WO2007011486A2

WO2007011486A2 - System for targeted marketing to restaurants and institutions by food service manufacturers and distributors

Info

Publication number: WO2007011486A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/023890
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Diamond; Thomas Tipps; Michael Bechtol
Original assignee: Catalina Marketing Corporation
Priority date: 2005-07-19
Filing date: 2006-06-20
Publication date: 2007-01-25
Also published as: WO2007011486A3

Abstract

A system and method for distributing incentive offers and relevant information including nutritional content via a computer network to a customers of restaurants, restaurants, and restaurant distributors. Incentive offers and relevant information can be generated automatically using computer algorithms applying criteria to day, by a third party, manufacturers, distributors, and restaurants, by using any available demographic, current transaction, or historical transaction data for the entity to which the incentive is targeted.

Description

SYSTEM FOR TARGETED MARKETING TO RESTAURANTS AND INSTITUTIONS BY FOOD SERVICE MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/700,300, filed 19 July 2005. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to computerized systems and method for distributing incentive offers and useful information relating to restaurants. More particularly, this invention relates to distributing targeted incentive offers to patrons of restaurants, to restaurants, and to restaurant supply distributors. Background Art

It is well known in the prior art to deliver incentive offers to customers at a POS in a grocery store, via the postal mail, via newspaper, and via the Internet.

Various approaches have been used to incent consumers to purchase at restaurants, including distributing coupons for discounts at restaurants in newspapers and magazines, and making coupons available on the Internet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Definitions

Certain terms used in this application are defined below. In addition some examples of some definitions are provided to clarify the definitions.

Restaurant, in this application, means a retail store where food is prepared for immediate consumption in or at the retail store and consumers can purchase and consume the food in, at, or delivered by the retail store.

A product code, in this application, is a code associated with a product.

A product code may be a code assigned to a product by a company, store, restaurant, manufacturer, distributor or by an industry standard, such as a Universal Product Code (UPC).

Purchase, in this application, means a transaction involving at least two parties in which forms of payment such as cash, check, charge, debit, smart card, gift card, credit slip, or credit is exchanged for one or more goods or services in a restaurant.

Purchase data, in this application, includes data associated with purchases, a product code for the product purchased, product description, product purchase price (both list price and actual price paid), date of purchase, time of purchase, transaction DD, location of purchase, discount amount and discount type, menu description, menu price, and type of payment, typically, in association with a CDD.

Real time, in this application, refers to the actual time it takes to do something.

Transaction, in this application, means an exchange involving at least two legal entities. A purchase is a transaction.

Transaction data, in this application, means data associated with a transaction. For example, transaction data may include purchase data, time and date data, CDD, transaction terminal DD, restaurant DD.

Transaction DD, in this application, refers to a unique identification assigned by the restaurant which is associated with a transaction.

Value, in this application, means a good, a service, or a pecuniary interest including cash, check, credit, and conditional credit.

As used in this application, the term "consumer" includes families, households and/or other groups of people that use the same CDD.

CDD is an acronym for Consumer Identification.

A CDD, in this application, means any identifier that can be scanned, read, or otherwise entered into a computer or terminal to identify a consumer.

Examples of CDDs include credit card numbers, debit card numbers, social security card numbers, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, checking account numbers, street addresses, names, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, frequent consumer card numbers, shopper card identifications (SCDDs), biometric scan indicia (for example, machine identified fingerprints, face recognition, or retinal pattern), shopper loyalty card numbers, arbitrary personal identification numbers or passwords, and an identification code uniquely associated with the customer, the customer's household, or the other classified group.

Incentive offer data means data describing terms of an offer for value in exchange for a specified action, such as a description of the value associated with the incentive, and descriptions of the actions or terms that must be fulfilled to obtain the value, including an incentive offer start date, an incentive offer expiration date, a product code, and criteria for issuing an offer to a customer/consumer.

Database and database management system mean data organized in some format in a computer memory that can be accessed by an associated computer system. Examples of databases include commercial database products such as the Microsoft Access, SQL server, and any set of files stored in computer memory that can be accessed by an associated computer system.

Demographic data, in this application, means statistical data regarding the demographics of the consumer. Examples of demographic data include age, profession, gender, race, ethnicity, education level, marital status, information involving family size, number and age of children, pet ownership, hobbies, and household income.

A POS, in this application, means a point of sale, which is the area where a consumer engages in transactions.

A central computer system, in this application, refers to a computer system which comprises at least one database of customer transaction data and can communicate with a plurality of POS computer systems.

A restaurant POS terminal means an input/output device for inputting and outputting information at a POS in a restaurant's POS computer system.

A restaurant POS computer system means a POS computer operated by a restaurant that operatively connects to at least one POS terminal in the restaurant and preferably accounts for restaurant transactions and restaurant inventory.

An incentive local computer system means a computer system that resides in a store having a POS system which assists the POS system in providing information to consumers at a POS associated with the store.

Objects of the Invention

It is an object of this invention to bring the idea of targeted marketing to the food service/restaurant markets so that restaurants, food distribution companies, and manufacturers can provide targeted marketing to restaurant customers and to each other. It is an object of this invention to distribute incentive offers to customers who purchase food or beverages from a restaurant.

Another object of this invention is to identify customers who are purchasing items from a restaurant.

It is another object of this invention to distribute incentive offers to customers by printing incentive offers for the customer in a restaurant, by giving a customer a pre-printed incentive, by emailing the customer an incentive, by saving the information to a smart card/credit card or by posting the incentive on the Internet making it available for downloading.

Another object of this invention is to distribute incentive offers to customers based upon: what the customer orders, frequency the customer eats at the restaurant, demographic data, frequency of purchases, frequency of visits to a location, frequency that a consumer exercises incentive offers, purchase history of the customer, particular circumstances in the consumer's life, indicated tastes of the consumer, a consumer survey, and/or any other characteristics that can be used to identify that the consumer possesses certain traits.

Another object of the invention is to distribute to customers incentive offers in restaurants for purchasing from the restaurant or from an unrelated retail store specified foods provided by either or both of specified distributor suppliers and manufacturer of the specified foods.

It is an object of this invention for food manufacturers and/or distributors to deliver incentive offers to a restaurant via: a newsletter packed into a shipment, a newsletter attached to an invoice, a sales representative's script, a direct mail newsletter, a direct mail targeted sample, an email newsletter, a targeted email, or the like.

It is an another object of this invention to issue incentive offers for a new product or new menu item, a new product within an existing category or a new menu item within an existing category, a new product within a new category or a new menu item within a new category, a line extension, a competitive product, a daily special, or a cross category.

These and other objects of the invention are provided by a novel computer network system including one or more of the following: a central computer having at least one database which includes consumer transaction history information, an incentive local computer system located at a restaurant or retail store and having at least one customer transaction database, a restaurant food service distributor computer system, and a restaurant food service manufacturer computer system. Preferably, the system also includes at least one printer in a restaurant which printer is either part of the restaurant's POS system or an incentive local computer system.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide restaurant owners a mechanism to target market to wholesale restaurant distributors, restaurant food manufacturers, and to target market by providing targeted coupons by printing the coupons at POSs of other retail stores.

Another aspect of the invention is to deliver incentive offers to customers in a restaurant, at their home computer, with their take-out, with their delivery, or at a catering event.

Another aspect of the invention is to enable manufacturers, distributors, and restaurants an inexpensive and effective way to issue and account for incentive offers to promote their respective business.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention resides in a system and method for distribution, via a computer network, of incentive offers to customers to eat at restaurants, both in the restaurant and at retail stores other than restaurants, accounting for the cost of the incentive offers amongst restaurants, entities among restaurants, restaurant food distributors, restaurant food manufacturers, and packaged goods manufacturers. This novel system utilizes a restaurant computer system and its printer and optionally printers in other retail stores to issue incentive offers for purchases in the restaurant and in other non restaurant retail stores. The system provides restaurants, restaurant food distributors, and restaurant food manufacturers, and packaged goods manufacturers, the ability to determine criteria for sponsoring or issuing incentive offers, and the ability to print or generate and transmit incentive offers via a computer network, at restaurants, at other stores, at locations of restaurant food distributors, at locations of restaurant food manufacturers, and at locations of packaged goods manufacturers, and via the Internet.

Preferably, the invention includes a central computer system, a restaurant POS computer system, an incentive local computer system, a restaurant food manufacturer computer system, a restaurant food distributor computer system, a packaged goods manufacturer computer system, a non-restaurant retail store computer system, and a network through which those devices can communicate.

Role of the Central Computer System

Preferably, the central computer system receives information about incentive offers to distribute from one or more of a restaurant food distributor computer system, a restaurant food manufacturer computer system, a restaurant POS computer system, and a non-restaurant retail store computer system. The central computer system preferably decides what information to transmit to restaurant food distributor computer system, a restaurant food manufacturer computer system, a restaurant POS computer system, and a non-restaurant retail store computer system, and optionally to an incentive local computer system resident at a restaurant or retail store, and transmits that information.

Preferably, the central computer system coordinates distribution and marketing information including incentive offers, application of criteria to transaction data to generate CIDs to provide incentive offers, discounts, information, and to generate additional criteria for application by some other computer (such as a retail store's POS computer system) to apply to its transaction data, and accounting for associated costs, amongst the restaurants, non-restaurant retail stores, distributors, and manufacturers.

Role of the restaurant's POS computer systems and/or incentive local computer systems

The restaurant may house both a restaurant's POS computer system and an incentive local computer system. Preferably, the restaurant POS computer system includes at least one printer.

The incentive local computer system includes at least a digital data central processor unit (CPU), memory, and a printer. The incentive local computer system receives information from the central computer system via a network and received transaction information for transactions occurring in the restaurant POS computer system, typically via monitoring transaction data using a connection to a data line inside the restaurant POS computer system. Preferably, the incentive local computer system is programmed to transmit transaction data including, for each transaction, CIDs and product identifiers of products purchased in that transaction, to a central computer system. Preferably, the incentive local computer system also includes means for analyzing transaction data to identify customers likely to respond to particular incentive offers resulting in those customers' making purchases in the restaurant. Preferably, the incentive local computer has means to respond to customer identifications by printing or displaying restaurant incentive offers, or signaling an employee of the restaurant to give a specified incentive to the customer.

The restaurant POS computer system may perform all of the functions of the incentive local computer system.

Each consumer may have multiple CIDs. Preferably, the CID is represented as a bar code so that it can be quickly scanned at checkout by a scanner although any other type of machine readable or non-machine readable implementations for storing or displaying identifications maybe used, including magnetic strips, memory chips, and smart cards.

An incentive may be offered via a promotion, message, research invitation, discount coupon, cash discount, credit discount, rebate, free sample, fee product, contest, sweepstake, game piece, etc.

Role of the Restaurant Food Distributor and Restaurant Food Manufacturer Computer Systems

Preferably, the restaurant food distributor computer system includes at least one computer and one database. The database may store transaction data from customer purchases in the restaurant or in restaurants of the same chain, and purchases by the restaurants from the restaurant product distributors. Preferably, the restaurant product distributors computer systems are programmed to generate and distribute targeted messages to restaurant POS computer systems directed to customers in restaurants, and also to restaurant owners, either via a network or other delivery means, such as via a POS terminal, a manager's computer terminal, in a newsletter packed into a shipment, in a newsletter attached to an invoice, in a sales representative's script, in a direct mail newsletter, in a direct mail targeted sample, in an email newsletter, or in a targeted email.

Preferably, the restaurant food manufacturer computer system includes one computer and one database. Preferably, the restaurant food manufacturer computer system can distribute targeted messages to restaurant food distributors, restaurant owners, non restaurant retail stores, and customers in restaurants, either via a network or other delivery means, such as via a POS terminal, a manager's computer terminal, in a newsletter packed into a shipment, in a newsletter attached to an invoice, in a sales representative's script, in a direct mail newsletter, in a direct mail targeted sample, in an email newsletter, or in a targeted email.

Marketing by Food Distributors to consumers and restaurants In one method, a restaurant food distributor's computer system monitors available transaction data and executes restaurant incentive criteria against transaction data for customers transactions in restaurants and restaurants transaction from the distributor, to generate incentive offers for at least one of a customer associated with a CID and a restaurant associated with a restaurant ID. For example, a restaurant food distributor's computer system may specify incentive of restaurant or restaurant chain reduction in sales of a specified percent or specified dollar or quantity amount of one or more products sold by the distributor. Whenever the criteria is met by a restaurant or set of restaurants (such as restaurants of the same retail chain), the correspondent determined incentive offer may be transmitted to the restaurant's manager via the manager's restaurant computer system manager's terminal. Alternatively, in response to the same criteria, the restaurant food distributor's computer system may specify to the restaurant's POS computer system to print a specified incentive offer at the restaurant's POS terminal each time the restaurant POS terminal processes a transaction. Alternatively, in response to the same criteria, the restaurant food distributor's computer system may specify to the restaurant's POS computer system to print a specified incentive offer at the restaurant's POS terminal each time the restaurant POS terminal processes a transaction in which the customer's purchase contains either a specified item or item in a specified category, such as categories of beef, full meal, dairy product, or products purchased by that restaurant from that distributor.

Marketing by manufacturers to distributors, restaurants, and consumers Similarly, the manufacturer's computer systems (both packaged goods and restaurant food manufacturers), may be programmed with incentive offer criteria to apply to transaction data, either their own transaction data for sales to distributors, or transaction data for distributor sales to restaurants, or transaction data for restaurant purchases from distributors, or transaction data for restaurant sales to consumers, or more than one of the foregoing. When any transaction data meets the specified criteria, the manufacturer's computer systems may be programmed to transmit an incentive offer to a specified address, for example the address of a manager's computer terminal for a restaurant, a distributor, or an instruction to a distributor computer system to offer a specified incentive to restaurants meeting specified criteria, or an instruction to a restaurant computer system to offer incentive offers to consumers purchasing in the restaurant a specified incentive. In. each case the transmitted instruction to provide an incentive offer may be contingent upon the corresponding transaction data (customer's purchases, retail store's purchases) meeting an additional criteria. The incentive may be for purchase of items sold by the specified restaurant. The incentive may also be for items sold in non restaurant retails stores, in which case the incentive offer may also be targeted based upon relationships between the restaurant and the aforementioned unrelated store. Such relationships may be for example, proximity of location, the existence of a reciprocity of incentive offers agreement (store A issues incentive offers for store B and store B agrees to also issue incentive offers for store A), and relation of products, such as incentive offers for transportation services and transportation fuels such as gasoline that may facilitate consumers getting to the restaurant.

Analysis of information while the consumer is in the restaurant Another aspect of the invention relates to the ability to identify and market to consumers in restaurants before they make their food selections, and to target market to the consumers based upon their food selections. Specifically, all consumers may be offered an incentive to purchase a specified product upon entry to a restaurant prior to when the consumer first orders food from the attendant. When the consumer subsequently orders food, the consumer's product selections are entered into the restaurant's POS computer system, and a unique transaction ID for that consumer (often based upon a number associated with the consumer's table) is entered or generated by the restaurant's POS computer system. The consumer typically remains in the restaurant for several minutes until finishing their food consumption and paying for their purchases. During that time, the restaurant store's POS system, the distributors' POS systems, and the manufacturers' POS systems can all obtain the customer selection data from the restaurant, including any selections based upon prior incentive offers to the consumer, and decide based upon that selection data for that consumer what if any additional incentive offers, discounts, rebates, or information, to provide to that consumer, and then transmit any such additional incentive offers, discounts, rebates, or information when the customer is identified a the restaurant's POS terminal at time of checkout.

One important aspect of the ability to analyze the consumer's selections of incentive offers and food selections is that information about the consumer's purchases, such as statistical information for each of the meals or each of the food items ordered by the consumer may be determined and provided to the consumer at any time prior to and up until the consumer leaves the restaurant. For example, via printing that information at the restaurant POS terminal when the consumer pays for their food. This may be accomplished by having any one of the computer systems having access to the consumer's selections of items in the restaurant access a database relating food item to nutritional value, and generating a nutritional value report based upon those selections, and transmitting that information in association with the unique transaction ID back to the restaurant's POS computer system.

The restaurant's POS computer system in these cases would be programmed to access its database of information relating to transaction IDs and provide transaction ID related information, such as incentive offers and reports to the consumer at any time during the consumer's presence in the restaurant, before or at the time when the consumer is at the restaurant's POS terminal paying for his/her food purchases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic overview of system 1;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of incentive local computer system 70 and restaurant POS computer system 80; Figure 3 is a representation of criteria data record 211 in criteria data database 210; Figure 4 is a representation of purchase history record 221 in purchase database 220; Figure 5 is a schematic overview of the method for system 1; and Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the method for using system 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows an overview of the novel system 1. System 1 includes central computer system 10, non restaurant retail store POS computer system 20, restaurant food distributor computer system 30, restaurant food manufacturer computer system 40, network 50, packaged goods manufacturer computer system 60, incentive local computer system 70, and restaurant POS computer system 80.

Each of the computer systems 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 70, and 80 include at least one digital computer including associated CPU, memory, input, and output devices.

The lines connecting elements in figure 1 and other figures indicate means for data transmission including for example wire and wireless transmission hardware, data format, and transmission protocols.

Central computer system 10 comprises at least one computer and at least one database which stores at least purchase history data for consumer purchase transactions preferably including a CIDs associated with each stored transaction. This database may also store nutritional information for food products including packaged goods and food items sold in restaurants. Central computer system 10 preferably runs criteria against that data to make any of the determinations noted above with respect to the marketing by manufacturers, distributors, restaurants, and non restaurant stores, and sends the resulting instruction and incentive offers to the corresponding computer systems, as noted above in the description of the actions each type of computer system may take.

Central computer system 10 may also identify criteria for issuing incentive offers and transmit that criteria for issuing incentive offers to any of the others of computers 20-40, 60, 80, and to an incentive local computer system 70, so that the corresponding computer can thereafter recognize transaction data meeting such criteria and in turn, print or otherwise present incentive offers, discounts, nutritional information, and other useful information to the receiving party, whether consumer, restaurant, retail store, distributor, or manufacturer.

That is, generally speaking, central computer system 10 provides data analysis and marketing services for the manufacturers, distributors, restaurants, and non restaurant retail stores.

The criteria for providing an incentive offer to a consumer includes: what the customer orders, frequency of dining, demographic data, frequency of purchases, frequency of visits to a location, frequency that a consumer exercises incentive offers, purchase history of the customer, particular circumstances in the consumer's life, indicated tastes of the consumer, and/or any other characteristics that can be used to identify that the consumer possesses certain traits.

Alternatively, central computer system 10 may monitor, via incentive local computer system 70, CIDs and transaction IDs appearing in the restaurant's POS computer system's data stream and respond with criteria for distributing incentive offers when noting a CID for which there exists a stored action before the transaction involving that CID or transaction ID is completed. That is, a response to information identified in the restaurant's POS computer system 80 may be generated by the central computer system 10 and supplied to the consumer in the restaurant in real time.

Central computer system 10 can also transmit to specified ones or all restaurant computer systems, distributor computers, and non restaurant retail store computers, criteria for distributing certain incentive offers, discounts, and other information, which criteria can be stored in criteria database 210 at each restaurant. Central computer system 10 decides what information for distributing incentive offers to transmit to the incentive local computer system 70. Central computer system 10 may act in real time.

Each restaurant has a local computer system similar to restaurant POS computer system 80, which includes a physical structure as indicated in figure 2. Restaurant POS computer system 80 represents, for example, a restaurant computer system for managing sales, inventory, and accounting data for a restaurant. Restaurant POS computer system 80 is described in more detail below.

Restaurant food distributor computer system 30 is a system which stores and distributes criteria for distributing incentive offers. Restaurant food distributor computer system 30 preferably has at least one computer and one database. Restaurant food distributor computer system 30 represents, for example, a restaurant food distributor computer system for managing sales, inventory, and accounting data for a food distributor.

Restaurant food manufacturer computer system 40 is a system which stores and distributes criteria for distributing incentive offers. Restaurant food manufacturer computer 40 system preferably has at least one computer and one database. Restaurant food manufacturer computer system 40 represents, for example, a restaurant food manufacturer computer system for managing sales, inventory, and accounting data for a food manufacturer.

Network 50 refers to a network system; for example, a dial up, private digital corporate network, or the Internet. The computers illustrated in figure 1 may communicate with one another via network 50.

Figure 2 shows a schematic of restaurant. A restaurant may house both restaurant POS computer system 80 and incentive local computer system 70. Incentive local computer system 70 includes incentive local computer 70a, criteria data database 210, purchase history database 220, and printer 230. Restaurant POS computer system 80 includes restaurant POS computer 80a, restaurant database 250, restaurant POS terminal 260, and printer 270.

Incentive local computer system 70 is programmed to transmit data to and receive data from central computer system 10 via network 50. Incentive local computer system 70 preferably receives criteria data information from central computer system 10, uploads to central computer system 10 transaction data with associated consumer identification from transactions identified in restaurant POS computer system 80, and analyzes that transaction data to determine when to generate and print information on printer 230 for distribution to a customer.

Criteria data database 210 is a database that is associated with incentive local computer system 70. Criteria data database 210 stores incentive data information and criteria to apply against transaction data to determine when to instruct printer 230 or printer 270 to print incentive information, nutritional information, or the like. An exemplary record of incentive criteria data stored in database 210 is shown in figure 3. The criteria for issuing incentive field 240 may in fact define a linked table, a set of criteria, or the like. For example, such criteria may depend upon the data in a single transaction record, or data for multiple transaction records associated with a single CID.

Purchase history database 220 is a database that is associated with incentive local computer system 70. Purchase history database 220 stores transaction data. An exemplary transaction record of purchase history database is shown in figure 4.

Alternatively, incentive local computer system 70 may have only one database associated with it, which contains both transaction data and incentive data information in various tables with various relationships between data fields and tables.

Printer 230 is a printer associated with incentive local computer system 70. There may be multiple printer 230s in the restaurant. Preferably, there is a printer for each restaurant POS terminal 260. Incentive offers may print on printer 230 or 270.

Restaurant POS computer system 80 preferably controls the inventory and accounting functions for the restaurant. Restaurant POS computer system 80 is usually controlled by the employees of a restaurant. Restaurant POS computer system 80 and incentive local computer system 70 have a data connection 290. Restaurant POS computer system 80 is associated with restaurant database 250.

Restaurant database 250 is the database associated with restaurant POS computer system 80. Restaurant database 250 refers to a database for storing a restaurant terminal data signal with product identifications and, optionally, price lookup tables, inventory, etc. Preferably, restaurant database 250 includes a file that includes records containing information for managing accounts of customers. The records in the restaurant database 250 preferably contain fields for associating consumers with account identifications, transaction locations, dates, and times of purchase. The restaurant database 250 also preferably includes operations for searching, sorting, recombining, and other database functions. The restaurant database 250 maybe implemented as a plurality of databases files, flat files, XML files, or othe data format. Preferably, sales transaction information stored in the restaurant database 250 is either retrieved periodically (e.g. hourly, daily or weekly) or in real time by the incentive local computer system 70 and sent to the central computer system 10, which uses the information to update a purchase history database.

Restaurant terminal 260 is a terminal, that resides in restaurant POS computer system 80, where transaction data is entered and/or captured. Restaurant terminal 260 is connected to restaurant POS computer system 80 and printer 270.

Printer 270 is a printer that sits in restaurant POS computer system 80. Printer 270 is associated with restaurant POS terminal 260 and controlled by restaurant POS computer system 80. In one embodiment, incentive offers may be printed on printer 270.

The number of terminals and printers in restaurant POS computer system 80 depends on the size and preferences of the restaurant.

Figure 3 shows a representation of associated criteria data record fields in database record 211 contained in criteria data database 210. Criteria data database record 211 represents incentive data information for determining whether to deliver an incentive. It shows record field names for fields of record 211. Each field stores corresponding data. Each criteria data database record in criteria data database 210 may contains the fields identified in criteria data database record 211, although different fields containing incentive criteria data may exist and some fields identified in Figure 3 may not exist, depending upon implementation.

In one embodiment, both central computer system 10 and incentive local computer system 70 store criteria and have an associated criteria data database, or use the same criteria data database. Preferably, central computer system 10 is associated with a criteria data database, and local incentive computer 70 is associated with criteria data database 210.

Criteria data database record 211 preferably includes incentive 300 field, incentive start date 310 field, incentive expiration date 320 field, product code 330 field, and criteria for issuing incentive 340 field.

Incentive 300 field stores a value, such as one dollar, offered to a consumer, the receipt of which by the consumer is contingent upon the consumer entering into a specified transaction.

Incentive start date 310 field stores the date in which the incentive will first be offered.

Incentive expiration date 320 field stores the date in which the incentive becomes invalid.

Product code 330 field stores a product code.

Criteria for issuing incentive 340 field stores the data for criteria for issuing an incentive. There are many different types of criteria for issuing incentive offers. Examples of criteria includes issuing incentive offers based upon: what the customer purchased, frequency of dining, demographic data, frequency of purchases, frequency of visits to a specific restaurant location, frequency that a consumer exercises incentive offers, purchase history of the customer, particular circumstances in the consumer's life, indicated tastes of the consumer, customer-supplied data, data gathered during previous customer visits to the restaurant, present purchases, as evidenced by items identified in the current customer order, and/or any other characteristics that can be used to identify that the consumer possesses certain traits, and/or any desired combination of any of the above.

For example, an incentive may issue depending on whether the consumer is eating in, picking up at curb side, going through a driving thru, the food is delivered, or the food is catered. Incentive offers may be based upon the number of products purchased; for example, there may be an incentive that requires the customer to purchase 2 entrees. Other incentive criteria includes the type of consumer identification, for example, whether the consumer uses a MasterCard, Visa, or loyalty card. Essentially, criteria for issuing an incentive could be anything that a creative marketer could come up with.

Figure 4 shows a representation of purchase history database record 221 contained in purchase history database 220. Purchase history database record 221 represents data for a purchase transaction. It shows record field names for fields of record 221. Each field stores corresponding data. Each purchase history database record in purchase history database 220 generally contains the fields identified in purchase history database record 221, although in different structures. In one embodiment, both central computer system 10 and incentive local computer system 70 are associated with a purchase history database. Preferably, central computer system 10 is associated with a purchase history database and local incentive computer 70 is associated with purchase history database 220.

Purchase history database record 221 preferably includes transaction identification 400 field, consumer identification 410 field, product code 420 field, product description 430 field, product purchase price 440 field, data of transaction 450 field, time of transaction 460 field, location of transaction 470 field, menu description 480 field, and menu price 490 field.

Transaction identification 400 field stores a unique identification associated with each transaction.

Consumer identification 410 field stores a CID.

Product code 420 field stores a product code.

Product description 430 field stores information describing the product sold to the restaurant. For example, this field could store size and quantity of the product that is used in appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, side dishes, desserts, drinks, or any other item on the menu.

Product purchase price 440 field stores the price list or amount charged for the product, if sold individually, purchased in the transaction.

Date of transaction 450 field stores the date of the transaction data for which is stored in purchase history record 221.

Time of transaction 460 field stores the time of the transaction data which is stored in purchase history 221.

Location of transaction 470 field stores the geographic location where the transaction took place, such as the restaurant name, city, and state.

Menu description 480 field stores information describing the item on the menu offered at the restaurant. For example, this field could store the ingredients and size of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, side dishes, desserts, drinks, and any other item on the menu.

Menu price 490 field stores a price for appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, side dishes, desserts, drinks, and/or any other item on the menu.

Figure 5 stores a method overview of one novel method. m step 500, system 1 is initiated, in step 510 system 1 is used, and in step 520 system 1 is updated.

In step 500, system 1 is initiated. During the initiation step, the networks are set up, the databases are set up, and the computer systems are connected to each other and to the networks.

In step 510, system 1 is used. Figure 6 shows the use of system 1, and such use is described below with reference to figure 6.

In step 520, system 1 is updated. The system is updated when central computer system 10 uploads new incentive information from the restaurant food distributor, the restaurant food manufacturer, or the restaurant. The updates can be done periodically (e.g. hourly or daily) or in real time. The system is also updated when updated transaction data is transmitted from the restaurant POS computer system 80 or incentive local computer system 70 to the central computer system 10. In alternatively embodiments in which the manufacturers and distributors and restaurants generate their own marketing information and related information based upon transaction information, those entities update their own computer systems' databases.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the method of using system 1. hi step 600, central computer system 10 uploads incentive data information for issuing incentive offers. This information can be uploaded from restaurant POS computer system 80, incentive local computer system 70, restaurant food distributer computer system 30, restaurant food manufacturer computer system 40, packaged goods manufacturer computer system 60, non-restaurant retail store computer system 20, or is input into central computer system by an employee. This incentive data information may be uploaded via network 50. This incentive data information may be uploaded periodically (e.g. hourly, daily, or weekly) or in real time. It may be uploaded to any of the computer system of the restaurants, manufacturers, and distributer's computer system as noted above. In the preferred embodiment it is uploaded only to the central computer system 10.

Criteria for issuing the incentive based upon records associated with CIDs includes: frequency of dining, demographic data, the frequency of purchases, the frequency of visits to a location, the frequency that a consumer exercises incentive offers, the purchase history of the customer, the particular circumstances in the consumer's life, the indicated tastes of the consumer, customer-supplied data, data gathered during previous customer visits to the restaurant, present purchases, as evidenced by items identified in the current customer order, and/or any other characteristics that can be used to identify that the consumer possesses certain traits, and/or any desired combination of any of the above.

Criteria for displaying information, such as food selection or meal nutritional content, may be based upon an opt in data field value associated with an identified CID in a transaction record or with an opt in request in a transaction ID record, or it may be based upon the value of a transaction, time of day, or any of the criteria specified for transaction data based criteria identified in the foregoing paragraph.

Distributors can offer a variety of incentive offers. An incentive can be issued for the same product that the customer recently or just purchased. For example, if a person ordered a hamburger, an incentive could issue for a hamburger. The incentive could be for a new product. For example, if a new item has been added to the menu, an incentive could issue for that item. The incentive could be for a product the customer has not ordered yet. For example, if someone ordered steak, an incentive could be issued for any other entree on the menu except for the steak. The incentive can be for a new product in an existing category. Categories can include seafood, beef, poultry, pasta, vegetarian dishes, appetizers, soups, salads, desserts, beverages, wine, beer, mixed drinks, etc. For example, if a person ordered halibut, an incentive can issue for a different seafood item, i.e. salmon. The incentive offers could also be for a line extension. For example, if a person ordered pasta, an incentive could issue for a salad.

The incentive offers given by manufacturers can be given based on a number of criteria. First, incentive offers for competitive products can be issued. Incentive offers can also issue for a new product within an existing category or for a new product in a new category. Incentive offers can also issue for a product in a cross category; for example, if a person ordered a beef entree, an incentive could issue for a seafood entree. hi step 610, central computer system 10 transmits incentive data information to incentive local computer system 70 or restaurant POS computer system 80. The incentive data information is transmitted via network 50. The incentive data information may be transferred periodically (e.g. hourly, daily, weekly) or in real time.

Alternatively in step 610, any of the manufacturers or distributors computer systems, or a restaurant's POS computer systems may transmit incentive data information to incentive local computer system 70. Alternatively in step 610, any of the manufacturers or distributors computer systems may transmit incentive data information to incentive local computer system 70. hi step 620, a customer pays for a meal at restaurant terminal 260. Preferably, when a customer pays for a meal, a CID is input into the restaurant terminal so that the customer can be identified and an incentive can be delivered that is targeted for that customer, hi one embodiment, the incentive offers are not targeted to specific customers and can be given to every customer, every other customer, every 10th customer, at random, etc.

Alternatively in step 620, the customer's meal selection are entered into the restaurant's POS computer system when made, marketing information including incentive offers and nutritional value of selections are identified by one of the foregoing computer systems having access to that data, and any of the marketing information including incentive offers and nutritional value of selections are communicated, typically by printing in the store and hand deliver to the customer, but optionally by wireless or wired transmission to a display (of a PDA, terminal, or some other additional computer) to the location at which the customer is awaiting delivery of a food order.

In step 630, restaurant POS terminal 260 transmits transaction data to restaurant POS computer system 80. This data is preferably transferred in real time.

In step 640, restaurant POS computer system 80 transmits transaction data to incentive local computer system 70. This data is preferably transferred in real time. Transaction data includes purchase data, time and date data, CID, transaction terminal ID, restaurant ID, etc.

After step 640, system 1 performs steps 650 and 660.

In step 650, incentive local computer system 70 stores transaction data. The transaction data is stored in purchase history data database 220.

In step 660, incentive local computer system 70 analyzes transaction data. Incentive local computer system 70 reviews the transaction data from the transaction and scans criteria for issuing incentive offers to determine if it should offer an incentive to the customer. hi step 670, incentive local computer system 70 determines if incentive offers should be given to the customer. Incentive offers may be generated if certain criteria is met.

In step 680, the customer receives the incentive and any other information, such as nutritional value of selected items. The incentive offers may be printed on printer 230 and handed to customer, displayed to the customer on an electronic equipment display, or via transmission to the customer's PDA or cell phone. The incentive offers may also be printed on printer 270, which is attached to restaurant terminal.

Incentive offers can also be preprinted and when incentive local computer system 70 determines that an incentive should be given to the customer, the computer can display a message on the screen directing a restaurant employee to hand a preprinted incentive to the customer. The incentive offers maybe sent to a customer's email, a customer's personal web page, or made available for downloading over the Internet.

In one embodiment, targeted messages can be sent to the restaurant informing the restaurant of incentive offers, promotions, etc. being offered. Targeted messages can be sent in a number of ways. For example, targeted messages can be in a newsletter packed into a shipment, in a newsletter attached to an invoice, in a script for a sales representative, in a direct mail newsletter, in a direct mail targeted sample, in an email newsletter, or in a targeted email.

An employee at the restaurant can enter the information from the targeted messages into the restaurant computer system. This information can be uploaded by incentive local computer system 70 and then transmitted to central computer system 10.

The incentive offers that are generated and distributed can be directed towards items on the menu, items on the menu of a restaurant owned by the same company, for any product sold by the restaurant, for products sold by the manufacturer, for products sold by the distributor, for competitive products, etc.

In addition, manufacturers and distributors may also distribute product information, recipes, questionnaires and surveys, audio messages, and other forms of advertising with the incentive offers. This information can be printed on printer 230 or printer 270 in the restaurant POS computer system 80, or pre-printed copies can be delivered to the restaurant and then handed out to the customers, or mailed to the customer either via email or postal mail. Incentive offers can also be made available on the Internet for downloading.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the incentive offers can be delivered via the Internet, in a value page-type application to the distributor's website.

In addition, the incentive offers can be direct mailed to the restaurant in a market logic application.

In one embodiment the manufacturer may market to the distributor and/or the restaurant. Furthermore, the distributor may market to the restaurant and the manufacturer by selectively offering incentive offers based upon criteria. NAC

Printed: June 19, 2006 (3:50pm)

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Claims

We claim:

1. A computer implemented method for providing incentive offers and relevant information relating to restaurants, comprising: applying criteria data to data relating to a transaction associated with at least one of a identification code and a transaction ID to obtain a result; determining a determination, based upon said result, whether to issue an incentive offer to for value contingent upon a specified purchase at a specified restaurant; providing, if said determination is to issue said incentive offer, said incentive offer to a customer associated with at least one of said identification code and said transaction ID.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said criteria data comprises an incentive, an incentive start date, an incentive expiration date, a product code, and criteria for issuing the incentive.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said applying occurs at a central computer system.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising transmitting said data relating to said transaction from said specified restaurant to said central computer system.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said providing comprises delivering said incentive offer to said customer in said specified restaurant.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said applying, said determining, and said providing, occur while said customer associated with said at least one of said identification code and said transaction ID is in said specified restaurant.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: determining nutritional content of product items identified by said data relating to said transaction associated with said least one of said identification code and said transaction ID; and

24 providing said nutritional content to said customer.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising: determining nutritional content of product items identified by said data relating to said transaction associated with said least one of said identification code and said transaction ED; and providing said nutritional content to said customer.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein a distributor's computer system performs said applying and determining, and one of an incentive local computer system, and a restaurant POS computer system, and a non restaurant retail store POS computer system perform said providing.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein a manufacturer's computer system performs said applying and deteπnining, and one of a distributor's computer system, an incentive local computer system, a restaurant POS computer system, and a non restaurant retail store POS computer system perform said providing.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing comprises transmitting data to at least one of a consumers portable computer, PDA, and cell phone.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing occurs in a restaurant prior to when said customer pays for items identified by said data relating to said transaction.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing occurs in a restaurant prior to when said customer receives for consumption said items identified by said data relating to said transaction.

17. A computer network structure for issuing incentive offers and relevant information in a restaurant, comprising:

25 a first computer system programed to run code applying criteria data to data relating to a transaction associated with at least one of a CID and a transaction ID to obtain a result; said first computer system programed to run code determining a determination, based upon said result, whether to issue an incentive offer to for value contingent upon a specified purchase at a specified restaurant; code for providing , if said determination is to issue said incentive offer, said incentive offer to a customer associated with at least one of said CID and said transaction ID.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a second computer system, and wherein said code for providing resides in the second computer system.

19. The system of claim 17 further comprising a database of nutritional information relating food items and their nutritional value, and code for determining from a set of food items a total nutritional value for that set of food items and transmitting said total nutritional value for presentation to said customer.

20. A computer system for providing incentive offers and relevant information relating to restaurants, comprising: means for applying criteria data to data relating to a transaction associated with at least one of a identification code and a transaction ID to obtain a result; means for determining a determination, based upon said result, whether to issue an incentive offer to for value contingent upon a specified purchase at a specified restaurant; means for providing, if said determination is to issue said incentive offer, said incentive offer to a customer associated with at least one of said identification code and said transaction ID.

NAC/RAN

Printed: June 19, 2006 (3:50pm)

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