
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, May 22, 1990                   TAG: 9005220284
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A1   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHICAGO                                LENGTH: Short

ORDERS UP FOR FAST FOOD COMPUTERS

Fast food is getting faster with a computerized device introduced Monday that turns customers into order takers, isn't rude and - like regular clerks - even asks if they'd like a soda with their fries.

The "8470" computer would give customers more control over their orders and increase employee efficiency amid a troubling labor shortage, said officials at IBM, which developed the product, and a fast-food chain that recently began using it.

If a customer orders a sandwich and salad, for example, but no soft drink, the screen illuminates a printed message saying, "Would you like a refreshing soda?"

As the customer places the order, it appears on similar screens in the kitchen area.

Bilingual versions are also available, IBM officials said in unveiling the system at the National Restaurant Association's international trade show.

"We think it's fantastic," said Mark Eagleton, vice president of a branch of The Bailey Co., which manages about 60 Arby's roast beef restaurants in five states. Bailey, based in Lakewood, Colo., is an independent Arby's franchisee and has installed eight of the devices in its stores.

by CNB