Kokomo Joe’s

The world changed for everyone in so many ways after the pandemic. For family entertainment centers like Kokomo Joe’s, those changes that impact business included customers’ spending habits. According to JP Morgan, a global leader in financial services, consumers have been forced to shop differently, swapping the checkout line for online shopping more than ever before. E-commerce around the world surged as consumers are now used to looking online for everything from groceries to entertainment options.

“After the pandemic, how people spent their money has changed,” explains Alex Novy, senior manager for Kokomo Joe’s. Until this year, Kokomo Joe’s had been operating with two of the most popular FEC (family entertainment center) technology solutions software for its facility. As attractions have been upgraded and added through the years, it has also become increasingly more difficult to manage multiple systems. Further, the café and bar had been operating on a separate POS system.”

“We have so many things going on that require technology,” continues Alex. “And our previous systems offered no integration.” Kokomo Joe’s previous kiosks were outdated, jammed frequently with frequent software update issues.

Not only are operations running more smoothly and efficiently now at Kokomo Joe’s, but they are also a lot more satisfied with the support they are receiving.

“Support has taken a 180-degree turn from what we have been used to,” explains Alex. “The hardest part going from multiple systems to an all-in-one system was getting past the learning curve. But Semnox had four people onsite for an entire week helping with the installation, and our ongoing relationship with Semnox continues to get stronger and stronger. They are also willing to adapt and learn new technology. They continue to develop and provide solutions, which keeps us at a competitive advantage.”

Parafait’s in-house digital signage is helping Kokomo Joe’s communicate better with its existing guests and using QR codes on monitors around the facility has also increased overbuys and length of stay.

Additionally, through Semnox’s Parafait technology SmartFun white-label app, Kokomo Joe’s recently launched a loyalty program. App users receive special offers and can purchase and reload cards directly from the app. Since the app was launched, approximately 60% of users are reloading through the app, which reinforces Kokomo Joe’s insights on how guests are more comfortable now with using technology for purchasing and in general than ever before.

Alex continues, “With customers growing accustomed to self-serve kiosks, online purchasing and using mobile apps, we look forward to focusing on these features which will, in turn, are helping guests stay longer and spend more money when they visit.”