, leading to a big increase in coupon redemption.
More Accurate Inventory
Managers can now use a tablet to take inventory, which automatically calculates numbers and leads to more accurate counts, a significant improvement over manual paper-and-pen methods. Donnie notes that “the numbers get closer to what reality is” and errors due to “bad math” are significantly reduced.
Smarter Delivery
Delivery IQ has become essential. It allows for proper routing and efficient deliveries, to the point where “drivers now question how they would manage without it.”
Helping Vito’s Expand Across the Country
Vito’s Pizza and Subs has big goals: to expand to many locations, possibly all over the country. FoodTec is seen as a vital partner in this plan. Donnie appreciates FoodTec’s “big picture” approach, ensuring their services work for businesses of all sizes, from small shops to large franchises. He feels confident that Vito’s won’t “outgrow them” and values FoodTec’s direct and helpful support.
Features like the ability to update menus and coupons across all locations at once, and even customize them for different areas, are crucial for their expansion. Donnie also looks forward to the positive impact of upcoming features like the employee managing portal and further inventory improvements.
“The System Constantly Offers New Features”
Donnie admits there were initial “learning hiccups” as they adapted to the new system, but FoodTec has “definitely lived up to my expectations.” He describes a constant feeling of “what more can I get?” because the system constantly offers new features that make their operations better. This continuous innovation makes him eager to explore further possibilities with FoodTec.
Customer Support That Listens and Helps
Donnie consistently praises FoodTec’s customer support, noting their willingness to listen and pass on suggestions to their development team. This collaborative approach ensures that FoodTec keeps improving and meets the needs of its users. “If I don’t know how to use it,” Donnie says, “I get a hold of somebody at FoodTec and they’ll either give me some samples, they’ll set up some samples, and then I take those and use the bones and just change my details on it. But like every time I’ve had an issue, I don’t know how, somebody there does.”
Is Your Pizzeria Ready to Experience Similar Growth?
Donnie Leary’s experience at Vito’s Pizza and Subs shows how FoodTec’s complete POS system can make operations more efficient, boost sales, and provide the strong foundation needed for ambitious growth.
Ready to experience similar growth and efficiency?