TL;DR
Discover how hospitality veteran and former H&L founder Burt Admiraal is using Bepoz technology in his latest venture, Colac, to transform the customer experience.
Watch the video conversation with Burt Admiraal and Kris Satish here.
-
Seamless tableside ordering with Bepoz’s mPOS and Oolio Payments improved speed and service quality.
-
Flexible, innovative solutions supported business growth and enhanced customer satisfaction.
-
A high-volume, multi-service venue needed a POS that could adapt to diverse guest expectations.
-
Bepoz delivered a system that evolves with the business, future-proofing Colac’s operations.
Introduction
Burt Admiraal, a respected leader with nearly 40 years in the Australian hospitality industry and former director of H&L, set out to create a landmark distillery and restaurant - Colac in Port Adelaide. With a large, multi-faceted venue that includes a bustling restaurant and two distilleries, he needed a modern point-of-sale system that could handle high transaction volumes and support various service styles.
He chose Bepoz and our mPOS solution to deliver the speed, flexibility, and guest-focused experience the venue required—while aligning with his commitment to ongoing innovation and Australian-built technology.
The problem
- Industry background: With decades spent developing hospitality systems, Burt knew exactly what Colac required - and just how limiting most POS setups would be for a venue of this scale.
- Unique venue needs: Colac's "bootleg restaurant" concept required a dynamic, efficient ordering system capable of handling a high volume of transactions across a large, busy space.
- Limitations of traditional models: The traditional restaurant model wasn't suitable; Burt needed a flexible "cash and carry" style system so staff could take orders and payments anywhere on the floor.
Burt's primary challenges were:
- He needed more than just a tablet for taking orders. Burt envisioned an all-in-one handheld device that combined a full point-of-sale system with an EFTPOS terminal, so staff wouldn't have to juggle multiple devices or return to a fixed terminal.
- The system had to work with various service styles—from pay-as-you-go, to traditional table service, to running tabs—to suit different customer preferences.
- He needed a partner whose future vision aligned with his own and that of the venue who was committed to supporting Australian-made products and services.
The solution
After an in-depth 12-hour analysis of Bepoz's software, Burt Admiraal chose to partner with our Australian-owned company. He found that Bepoz not only met his immediate operational needs but also shared his long-term vision for the industry.
The decision was sealed by a key innovation: mPOS.
"mPOS was the reason why I went with you," Burt explained. "You delivered something that I'd been talking to Tyro about for about 10 years... a handheld POS system that is an EFTPOS terminal at the same time. When I got presented with that... it's a no-brainer."
The implementation involved:
- Deploying mPOS terminals: Floor staff at Colac are equipped with handheld devices that let them take orders and accept payments from anywhere in the venue. This mobility was essential for the high-traffic, multi-order environment Burt designed.
- Hybrid service model: The Bepoz system was configured to support both pay-as-you-go transactions and the ability to run a tab or charge orders to a table, offering the "best of both worlds."
- Dedicated on-site support: To ensure a smooth rollout, a Bepoz team member was on-site for their go-live. This hands-on support helped staff quickly master the new system and fine-tune processes, ensuring the technology performed brilliantly from day one.
This comprehensive approach allows operators to "meet the guests where they are," catering to every preference, whether it's ordering at the table, at the bar, or directly from a server at the table.
The result
The adoption of Bepoz has been a resounding success at Colac. After an initial adjustment period, both staff and customers have embraced the new system, leading to a more efficient and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Key outcomes include:
- Dramatically improved efficiency: The mPOS devices have elevated the ordering and payment process, allowing staff to serve more customers more quickly, which is essential in a large, busy venue.
- Enhanced staff experience: Burt confirms that after some hands-on support and training, the "staff are really enjoying it." The intuitive system has empowered them to provide better, faster service.
- Increased customer satisfaction: Customers appreciate the convenience of the at-table payment system. The flexibility to pay immediately or run a tab caters to all preferences, enhancing the overall guest experience.
- A true partnership: Burt values working with a technology partner that understands the industry and is committed to Australian innovation. "Your passion and emotion is why you've taken over that success," Burt told Kris, reaffirming his confidence in the partnership.
The collaboration between Burt Admiraal and Bepoz is a testament to the power of a shared vision. For his ambitious Colac venue, Burt needed more than just a point-of-sale system; he needed a technology partner who understood the future of hospitality and facilitates celebration.
This partnership highlights the importance of choosing collaborators who are not only technologically advanced but also deeply invested in their clients' success. As Burt Admiraal continues to build his distillery empire, he does so with the confidence that he has a dedicated, forward-thinking Australian technology partner by his side for the long journey ahead.
Ready to see how Bepoz can transform your venue's operations? Speak with our team today.