Success Stories
Apr 28, 2025

Better Insights, Bigger Wins: Cream Dream Cafe’s Story with Places App

Cream Dream Café Transforms Customer Experience and Revenue Insight with the Places App

At Cream Dream Café, it’s never just about coffee and cake — it’s about crafting smooth, memorable experiences for every guest.

But behind the counter, owner Lisa was facing growing challenges that made running the business anything but smooth. Busy periods were unpredictable, staffing was hard to manage, and product performance was difficult to track. Like many independent cafés, she was operating on instinct instead of insight — and it was holding her back.

Everything changed when she discovered the Places App, a smart, all-in-one platform designed for hospitality businesses like hers.

Pain point

Unpredictable Rushes and Limited Visibility

Before Places App, Lisa’s team often found themselves overwhelmed during busy shifts — and understaffed at crucial times. She had no easy way to forecast demand, allocate staff effectively, or understand which menu items were actually driving profit.

Managing product availability was also a guessing game. Popular items would run out, while less popular (and less profitable) items stayed on the shelves. Meanwhile, long queues were frustrating customers and putting extra pressure on her staff.

“Places App doesn’t just help us manage the café — it helps us grow smarter.”

The Solution

Smart Staffing, Better Insights, and More Tips

By implementing the Places App, Lisa gained the clarity and control she had been missing.

“The app helped us understand when we need baristas to come in. The second big insight was identifying which products generate the most revenue,” Lisa says.

With access to real-time data, she discovered that their pistachio tart was one of their most profitable items, while less popular offerings — like alcohol — weren’t worth the shelf space. These insights helped streamline the menu and focus on what sells.

One of the standout features for the team was QR table ordering, which didn’t just improve customer experience — it boosted staff morale.

“A major benefit is table orders via QR codes. This allows each barista to receive up to £100 in tips during some shifts,” Lisa shares.

This new system empowered baristas to actively promote digital ordering, reducing front-of-house congestion and increasing customer satisfaction.

While there are occasional tech hiccups, Lisa is quick to highlight the support she receives:

“Any time I have a question or need support, I just message the team and get a response within seconds. The speed and service are genuinely impressive.”

Future plans

Since adopting the Places App, Cream Dream Café has seen:

  • More predictable and efficient scheduling
  • Increased customer satisfaction and faster service
  • Boosted tips for staff through QR table ordering
  • Clearer understanding of product performance and profitability

The café’s operations now run more smoothly, and Lisa’s team feels more confident during peak hours.

Looking ahead, Lisa plans to expand her use of Places App features—exploring more personalised loyalty options and advanced analytics to guide seasonal menu planning.

For any café owner looking to modernise and optimise their business, Lisa has a clear message: “Get the Places App — it’s a game changer.”