Ichibuns, the Japanese super-diner in the heart of London’s Chinatown, is continuing to keep its finger on the pulse of hospitality tech innovation with London’s first burger bun-branded QR code and a partnership with streamlined mobile-payment service Zapper.
To celebrate the launch, customers can claim £7 off their first bill by scanning their burgers, as well as exclusive rewards through the brand new Ichipachinko app.
The partnership with Zapper will offer customers an easy way to make fast, safe payments with a quick scan from a smartphone, leave a tip and even split the bill. To download the app, guests order any of Ichibuns’ signature burgers and scan the QR code branded onto the top of the bun (or simply search for ‘Zapper’ on the App Store or Google Play or visit get.zapper.com). First-time users of Zapper can even claim £7 off per person per bill, with a tempting 50% off for return visitors paying with Zapper.*
In a bid to combat in-queue boredom, the popular no-reservations restaurant will also be launching their Ichipachinko app. Inspired by the Ichibar’s Pachinko machines in the restaurant’s lower level, Ichipachinko will offer a digital version of Japan’s favourite pinball-esque pastime. The app can be played anywhere, anytime, and guests can exchange their points for Zapper vouchers for a host of exciting items from the menu, ranging from Ichibuns milkshakes to their signature 100% Wagyu beef burger.
Benjamin Goldkorn, CEO of Ichibuns, commented, “Our goal with Ichibuns was to be a restaurant experience like no other, and our partnership with Zapper is a great way to achieve this, allowing us to be at the forefront of hospitality innovation by offering much more than just a payment service. Combining it with our own app also allows us to give something back to our amazing, loyal customers, with discounts and prizes available to win.”
Julia Wilkinson, Head of Group Restaurant Strategy at Shaftesbury, commented, “Ichibuns has been hugely popular since it opened last year, and we have no doubt that the introduction of this innovative and edible QR feature will be a big hit with their loyal following.
'Chinatown London is known as a destination where the very best of the East meets the West, providing unique East Asian experiences and embracing the new technology trends which shape our visitors lives. We are proud that exciting and pioneering brands like Ichibuns call Chinatown London home.”
The 130-cover restaurant is open seven days a week from 12pm until 11pm (Monday to Wednesday); midnight (Thursday); 2am (Friday and Saturday); and 11.30pm (Sunday), with food and drink available for takeaway until 11pm every night, and Ichibuns’ very own DJ Friday through Sunday.