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Papa Gino’s overhauls online-ordering experiencePapa Gino’s overhauls online-ordering experience

New England pizzeria brand launches new website and mobile app to ease guest convenience, chief experience officer notes

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

January 4, 2023

2 Min Read
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Papa Gino’s Pizzeria has unveiled a new digital experience that includes a new website and mobile app to ease the guest experience, the company announced Wednesday.

The Dedham, Mass.-based brand, which has nearly 100 restaurants in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, is owned by New England Authentic Eats LLC, which last year added two executive roles to oversee technological innovation.

Deena-McKinley-Papa-Ginos.jpgDeena McKinley, who had served as NEAE’s chief marketing officer since 2019, was promoted as the company’s first chief experience officer. The company also hired Kevin Bentley, most recently director of automation technology and innovation with Inspire Brands, as vice president of technology and automation.

"During the past three years, we've been focused on creating efficiencies in all aspects of our business to create five-star guest experiences — from training our team members to interior refreshes to delivery," McKinley said. "Optimizing our guest experience through our new website and app is the logical next step, which will help us continue to exceed the expectations of today's digital-first customer."

In a statement, McKinley added: “As we look toward the future of the restaurant industry, it’s our top priority to provide our guests with a smooth, modern and convenient way to order their favorite meals and stay connected with us on the go.”

Related:New England Authentic Eats, parent of Papa Gino’s Pizzeria and D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, promotes Tom Sterrett to CEO

The new Papa Gino’s mobile app allows guests to place a carry-out or delivery order, schedule a future order and access and apply Papa Gino’s Rewards offers. In addition, the company said guests can receive targeted push notifications based on their ordering behavior.

The Papa Gino’s website has been revised to include a quick-reference menu by category, the ability to enroll in the Papa Gino’s Text Program, a submission page to upload Papa Gino’s pictures for a chance to be featured on the brand’s social media page and information on the pizzeria’s dedication to community involvement.

Papa Gino’s worked with Lunchbox on the new customer-experience overhaul, using the new Lunchbox 2.0 platform.

To incentivize the downloading of the Papa Gino’s mobile app, which is available for both Apple and Android devices, the company is giving away a free small cheese pizza with the purchase of any beverage on the first download.

Papa Gino’s Pizzeria was founded in 1961 in East Boston. New England Authentic Eats also owns the D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches brand.

Update Jan. 4, 2023: This story was updated to include background from Deena McKinley.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

Read more about:

Inspire Brands Inc.

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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