Introduction
Nora Restaurant & Bar, situated in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood within the historic Hotel Saint Clair, brings a modern coastal Mediterranean dining experience to the city. Founded by Benny and Phil Siddu of Volare Chicago, Nora seamlessly blends Mediterranean traditions with the warmth of the Midwest. The menu is a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of Greece, Italy, Spain, and beyond, featuring fresh seafood, hearty pasta, and innovative dishes that honor the region’s rich heritage.
Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean landscapes, the restaurant’s ambiance sets the stage for unforgettable dining experiences, whether dining in, taking out, or enjoying delivery. Each dish is thoughtfully complemented by handcrafted cocktails and artisanal coffee.
By fusing ancient traditions with contemporary flavors, Nora offers a unique and immersive restaurant experience. Guests are invited to savor the rich tapestry of tastes and traditions that define this timeless region, making every visit a memorable culinary adventure in the heart of Chicago.
Challenge
Nora Restaurant & Bar faced the challenge of launching a new business and creating a unique culinary identity in Chicago’s competitive dining scene. Combining Mediterranean traditions with Midwest charm required careful planning to ensure top-notch menus and service.
Managing dine-in, take-out, and delivery services added complexity. Seamless communication between the front and back of house was crucial for order accuracy and fast service. Choosing the right technology stack from the start was essential to save time and avoid future problems. This included systems that could handle various service channels and adapt to changing demands.
Balancing operational needs with Nora’s creative vision was key to building a loyal local following and attracting visitors. The challenge of managing orders, maintaining accuracy, and providing quick service needed a well-integrated tech solution to streamline operations and deliver a great dining experience from day one.
Solution
To tackle its challenges, Nora Restaurant & Bar adopted a strategic approach focused on operational efficiency and enhancing the customer experience. Integrating Chowly’s technology solutions was key to streamlining operations. By consolidating multiple third-party delivery platforms into one cohesive system, Nora simplified order management.
Adopting a robust POS system compatible with Chowly’s technology ensured seamless data flow and operational efficiency. This allowed staff to concentrate more on customer service rather than dealing with technological issues. The restaurant also leveraged digital marketing and online ordering to boost visibility and accessibility, making it easier for customers to place orders and engage with the brand outside the four walls.
Although they have just started with Chowly, Nora is already hitting the ground running. Implementing a well-thought-out tech stack from the start provided a foundation for growth, enabling Nora to efficiently adapt to seasonal variations and increasing demand. The seamless technology integration, coupled with a focus on exceptional dining experiences, helped Nora build a loyal customer base and attract new patrons consistently. Chowly’s support is always just a call away, ready to assist Nora as they continue to grow and succeed.
Phil Siddu’s father, the owner of Volare Restaurant, has also been a long-time Chowly customer. Volare has seen remarkable success, generating total sales of $1,851,989.00 since becoming a Chowly customer in 2021. This impressive track record sets a high benchmark and exemplifies how Chowly’s solutions can drive restaurant success. Phil aims to replicate this success with Nora, using the lessons learned from Volare to build a strong foundation for Nora’s growth.
Numbers
The impact of adopting Chowly's Off Premise Platform is already apparent. Here are some key performance metrics:
$
1
Total Sales
$8,988 projected annual total sales
$
1
Average Basket Size
