Join us in celebrating wi-Q's 10th anniversary! Discover how our digital ordering solutions have transformed guest experiences worldwide over the past 10 years and see what's next for wi-Q...
This September, we are excited to mark a major milestone—wi-Q technologies is officially 10 years old!
The last decade has been nothing short of remarkable. wi-Q has been at the forefront of hospitality innovation, delivering groundbreaking digital guest engagement solutions that have redefined service in some of the world's most renowned venues.
Founded in 2014 by visionaries Graham Cornhill and Stuart Barnett, wi-Q was established with a clear mission: to revolutionise the guest experience with cutting-edge digital guest engagement tools.
Graham Cornhill, wi-Q Co-Founder:
“’While I was on holiday in Cyprus, I was struggling to get service, and I thought there must be a better way to take control of your own ordering and payment experience...’’
The name, “wi-Q”, encapsulates our core concept—‘why queue?’—emphasising our commitment to eliminating waiting times and enhancing efficiency in hospitality service.
Stuart Barnett, wi-Q Co-Founder:
“The beta version of wi-Q allowed guests to create orders, which printed on a receipt next to the POS. However, this only helped to streamline the order-taking process from the guest, and staff still had to manually input the order into the POS.
So, we soon developed an end-to-end solution that integrated directly into the POS, removing the manual staff input.
Now, we support direct posting to the PMS and guest services software (HOTSOS and Synergymms), as well as processing third-party orders for delivery, inputting them directly to the POS. Saving 1000s of staff hours and errors each month."
wi-Q's dedication to transforming hospitality technology was quickly recognised.
In 2016, wi-Q won multiple prestigious awards, including the Hotelympia Innovation Awards, The Caterer Digital Vision Awards, and the Hotel Owners: Ones To Watch Awards. These recognitions celebrate our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital engagement.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the travel and hospitality industry in 2019-2020, wi-Q was ready.
As the industry faced unprecedented challenges, wi-Q’s mobile ordering solutions became an essential tool for businesses adapting to the new contactless reality. Our ability to meet the demand for seamless and contactless guest services only accelerated the adoption of digital ordering solutions across the industry - with orders surging by 533% in just one month!
In July 2021, wi-Q achieved another major milestone. Our wi-Q Connect platform processed its 1 millionth order.
This achievement reflects not only our growth, but also the success of our valued partners who trust wi-Q to help them streamline operations and improve guest satisfaction.
In 2023, we rebranded with a fresh new logo and vibrant colour palette to symbolise our energy and passion.
These changes reflect our commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation and design within the hospitality industry.
Patience Tucker, Chief Executive Officer at wi-Q:
“Having been part of the journey from the beginning, I often think of myself as a 're-founder.' Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Graham and Stuart to shape wi-Q—its product, technology, and the market we’ve pursued. It’s been incredible to see wi-Q explode in the enterprise space, building partnerships that have evolved into genuine friendships.
This journey has been significant for all of us, both personally and professionally. We’ve faced tough times, but wi-Q’s resilience has always shone through, which is a testament to the strength of the company. Celebrating key milestones in our 10th year feels incredibly fitting, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has believed in us—from clients and partners to investors. Our solution has grown thanks to their trust, and most importantly, we’re grateful to the customers who have embraced this technology. From vision to reality, the journey continues."
We couldn’t have done it alone. As we reflect on the past decade, we are deeply grateful for the trust and collaboration of our valued partners—hospitality businesses, hotels, and QSRs around the world. Together, we’ve worked tirelessly to innovate, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Our journey has been about more than just technology; it’s been about the partnerships we have built along the way. From implementing seamless digital ordering solutions to improving operational efficiency, your support has been instrumental in our success.
As we look to the future and technology continues to evolve, we are excited to continue driving innovation and shaping the next chapter of hospitality technology. The past 10 years have been filled with growth, learning, and collaboration, and we’re eager to see what the next decade holds.
With new opportunities on the horizon, we remain committed to helping hospitality businesses thrive and deliver unparalleled guest experiences.
Explore how wi-Q's advanced digital ordering solutions can keep your business ahead of the curve. Book a personalised demo with the wi-Q team.
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