Pronto’s new program, Zingle, now offers students the option to text in their order to the food venue in Mary Graydon Center.
After students text in their order, a machine receives the text and prints it the text on a receipt. The order is ready for pick up in 10 minutes.
Zingle, the company that manages the program, made its debut this summer at the Bon Appétit regional meeting. It underwent a trial run at other Bon Appétit locations during the fall before it was implemented at AU.
Michelle Mooney, general manager for Bon Appétit, reported that Bon Appétit saw the feature as a new and improved way for students to order a meal.
Efforts to execute the new feature revolve around time efficiency. Students will no longer have to wait for their Pronto meals. Instead, their sandwich will be ready upon their arrival to Pronto, where they will pay for their meal.
“We are sensitive to our customers’ time and want to make their experience at Pronto as time efficient as possible,” described Mooney. “We thought it was a great idea and decided to implement it [at AU].”
Students react positively to program
Few students have participated in Zingle thus far.
Paula Lopez, a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs, said Zingle is convenient and ideal, especially when time is limited between her class and work schedule.
“It was great,” Lopez said. “I texted in my order, and it was ready when I arrived.”
Isbella Diaz, a sophomore in the School of International Service, also said the program is helpful.
“It was efficient, convenient and definitely lived up to the 10 minute promise,” stated Diaz. “The fact that I can just text in my order, run to Pronto and pick it up is very good, if not an essential thing for me.”
The future of Zingle
Bon Appétit wants Zingle to have a positive effect on the AU community.
“We hope students and faculty will embrace the new program and see it as an effective way to get lunch,” Mooney said.
The introduction of Zingle at Pronto is a pilot program. If successful, Bon Appétit may branch the concept to other food venues on campus. There are currently no plans for expansion.
Menus and order code flyers are available for students to pick up at the Pronto location. To place an order, text (202) 375-5499.
