Customer case
From fixed checkout counters to a fully mobile restaurant – Bistro Björkvik's journey with WEIQ
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At the farthest tip of Ingarö, surrounded by Björkvik beach, Björnö Nature Reserve, and some of Stockholm’s most appreciated beaches, lies Bistro Björkvik. The restaurant has become a popular excursion destination for both locals and visitors seeking a unique food and drink experience in an archipelago setting.
Since 2020, the business has been run by Johan Persson and Christer Ekelund. With a seasonally intensive business, high on guests and eWith a small team, they needed to find a smarter way to work without compromising on service.
The challenge
Administration that took time away from operations
When Bistro Björkvik took over the operations, they worked with three fixed cash registers that came with the lease. The registers worked, but created an unnecessarily large amount of administration and limited flexibility in daily operations.
Reporting and financial management required manual labor, while the business needed to adapt quickly during intense summer days.
For Johan, who often works operationally in the business, it became clear that the restaurant needed a more modern way of working.
After several years with the previous solution, contact was made with WEIQ.
”We had fixed cash registers here when we took over. It worked well enough, but the administration was messy. It was supposed to go directly linked to our finance department, which worked so-so.”
”We have scaled down our staff, so I am also the restaurant manager, headwaiter, dishwasher, and cleaner.”
Johan, owner of Bistro Björkvik
The solution
A step-by-step digital transformation
Bistro Björkvik did not choose to change everything overnight. Instead, they started by testing WEIQ in parallel with their existing POS system.
Step 1: QR ordering at all tables
During the first season, QR codes were implemented at all tables while the fixed cash registers were still in use.
The goal was to give guests greater freedom to choose how they wanted to order.
”We tested it for one season and had both. At that time, we had fixed cash registers while we also started implementing the QR codes on the tables.”
Today, QR ordering is available at all tables in the restaurant.
”We use QR codes on all the tables. If guests want to order via the QR code, that's fine.”
The solution allows guests to order when it suits them, while staff can focus more on service and hospitality.
Step 2: From fixed checkouts to mobile operations
Following the first season, development continued. The fixed checkout counters were gradually replaced by WEIQ's mobile solution.
Today Bistro Björkvik works with eight wireless terminals used both in the restaurant and in the business's kiosk.
”We currently have eight wireless terminals. We also have a kiosk where we use these terminals to take payments.”
To ensure an efficient workflow, the orders are handled via three order printers located in:
- Baren
- Pantry chef
- Hot kitchen
”It works just fine.”
The result has been a more flexible way of working where staff can take orders and payments directly where the guests are.
Step 3: Faster payments with Tap2Pay
The latest part of the development has been the implementation of Tap2Pay.
By using the mobile phone as a payment terminal, the staff can take payments directly on-site without always having to use traditional card terminals.
”The latest, very positive thing is Tap2Pay. It is so quick to use Tap2Pay”
For a business that handles large volumes of guests during peak season, every second saved means a smoother flow for both staff and visitors.
Simple administration gives full control
For Bistro Björkvik, one of the biggest gains has been how easy it has become to administer the business.
Through WEIQ Admin, staff can quickly:
- Activate and deactivate dishes
- Switch between lunch, evening and summer menus
- Manage assortment and prices
- Track sales in real time
- Automate daily closing and reporting
”We always keep the admin page open. If a dish suddenly runs out, it's quick to close that dish.”
Menu management has also become significantly easier.
”The ease of changing from a lunch menu to a summer menu or whatever you choose is also really great.”
All products are gathered in the system and can be quickly activated or hidden depending on the needs of the day.
”We have all dishes and drinks on the admin page. It is quick to click in the ones we want to use during the days. If anything is out of stock, we remove it.”
Even the reporting has been automated.
”We don't need to wonder if we have done the X report or Z report. We have chosen that at three o'clock at night it is handled automatically and sent off to our finance department.”
QR ordering all the way out to the sun lounger
As the collaboration with WEIQ developed, Bistro Björkvik saw the opportunity to take the concept even further.
At the restaurant's popular beach club, QR codes are currently placed at all sun loungers.
This means that guests can order food and drinks directly from their seats without having to leave the beach.
”Guests don't need to leave their sun lounger during the day; they can simply order via the QR code.”
The order goes straight to the kitchen and the bar and is then served to the guest.
”The bar loads what they wish and serves it to the bed.”
The solution has created a premium experience for guests while enabling staff to work more efficiently.
Results
Less paperwork, faster service, and happier guests
Today, Bistro Björkvik uses WEIQ throughout its entire operation, from the restaurant and kiosk to the beach club.
What started as QR codes on the tables has evolved into a complete digital platform for ordering, payment, and administration.
For Johan, the recommendation is a no-brainer.
”We would definitely recommend WEIQ to our industry colleagues.”
QR ordering at all restaurant tables
QR Code Reservations for the Beach Club's Sunbeds
Eight wireless terminals in operation
Faster payments with Tap2Pay
Automated reporting to the finance department
Simpler menu management and product control
Reduced administrative workload for staff
A Smoother Guest Flow During Peak Season
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