There's nothing quite as fast–paced as a restaurant at mealtimes — especially one which offers take out service. Phones ringing, orders cooking, people scurrying — all so that hungry customers get their meals hot and fast. And at Rice, a fast–paced Manhattan restaurant, those orders are dispactched with alacrity — thanks to FileMaker Pro, the award–winning database software application from FileMaker Inc.!

Business Challenge

At Rice the specialty is — rice!. It's a staple in many cuisines, including Asian, Indian, Spanish and American — and the restaurant's eclectic menu promises everything from exotic Thai specialities to the homey goodness of Rice Krispies Treats! And the service is as distinctive as the menu. It's a combination that's earned Rice a coveted spot among the top fifteen Best Buy Restaurants in New York, according to the voters at Zagat.com!

With take out a big part of the workload — Rice manager Peter Lawrence has learned to make an often–complicated task as simple as dialing a phone. Using a database developed by John Morina of Pueblo Computer Systems, the staff at Rice has a foolproof system for handling takeout orders.

Successful Solution

A dedicated computer runs the FileMaker Pro database containing over two thousand names and addresses of regular customers. When one of these regulars phones in an order, the server need only enter the customer's phone number through a simple numerical keypad — and FileMaker Pro instantly displays that customer's name and address, detailed instructions for getting there, and a complete ordering history. And there's no need for the server to fuss with a mouse or a keyboard — the keypad is the only access tool they need!

Rock–solid reliability is the biggest advantage of FileMaker Pro.

— Peter Lawrence, Manager, Rice