Sodexo Launches Mobile Apps for Jazzman's Cafe & Bakery and SubConnection

GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sodexo's launch of the company's latest m-commerce solution—two new mobile apps—will eliminate wait times, increase customer engagement and build brand loyalty for two Retail Brand Group restaurants, Jazzman's Cafe & Bakery and SubConnection.

The Jazzman's Cafe & Bakery app, currently available for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad is widely available for download for free in the iTunes store and will become available for the Android platform next week. The apps were piloted and launched this semester at Sodexo locations across the U.S.: Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. (both apps); University of Evansville, Evansville, Ind. (Jazzman's app); and Methodist College, Fayetteville, N.C. (SubConnection app). This technology solution is now widely available and will debut in more Sodexo locations by fall.  

"Consumers of today and tomorrow not only want, but demand, quality m-commerce solutions that make their lives easier," says Rick Bollar, vice president, digital strategy, Sodexo. "Using mobile solutions that not only allow you to get information, but also pay for the goods and services is the price of entry for creating a memorable customer experience."

At Jazzman's Cafe & Bakery, users can order a customized hot or cold beverage and baked fresh daily bakery items and also pay for their items. "All you have to do is pick it up," adds Erica Milios, senior director of brand development for Sodexo's Retail Brand Group. "It's an incredible time saver to skip the cash register altogether—people appreciate the one-stop shop and that's what creating a great customer experience through technology is all about."

Mobile apps and other m-commerce efforts are a part of Sodexo's miExperience, a platform of technology solutions, integrating systems to enhance the guest experience and engage customers.

Retail Brand Group is Sodexo's strategic branding company dedicated to comprehensive retail solutions—a team of experts that combines intellectual property and real world experience to position retail experiences as a strategic value to Sodexo clients and customers. Retail Brand Group created a portfolio of fast-casual restaurant brands with 550 locations throughout the U.S. including the award-winning Jazzman's Cafe and Bakery and Pandini's.

About Sodexo

Sodexo in North America

Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On Site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $15 million in grants to fight hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions

Quality of Life plays an important role in the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. Based on this conviction, Sodexo acts as the strategic partner for companies and institutions that place a premium on performance and employee well-being, as it has since Pierre Bellon founded the company in 1966. Sharing the same passion for service, Sodexo's 380,000 employees in 80 countries design, manage and deliver an unrivaled array of On Site Service Solutions and Motivation Solutions. Sodexo has created a new form of service business that contributes to the fulfillment of its employees and the economic, social and environmental development of the communities, regions and countries in which it operates.

SOURCE Sodexo, Inc.