HATO and BAO Launches Pioneering Digital Restaurant App
“Welcome to the BAOverse.”
London’s cult-fave restaurant BAO just launched its innovative app, “BAOverse,” in collaboration with HATO and its Not in Game platform. Founded in 2015, BAO is more than just a Taiwanese-style restaurant with a twist— from its eclectic tongue-in-cheek design aesthetics and experimental dining concepts, along with a chain of dining spots that are dedicated to delivering a unique purpose that befits its chosen location. Now with BAOverse, the unconventional brand aims to “game-ify” the restaurant experience with the first-of-its-kind app that bridges the gap between offline and online.
Entering BAOverse, users will be welcomed with a bustling city in the brand’s signature retro pixel art and gaming aesthetics. Users will be able to select iconic BAO characters to explore while earning BAOcoins. The currency can be used on in-app items that can be redeemed IRL — anything from a free cocktail, to skipping busy queues. Each real-life BAO location, as well as its Convni online shop, are also represented on this interface for users to dine and shop in.
BAO’s Co-founder Shing Tat Chung explains that “The challenge of combining digital experiences and technology with real-life restaurants is the risk that it takes away from the user’s experience and enjoyment, however, this showcases how a digital experience can actually add to the joy of dining and further relationships with customers.”
Speaking on future developments of BAOverse, Chung states that “our ambition is for the physical BAO experience to translate seamlessly to the digital world. For example, if a user purchases a T-shirt through Convni store in real life, we are working for that to be reflected in the app so that their avatar in the BAOverse will immediately be able to wear a digital version too. I am also particularly excited that the app rewards you when you dine alone.”
To celebrate the launch and the Lunar New Year, the app will be dominated by digital Lucky Red Envelopes that contain one-off prizes. Currently available in IOS only, the app will be ready for Android users later on in the year. Head over to BAO’s website to find out more check out the new BAOverse app on App Store.
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