If you enjoy discovering innovative new startup companies, you might want to do a deep dive inside Dubai’s Kanari (kanari.co). Founded by Edmond Husseini and Subhi Farah, Kanari offers customer feedback tools to brick-and-mortar establishments. Currently focusing on the restaurant sector, this hot startup company hopes to give business owners a deeper understanding of key elements of their business based upon real-time customer feedback.
Kanari offers a variety of modules for all levels of restaurant management. Business owners, managers, and front-of-house supervisors can each access levels of Kanari relevant to their position within the business. Owners can monitor feedback for multiple restaurants from one dashboard, while managers can track real-time feedback for all open orders. Kanari can be used for take-out delivery feedback as well as eat-in establishments.
Business owners don’t need to be concerned that their restaurant will be overrun with bogus feedback ratings from non-existent patrons. Only actual customers are provided with a one-time Kanari access code to leave visitor feedback (customers request their access code from their restaurant server). Patrons access Kanari’s mobile website (app.kanari.co) and complete an online survey regarding their current dining experience. There is no app to download and customers can even sign-in using their Facebook account. Restaurateurs using the platform can place table-cards advertising their Kanari integration or can advertise their feedback option on their receipts. By letting customers know that their business is truly interested in actionable feedback, restaurant owners are able to leave a lasting impression with customers while gleaning data that no analytics platform can offer.
The key to getting customers to offer feedback via the Kanari platform is that each feedback offering earns reward points that can be used at a variety of Kanari-enabled restaurants. Even if a customer details a poor dining experience, the simple act of offering their feedback still earns reward points. Not only does a business owner receive detailed feedback on potential problem areas or exemplary staff, patrons are able to feel appreciated for their time and effort. The Kanari survey interface is only available via a smartphone or tablet, offering mobile customers a handy way to help improve dining experiences with very little effort on their part.
Kanari is just one of many intriguing Dubai startups creating innovative products and services. Entrepreneurs are realizing that they can connect with customers outside of the burgeoning Middle Eastern market and can grow their business on a global scale. The explosion of startups in the MENA region is just getting started. From Abu Dhabi to Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates is growing young companies at an explosive pace. Stay tuned for more tales of talent from this hotbed of entrepreneurial activity.