Quick service restaurant company Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI), has joined forces with Ant Group to undertake a digital transformation in 1,500 restaurants across eight selected markets in Asia Pacific, according to a Sunday (Dec. 19) press release.
Ant Group will collaborate with RBI’s franchisees throughout the region to introduce various digital offerings, including a mini program software-as-a-service (SaaS), as well as Alipay+, a suite of cross-border mobile payments and marketing solutions.
The partnership is focused on creating a more convenient and comprehensive omnichannel experience for customers, including the ability to pay in-store, on website and apps. The integration of Alipay+ will enable RBI’s franchisees to accept payment options such as Touch ‘n Go eWallet in Malaysia, True Money wallet in Thailand, GCash in the Philippines and Kakao Pay in South Korea, among others, according to the press release.
With the SaaS solution, Ant Group will develop programs for each of the restaurants RBI owns, including Tim Hortons, Burger King and Popeyes, adapted for each local market.
RBI’s regional franchisees will be able to digitally integrate online and offline operations to fuel increased efficiency and obtain better operational insights. In addition, customers will have access to expanded services, such as contactless menus and payments, online ordering for pickup or delivery, as well as a scan-and-order function in the store. The SaaS programs will also incorporate each RBI brand’s loyalty program.
“Franchisees across Asia will soon be able to benefit from the advantages of digitization across operations and the mini programs’ integration into other digital platforms,” said RBI President of APAC Ekrem Ozer.
The announcement follows RBI’s $1 billion acquisition last month of sandwich chain Firehouse Subs, according to PYMNTS.
Related: RBI Announces Acquisition of Firehouse Subs as QSRs Turn Their Focus to Takeout-Friendly Foods
Underlining the importance of digital functionality, RBI said the chain’s digital ordering and payment capabilities, as well as its 3.5-million-member loyalty program, attracted it to the company.
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