How Stefani’s Bottega Italiana Is Elevating Hospitality in Chicago
Overview
Stefani Restaurant Group, a cornerstone of Chicago’s hospitality scene since 1980, is renowned for blending authentic Italian cuisine with modern dining trends. In January 2024, they launched their newest concept, Stefani’s Bottega Italiana.
The Bottega represents a significant milestone for the group, offering a permanent home for its beloved pasta-making operation and bringing authentic Italian dishes to the community in a quick-service format. With a 40-seat dining room, a retail area featuring imported Italian goods, and a menu of sandwiches, Roman-style pizza, and handmade pasta, the Bottega is both a culinary destination and a local staple.
Situation
When planning the Bottega’s debut, Stefani Restaurant Group faced the challenge of creating an efficient and flexible operation to support their ambitious concept. The new location not only serves as a dining and retail space but also as a hub for pasta production, catering, and coordinating with other restaurants in their portfolio.
The team needed a technology solution capable of handling diverse sales channels, including dine-in, retail, and a heavy catering program. With high expectations for personalized service, seamless online ordering, and intuitive workflows for staff, the POS system had to support every facet of the operation. They also sought tools to manage different service zones, streamline payments to vendors, and ensure staff could easily adapt to the new system.
Solution
From the moment the doors opened, GoTab was fully integrated into Stefani’s Bottega Italiana, enabling the team to execute their vision with precision and ease. The stationary POS at the counter provides a reliable foundation for dine-in and retail transactions, while handheld POS devices add flexibility, allowing staff to offer personalized service by walking guests through various sections of the restaurant.
The online ordering system, which supports both first-party orders and third-party aggregation, bolstered the catering operation by simplifying order processing for customers and staff alike. Automatic remittances for fundraisers and special events eliminated backend complexities, and GoTab’s backend manager app makes managing service zones intuitive and efficient.
“The backend manager app has been a game-changer for us,” said Luka Ilić, Director, Strategic Operations. “It keeps everything running smoothly, whether we’re coordinating catering orders or managing in-house zones.”
These tools empowered the team to concentrate on what they do best: delivering exceptional Italian cuisine and a welcoming guest experience. GoTab’s technology works seamlessly in the background, streamlining logistics while enhancing front-of-house interactions.
Features
Benefits
- Improved Operations: Automatic remittances and zone management streamline tasks for staff.
- Enhanced Personalization: Handheld devices allow staff to guide customers through tailored experiences.
- Seamless Coordination: Backend tools optimize operations across all service areas.
To uncover GoTab’s solutions for hospitality operators, request a demo today.