On the Grote Kring in Kortrijk, there is a place that naturally makes you slow down. A cosy square, a terrace with colourful cushions, pink letters on the window and an interior that immediately catches the eye. Blue tiles, orange walls, turquoise chairs and an atmosphere that feels both warm and quirky.
That's Pepper. An all-day food concept where you are welcome at any time of the day. For a leisurely breakfast, brunch with friends, a quick lunch, coffee with cake or an aperitif with something tasty to go with it. The business has been around for exactly one year now, but the idea has been around for much longer.
For the owner, Pepper did not start on the day of the opening. The idea had been in her head since her student days. As is often the case, it simmered for a while. Until she stumbled upon the property in Kortrijk by chance and everything quickly started to move.
Sometimes you just feel that something is right. The location. The character of the building. The possibilities. And the name also felt right straight away.
Pepper naturally refers to food, flavour and a little spice. But there is also a personal touch. A Red Hot Chili Peppers skateboard hangs on the wall, a subtle reference to the name of the business and the owner's favourite band. Details like this make Pepper not just a standard catering establishment, but a place with its own story.
You can feel that atmosphere in everything that is served. From an açai bowl with fruit, chia, granola and peanut butter to goat's cheese toast with tomato tapenade, walnuts, bacon bits and honey. A protein milkshake for those who want something extra, or a pastel de nata with their coffee. It's a menu that suits the place: well-prepared, tasty and enjoyable all day long.
Starting a catering business is great. But it's also a lot to take on at once. You're busy with your concept, your menu, your interior, your opening days, your suppliers and a hundred practical choices in between.
Then you want one thing above all else for your cash register system: that it works properly.
This was particularly important for Pepper. Because they work with table service, everything on the floor has to run smoothly. Taking orders, passing them on to the kitchen, settling the bill, making adjustments where necessary. It shouldn't be complicated. It just has to work.
During her search for a partner, the owner ended up at Unipage. After visiting the head office, it immediately felt right. There was a connection. No big sales pitch, just people who listened, contributed ideas and were able to help quickly.
That personal contact instilled confidence. Especially at a stage when you already have enough decisions to make.
What makes a big difference for Pepper is the service behind the system.
Anyone who works in the hospitality industry knows that when things get busy, you don't have time for long queues or menus where you first have to scroll through 34 options. You just want to talk to someone who understands what's going on and can immediately help you find a solution.
That is precisely what makes the difference for Pepper in its collaboration with Unipage. No impersonal support. No remote hassle. Instead, a real point of contact. Someone who is accessible and provides clear assistance.
That brings peace of mind. And as a manager, you feel that throughout your entire day.
The importance of a practical system is also evident in everyday use.
The Unipage app is intuitively designed, making everything easy to find. Products can be easily categorised, such as drinks, snacks or dishes. This makes it clear for those who work with it. Even small details, such as the colours in the system, are customisable. That may seem like a small thing, but in the workplace, recognisability and speed often make all the difference.
For Pepper, the second iPad in particular has been a great help. Orders are taken at the table and then sent straight to the kitchen printer. This eliminates an intermediate step.
In practice, this means:
✓ Faster recording and transmission
✓ Less chance of errors
✓ More peace of mind during busy moments
And it is precisely during those peak moments that every minute counts. When the terrace is full, the tables inside are occupied and orders, coffees and aperitifs are being served simultaneously, you want a system that simply works. No extra work, just a practical helper in the background.
What a good cash register system should ultimately do is not demand attention. It should provide support.
At Pepper, Unipage helps keep things running smoothly. Orders arrive at the right place faster. Staff can work more efficiently. Payment is also easy, including via Payconiq with the QR code on the counter.
All this not only saves time, it also improves the customer experience. For customers, everything feels natural and pleasant. For the operator, it means less switching between tasks and a better overview.
And perhaps most importantly of all: technology in the hospitality industry does not have to feel heavy or distant. It can simply be something that helps you run your business in a calm, practical way.
In just one year, Pepper has become a fixture on the Grote Kring in Kortrijk. It is a business with character, taste, and a unique atmosphere. However, behind that warm story lie many well-considered choices.
A strong concept is important. A beautiful location is too. But what happens behind the scenes is just as important. The systems you can rely on. The people you work with. And the little practical things that make every working day just that little bit easier.
For Pepper, Unipage is a partner that provides support without putting itself in the spotlight. And that fits in well with how many hospitality entrepreneurs want to work today: personally, smoothly and with confidence.
Be sure to pop into Pepper on the Grote Kring in Kortrijk for a delicious brunch, a coffee with something sweet or a cosy aperitif.
Are you starting your own business, or are you looking for a cash register system that thinks along with you? Feel free to discover what Unipage can do for your hospitality business.
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