Press Release:
Digital Hybrid Menu Boards Installed in the Purcell Pavilion at the University of Notre Dame
BROOKFIELD, WI. (May 11, 2011) – Mainstreet Menu Systems, a leading manufacturer and designer of menu systems and displays for the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry, helped Dave Prentkowksi, Director of Notre Dame Food Services, solve his digital menu board challenge in the concession stands in the Purcell Pavilion. A year or two earlier, all-digital menu systems were installed in what was then called the Joyce Athletic Center. The all- digital menu systems but did not completely satisfy the needs of Prentkowski and Notre Dame Food Service.
Prentkowski commented that, “The original digital screens were nice but remained largely static displaying our fixed menus with a small area for motion and promotion of food specials. However, the worst case is when viewing the screen and it changes just about when you are ready to order. You think, what just happened?” Dave’s major concerns needed to be addressed and solved. The ordering process, the speed of service and entire spectator experience were not enhanced with the use of all-digital menu systems.
Prentkowski outlined his goals and worked with Mainstreet Menus design team on the new menu board and graphic options. Notre Dame requested options to include video screens in the new menu boards but was interested in a digital hybrid solution, combining static menu panels with a digital LCD screen. “The hybrid, combination boards were the solution to meet our needs,” according to Prentkowski.
Notre Dame Food Service wanted their menu boards to achieve multiple goals. These goals could only be achieved by combining the benefits of traditional static menu boards and the new technology of video screens. Food service needs included:
- Be able to use video screens to promote upcoming athletic events to increase loyal spectator awareness.
- Promote food service specials using attention-getting graphics displayed on a video screen.
- Use the screens to promote other campus dining facilities as well as special events happening on campus.
- Promote awareness of, recognize, and thank the seven major sponsors of the athletic department in a subtle yet positive way.
- Begin the integration of information displayed on the digital panels of menu boards with the new jumbo scoreboard, a major part of the remodel project.
- Provide cutting edge technology and enhance the image of the food service/concession department and the University over all.
The Mainstreet Menus digital product, VisionQuest, offered the necessary, digital hybrid solution to meet the athletic and food service department goals. VisionQuest used along with a more traditional static board, created a digital hybrid combination menu board blending the colors, materials, fonts and style.
The content for each concession stand is independently managed by Hope Kaser, the Notre Dame Concession Manager, from her office computer. The system utilizes Mainstreet’s ShowQuest software. She finds the software program easy to use, and can individualize messages at various stands. Her staff indicates, “They are a nice addition to our stands. They offer a real variety of what we can put on the screens.”
About Visionquest Digital Menu Systems
Mainstreet Menus VisionQuest digital product offers a full product array including various sized screens and hardware, as well as a proprietary software package called ShowQuest. ShowQuest is designed for food service operations. Mainstreet’s VisionQuest program can include installation and the very important piece of content creation. Over 3,500 food pictures from their extensive library are available for use when creating content for customers. Customers can select a turn-key package or choose “a la carte” from an extensive list of digital options. With over 30 years of experience designing menu systems, Mainstreet Menus offers a unique ability to combine their digital knowledge with conventional menu board knowledge to satisfy the customer’s digital signage needs and goals.
About Mainstreet Menu Systems
Mainstreet Menu Systems is a brand of The Howard Company, headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The Howard Company is a full service point-of-purchase display manufacturer, which specializes in menu boards and merchandising solutions for the quick service restaurant market. The Howard Company was founded in 1950 and is a 100% employee-owned company. The Howard Company brands include Howard Displays, Mainstreet Menu Systems, VisionQuest Digital Menu Systems, Mainstreet SchoolZone, and Great American Stock Food Photography.
