Townsville start-up launches software for hospitality sector

A former Townsville Hooters manager has launched his world-first software for restaurateurs he hopes will make him the next big thing in the start-up world.

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A FORMER Townsville Hooters manager has launched his world-first software for restaurateurs he hopes will make him the next big thing in the start-up world.

Ivan Brewer had more than 20 years’ experience in hospitality, including at the Bushland Beach Tavern and as Hooters’ first manager here, when he broke his neck.

It meant he was suddenly unable to work.

But looking back now, Mr Brewer says that injury turned into “a bit of a gift” as it focused his time on turning a good idea into a real software solution.

Ivan Brewer with Smart Precinct NQ’s Lydia Canovas and Cassandra Cazzulino.

He has now launched Peiso Profitability Solution (https://www.peiso.com.au/) which helps restaurants, cafes, clubs and pubs to better control purchasing and labour to boost the bottom line.

He is also a recent graduate of Smart Precinct NQ’s Startup Onramp Founders Course.

The response to his launch this week has been encouraging with 40 inquiries and some venues including Townsville restaurant Matte Black Violet trialling the software.

Also, some big industry players, including rostering giant Deputy and Australian Point of Sale sensation Kounta, which will promote the software, are supporting him.

He has signed an agreement with external development company Innovators Direct which will provide the support to establish accounts

Even so, he is expecting, in fact hoping, it will be a slow grind, given that at this point he is Peiso’s only employee.

“I’m targeting 500 users over the first 12 months and getting towards $1m in revenue,” Mr Brewer said.

“I’m looking to employ people in the next three months as account managers, looking after people and getting them using the system properly.”

He hopes this will allow him to focus on the business’s ongoing development.

He sees the Covid-19 pandemic as a challenge and opportunity.

Restaurants shut down are hardly going to sign up for $150 a month fees but that considering businesses need help it was the perfect time to launch.

Ivan Brewer with Matte Black Violet owner Marvin Baumeister.

Matte Black Voilet owner Marvin Baumeister said they embraced the software to help with their recovery.

“Not being able to trade at all, or under restrictions, throughout Covid-19 has caused lots of issues like wastage of produce, staffing shortages and operating at reduced capacity,” Mr Baumeister said.

“Peiso is integrating three of our essential cloud based hospitality services and gives us the ability to learn from the backend analysis that Peiso offers.”

To mark the launch, Peiso is offering a 30 per cent discount for Townsville outlets.

Originally published as Townsville start-up launches software for hospitality sector