Jubzi gets creative to save restaurants money
A new mobile ordering system is helping restaurateurs save money in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Jubzi.com is a service dedicated to offering an alternative to traditional third-party apps. Thus, allowing restaurants to save money and pass those savings on to their customers.
“Jubzi.com was launched four weeks ago but has been in the works for three years,” said owner Thanos Zikantas, 47. “Jubzi translated to English from a combination of English and an Asian dialect meaning, ‘Vessel of good will.’ Our philosophy is, ‘Everybody Eats.’”
Zikantas said he wanted to offer a chance to save money which benefits both restauranteurs and consumers.
He said eliminating third-party apps has made that possible. As well as offering savings, Jubzi donates 5 per cent of each order to Windsor’s Downtown Mission.
“In the month since we launched, we have been able to save local restaurants $10,000 in commission fees and feed 770 meals at The Mission,” said Zikantas.
Word about Jubzi is spreading through word of mouth. Rosemary Woods, 40, and owner of Taloola Café, Slices and the Grand Cantina, said she is starting to see an increase in orders since registering with Jubzi.com.
“Owning a restaurant is never easy, throw in a pandemic in there and you face even bigger challenges,” said Woods. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the next six months brings. I like Jubzi as it’s community minded and helps everyone including the homeless, so why not use it.”
Jessica Knight, 32, and her mother Vicki Knight, 52, co-owners of Generations Diner said they like how Jubzi has made ordering more convenient for their regular patrons.
“The needs at the Downtown Mission are near and dear to our hearts as my son was homeless so, we like that every order contributes to their cause,” said Vicki. “We also like that Jubzi gives us control of our prices.”
Generations Diner has a contest going on for anyone who orders from them using Jubzi. The 100th order will receive a prize worth approximately $250.
Rev. Ron Dunn from the Downtown Mission said he is looking forward to seeing Jubzi grow in the future.
“This has the potential to grow and impact homeless shelters across Canada,” said Ron
Dunn, 50, chief executive director of Windsor’s Downtown Mission. Dunn and Zikantas have been friends for years and came up with the idea of a ‘socially responsible’ platform together.
“The vision is to grow across Ontario, Canada and eventually North America, to help,” said Dunn.
“Jubzi is quietly doing God’s work in the ultimate fundraiser. Thanos wants to help the homeless across the country.”