An apparatus for communicating the status of a consumable having a tubular housing with a channel, wherein the channel includes a proximal section and a distal section separated by an internal flange, a power module assembly including a coaster coupled on the proximal section of the tubular housing, a top cover, and a bottom cover coupled to the distal section of the tubular housing, a sensor coupled to the coaster for determining a level of beverage in a beverage container, and electronic circuitry for controlling a status indicator, wherein the sensor is in electrical communication with the electronic circuitry, wherein the status indicator is operably coupled to the sensor; and wherein the status indicator is covered by a lampshade.

A paging system comprise paging buttons configured to transmit a first signal including a paging request; a server configured to: receive the first signal, identify which of the paging buttons transmit the first signal received by the server, and transmit to at least one portable device a second signal including information on an identifier corresponding to the identified paging button that transmits the first signal, and the paging request; and at least one portable device configured to: display the identifier corresponding to the identified paging button and/or the paging request based on the second signal, and transmit to the server a third signal in response to an acceptance input responded to the paging request. The server transmits to at least one portable device a fourth signal confirming that the portable device transmitting the third signal is matched to the identified paging button in response to the third signal.

A Smartserv platform system and methods are provided. When a restaurant item order is placed via a smart device app interface, the order is transmitted to computer server which notifies a preparer. The order is also transmitted to a Smartserv platform, which generates a user identifiable area, such as a color-coded area of a Smartserv platform surface within which an ordered restaurant item will be distributed, thereby enabling simpler and more organized restaurant item ordering and distribution. The computer server may also notify the customer that the customer's order is ready for pickup at the area designated by the appropriately colored lights. This improves known customer-notification methods.

A Smartsery platform system and methods are provided. When a restaurant item order is placed via a smart device app interface, the order is transmitted to computer server which notifies a preparer. The order is also transmitted to a Smartsery platform, which generates a user identifiable area, such as a color-coded area of a Smartsery platform surface within which an ordered restaurant item will be distributed, thereby enabling simpler and more organized restaurant item ordering and distribution. The computer server may also notify the customer that the customer's order is ready for pickup at the area designated by the appropriately colored lights. This improves known customer-notification methods.

A service request system comprises: a call bell device transmitting service request information in response to a customer's input; a first gateway device receiving the service request information through a local area communication; a service server connected to the first gateway device over an Internet and, in an online status, receiving the service request information from the first gateway device through the Internet; a staff terminal connected to the service server over the Internet and receiving the service request information from the service server through the Internet; a local server connected to the first gateway device and the staff terminal over the local area communication, monitoring availability of the Internet and, in an offline state, receiving the service request information of the call bell device from the first gateway device and transmitting the service request information of the call bell device to the staff terminal through the local area communication.

A paging system comprise paging buttons configured to transmit a first signal including a paging request; a server configured to: receive the first signal, identify which of the paging buttons transmit the first signal received by the server, and transmit to at least one portable device a second signal including information on an identifier corresponding to the identified paging button that transmits the first signal, and the paging request; and at least one portable device configured to: display the identifier corresponding to the identified paging button and/or the paging request based on the second signal, and transmit to the server a third signal in response to an acceptance input responded to the paging request. The server transmits to at least one portable device a fourth signal confirming that the portable device transmitting the third signal is matched to the identified paging button in response to the third signal.

An apparatus for communicating the status of a consumable includes a sleeve with a tubular housing. The tubular housing has a lumen with a proximal section and a distal section separated by an internal flange. The sleeve includes a battery case or power module with a coaster coupled on the proximal side of the internal flange, an electronic module and a power supply module coupled to the distal side of the internal flange. A sensor in the form of a spring-loaded switch is located on the coaster to trigger and enable a status indicator based on a predetermined weight of a beverage container. The status indicator is an LED light source or wireless signal coupled to the sensor through the electronic module.

A Smartserv platform system and methods are provided. When a restaurant item order is placed via a smart device app interface, the order is transmitted to computer server which notifies a preparer. The order is also transmitted to a Smartserv platform, which generates a user identifiable area, such as a color-coded area of a Smartserv platform surface within which an ordered restaurant item will be distributed, thereby enabling simpler and more organized restaurant item ordering and distribution. The computer server may also notify the customer that the customer's order is ready for pickup at the area designated by the appropriately colored lights. This improves known customer-notification methods.

A method of communicating devices using virtual buttons comprises receiving, by a user device, a store code and transmitting, by the user device, the store code to a server; searching, by the server, for virtual buttons corresponding to the store code, and transmitting, by the server, to the user device the virtual buttons corresponding to the store code; providing, by the user device, an interface configured to receive a location identifier and button selection input among the virtual buttons received from the server, and transmitting, by the user device, the location identifier and the button selection input to the server; transmitting, by the server, to a staff device the location identifier and the button selection input; and receiving, by the staff device, the location identifier and the button selection input and displaying information associated with the location identifier and requested service corresponding to the button selection input.

A waitperson notification and feedback indicator device allows customers to provide feedback to a waitperson during a service interaction. The device includes a support base, pole, and signal device. The device can be placed on or attached to a patron's table during service and is configured to notify a waitperson that attention is required, indicate feedback regarding satisfaction with the service, or both. The support base is a pedestal, clip, or clamp. The pole and signal device attach to the support base. The length of the pole is fixed or variable. The signal device is a flag, sign, placard, or electronic visual device, such as a customizable light panel. One of more of the support base, pole, and signal device can include lights and a control. The pole can also include an adjustable notification unit housed inside or disposed on the pole that deploys to extend therefrom.