Cow Wow Korean BBQ in Suwanee, GA is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary journey into the heart of authentic Korean flavors. From perfectly marinated meats grilled tableside to comforting classics like Bibimbap and Kimchi Jjigae, Cow Wow promises an unforgettable dining adventure. But behind the vibrant, traditional tastes was a real struggle: slow sales, recruiting challenges, high turnover, and the constant drain of training. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Cow Wow blended its rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology—specifically, t’order’s table-mounted ordering tablets—to boost revenue, improve the guest experience, and reinvigorate staff morale. Cow Wow’s story proves that with the right tools, even a time-tested tradition can thrive in the modern world.
Cow Wow’s Culinary Journey
Discover Authentic Korean Flavors in Suwanee, GA
Cow Wow Korean BBQ started with a simple dream: share the rich, vibrant flavors of Korea with the local community. Located in the heart of Suwanee, Cow Wow welcomes guests with a modern yet cozy ambiance, friendly service, and an immersive dining experience. From sizzling marinated meats on a tableside grill to the hearty comfort of Bibimbap and Kimchi Jjigae, every dish pays homage to tradition while embracing a contemporary twist.
Mission & Culture
Cow Wow’s mission is to deliver an exceptional dining experience—one that blends traditional Korean recipes with a flair for innovation. By focusing on quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, Cow Wow seeks to transport guests “one bite at a time” to the heart of Korea. This dedication extends beyond food: Cow Wow proudly supports the local community through events and charitable initiatives, believing that a restaurant isn’t just a place to eat, but a cultural intersection where memories are made.
A Growing Challenge
Despite Cow Wow’s unique menu and genuine passion, they faced pressing hurdles behind the scenes—challenges that threatened to overshadow their culinary excellence. Below, we’ll explore these issues and how the restaurant found a solution in t’order.
Challenges Behind the Scenes
Slow Sales
Even with a creative menu, Cow Wow couldn’t seem to lift daily revenue. Owner Erika noticed:
- Guests Rarely Upsold: Servers busy managing multiple tables didn’t always suggest add-ons or premium dishes.
- Off-Peak Lulls: During slower hours, foot traffic stalled. Patrons who did come often stuck to basics, rarely exploring more profitable dishes.
- Minimal Promotional Outlets: Cow Wow relied mostly on word-of-mouth. They had a strong local following but lacked a strategic way to highlight new offerings or upsell effectively.
Impact:
Slow sales constrained funds for staff development, marketing, and menu innovation—key ingredients for sustaining a thriving business.
Difficulty Hiring Servers
Like many independent restaurants, Cow Wow faced a competitive labor market:
- Nearby Chains: Often paid higher wages, tempting applicants away.
- Stressful Shifts: Handling hot grills, multiple orders, and table turnover was intense.
- Limited Growth Paths: With restricted budgets, Cow Wow struggled to offer premium wages or career advancement.
Impact:
Chronic understaffing led to delayed service, frustrated diners, and overworked employees, perpetuating a cycle of negative guest experiences.
High Turnover Rate
Even after overcoming hiring hurdles, Cow Wow couldn’t keep staff for long:
- Burnout: Servers juggled both front-of-house tasks and back-of-house demands in a smaller establishment.
- Repetitive Mistakes: Pen-and-paper ordering led to errors, fueling tension and wasted product.
- No Structured Progression: Without clear raises or promotions, many servers quit when they found better offers.
Impact:
Endless scheduling chaos, forced overtime, and the cost of repeatedly training new hires took a toll on morale and profit margins.
Training Overload
With constant new hires, management spent hours teaching the basics:
- Menu knowledge (BBQ marinades, side dish variations)
- Proper ordering procedures and POS usage
- Mistake prevention and customer service protocols
Impact:
Time poured into training took management away from menu updates, local community engagement, and strategic planning—further stalling growth.
Why Cow Wow Chose t’order
In pursuit of a solution that wouldn’t compromise their warm hospitality or authentic vibe, Erika explored several technologies before settling on t’order:
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Table-Mounted Tablets
Cow Wow needed a system that guided diners through the ordering experience—especially crucial for Korean BBQ, where guests grill meats at their table. t’order’s table-mounted tablets remain in place and easy to locate. -
Upselling & Promotional Tools
The digital menu highlights premium cuts, specialty dishes, and combo deals, gently prompting customers to explore more of what Cow Wow has to offer. -
Reduced Server Stress
With the tablets handling core ordering, servers can focus on hospitality, explaining marinade techniques, or ensuring guests maximize their Korean BBQ experience. -
Integration with Existing POS
Cow Wow’s staff dreaded having to learn a new system. t’order synchronized with the existing POS, eliminating double-data entry and smoothing out the adoption curve. -
Cultural Compatibility
Although technology is front and center, t’order blends seamlessly with Cow Wow’s mission—enhancing the experience rather than overshadowing it. Guests can still rely on servers for personal recommendations while enjoying digital convenience at their fingertips.
Implementing t’order
Despite initial concerns, the setup proceeded smoothly:
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Menu Digitization
- Cow Wow’s signature marinated meats, classic bibimbap, and kimchi stews were uploaded with appetizing photos and descriptions.
- Seasonal specials (like specific marinade blends) received dedicated callouts.
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Staff Training
- Servers learned to manage “Call Staff” alerts, handle special requests, and reassure first-time diners who might be hesitant about ordering through a tablet.
- T’order’s user-friendly interface accelerated the learning curve.
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Launch Day
- Social media posts announced the new ordering approach, emphasizing that Cow Wow was still all about authentic Korean BBQ, just with an added modern twist.
- Staff members stationed near tables to guide guests, ensuring a confident, stress-free rollout.
Within just a few days, diners were placing orders on the tablets without hesitation, and servers quickly noticed the streamlined workflow.
The Transformation: Key Results
Cow Wow’s adoption of t’order spurred significant improvements:
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Higher Average Checks
- Automated upsell prompts (e.g., “Add kimchi fried rice?”) and mouthwatering dish images increased average ticket size by 15–20%.
- Sides, specialty sauces, and premium combos became more popular once diners saw them featured on the tablet.
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Reduced Staff Turnover
- Servers enjoyed fewer repetitive tasks and less error-related stress. Many discovered they could manage more tables—and thus earn more tips—keeping them engaged and satisfied.
- Turnover dropped markedly, cutting down on training hours and the costs of rehiring.
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Improved Table Turns & Guest Flow
- Diners placed orders at their own pace, speeding up service without rushing the grilling experience.
- Wait times plummeted, allowing Cow Wow to seat additional tables during peak hours, increasing overall daily revenue.
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Less Time Spent on Training
- New hires needed minimal orientation for order-taking. T’order’s interface provided menu details, marinade info, and dietary notes, eliminating memorization burdens.
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Better Guest Experience
- The “Call Staff” feature let diners flag a server for help with grilling techniques or extra side dishes—especially valuable for newcomers to Korean BBQ.
- Regulars embraced the vibrant dish images, trying items they hadn’t noticed before.
As a result, monthly revenue grew by roughly 18%, which Erika said “more than offset the tablet hardware and subscription costs.” Freed from constant training cycles and short-handed shifts, management could focus on refining the menu and forging deeper community ties.
Infusing Culture and Tech: A Perfect Pairing
One of Cow Wow’s biggest fears was that a tech-heavy approach would undermine the traditional Korean diningambiance they worked so hard to cultivate. Instead, guests applauded the innovation:
- Enhanced Cultural Experience: The digital interface includes brief notes on Korean dining customs, letting guests learn about banchan (side dishes) or marinade origins.
- Ease for Multi-Generational Dining: Families bringing grandparents or younger children found the step-by-step tablet guidance helpful. Even first-time Korean BBQ eaters felt confident.
- Community Engagement: Cow Wow periodically updates the tablet interface with local event announcements or limited-time marinade promotions, further connecting with the Suwanee community.
Ultimately, t’order didn’t replace Cow Wow’s personal touch—it magnified it, allowing staff to share stories about each dish rather than scribbling down orders.
Lessons Learned & Next Steps
The Cow Wow team gleaned invaluable insights:
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Balance Menu Options
- While the tablets encourage guests to explore, offering too many marinade variations or combos at once can overwhelm them. Clarity and categories matter.
- While the tablets encourage guests to explore, offering too many marinade variations or combos at once can overwhelm them. Clarity and categories matter.
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Engage Servers from Day One
- Emphasizing how the tablets help servers earn higher tips and focus on hospitality was crucial for buy-in.
- Emphasizing how the tablets help servers earn higher tips and focus on hospitality was crucial for buy-in.
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Educate Diners
- Clear instructions in the tablet UI (and a brief “how to order” spiel from hosts) smoothed out first impressions, especially for patrons new to table-mounted ordering.
Want to Learn More?
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