Issue Fall 2008

WIMPY Gets Wired

Few people know that the Wimpy brand was born out of a tea room established in 1894 called Lyons in the Piccadilly area of London. Lyons Tea Rooms and the Lyons Corner House were successful full service restaurants that thrived and expanded throughout the London area. In 1954, they decided to try a new and revolutionary concept of food-to-go by adding a quick pick-up bar in the corner of one of the Corner House locations; they called this new concept “the Wimpy Bar”. Wimpy, whose name came from the Popeye character Wellington Wimpy, famous for his love of hamburgers, quickly became a success. Before long there were more Wimpy Bars than Lyons and Corner House restaurants combined. By the 1970’s, the Wimpy chain had expanded to more than a thousand locations in twenty-three countries.

Wimpy UK continues to remain true to its heritage of being at the forefront of a revolutionary in-store experience for customers, and recently began working with YCD Multimedia to deliver on that experience. In the Wimpy Marlow location, YCD Multimedia recently completed the installation of a number of digital media products designed to promote the Wimpy menu, increase customer satisfaction and promote the Wimpy brand. Marlow is a location that attracts many families. Parents and children alike are delighted to see that Wimpy is entertaining them with a screen in the queuing area showing cartoons and special Wimpy entertainment while they wait to place an order. When customers get to the counter there is no lack of delicious food being offered on Wimpy’s new, YCD Multimedia powered, digital menu board. The content on these boards easily shifts from the breakfast to lunch to dinner offering based on time of day targeting. Small YCD|AdScreens at each cash register guarantee that no one forgets about the Value Deals offered, or to add a hot toffee sponge to their order. While customers sit and enjoy their meals they also enjoy the YCD Multimedia programmed music, which leverages the same technology platform that powers their visual content.

For YCD Multimedia, refining digital solutions offered in quick service restaurant environments has been a marriage of great technology and the desire to help clients realize an increased return on investment. That focus is paying off and our partners agree. Darren Hele, Managing Director Wimpy UK said, “YCD Multimedia has a great technology platform and clearly understands partnerships. We are enjoying working together and find their hands-on approach to be refreshing.”

Look for the local Wimpy in your area and enjoy a Spicy Bean Burger with chips and if you find yourself in London, stop by the Marlow location – you’ll like what you see and taste!