Hi everyone,
I’m looking for guidance on implementing a digital ordering system for our resort using the Square ecosystem. We have several distinct food/beverage locations(pizza, burgers, coffee, etc.) and occasional pop-ups, all located within a single building. We currently use Square Registers or Terminals at all locations.
Our Goal:
We want a centralized "hub" where a guest can visit one URL to select their dining location and place an order. We want to streamline this so guests aren't stuck standing in line, and we plan to install ticket printers at each station to route orders directly to the staff.
Operational Challenges:
Mandatory Payment Workflow: Our lift passes also act as pre-paid debit cards that must be charged on our physical card readers at the pickup location. We cannot take pre-payment online for these specific cards.
Location Limitation:
We need a way to ensure that digital ordering is only accessible to guests physically at the resort to keep from any "no shows" happening.
Questions for the Community:
System Architecture: Is a "hub" website (linking to separate Square Online sites) the most efficient approach, or is there a unified way to manage multiple menus under one umbrella that still routes orders to the correct printers?
"Pay at Pickup": Since we cannot accept online payment for our lift-pass cards, what is the best way to handle this in Square? Is there a reliable "Pay at Pickup" workflow that integrates well with our existing POS hardware?
Order Notifications: What is the best way to trigger an automated text notification when an order is ready for pickup? Does Square have native features for this, or do you recommend a third-party integration (like a KDS or runner app)?
Future-Proofing: While we aren't ready for QR code table-side ordering yet, we may want to add it later. Should we be choosing an architecture now that supports that transition easily?
I am always open to any better workflows or configurations. If you have experience managing a "food hall" style setup within Square—especially with physical-only payment requirements—I would love to hear your insights.
Thank you for your time and expertise!
