As we are growing into the second wave of the pandemic we are noticing many challenges within the restaurant industry. An estimated 40% of bars and restaurants across the nation are projected to close for good due to financial hardships. However, the new Lavii Smart Locker technology is the long-awaited solution for many restaurant owners as they strive to remain in business. Rea Huntley is the new CEO behind the creation of Lavii, Inc’s new smart locker technology.
After a summertime lunch run gone wrong, Rea realized that something had to be done in the restaurant industry. “Hoping to take a quick lunch break, I had to wait for my previously placed order for over 20 minutes. I had no idea my order was actually at the front. At the time, a lot of restaurants were using an open shelving system for customers to pick up their orders,” Rea explains. “There was no system in place to communicate with customers automatically. I thought that there has to be a better way to make order pickup quicker and more convenient for the customer. That’s where the idea of the smart locker for made-to-order food pickup came to me,” she continues.
Lavii, Inc conducted an initial pilot using this new technology in multiple locations in the Washington, DC area. They received over 5,000 orders for the insulated lockers since June of 2020 and astounding feedback was received. This new technology is revolutionizing the online order process for restaurants everywhere. Third-party delivery drivers and consumers can now retrieve made-to-order meals safely, securely and easily to make fast food more rapidly while limiting human contact.
This technology is broadly impacting communities as well. “While 40% of restaurants are expected to close due to financial hardships, we’re helping small businesses keep their doors open. Many of our lockers have also been placed in black-owned restaurants,” Rea explains. We also know that all great things require teamwork. Rea has a successful team that also includes her business partners. “They’re always supportive of my ideas and put in the work alongside me. We roll up our sleeves together and get it done,” says Rea of her teammates, James and Marcus. “We’re committed to simplifying the dining experience with useful, smart technology and demonstrating to other young people who look like us that tech is a viable career field,” she continues.
This hustle also requires balance. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Rea is also a wife and mother. She is raising her 3 year old son and maintaining marital bliss to have a successful home life. “Working from home has allowed me to prioritize and multitask while spending extra time with my family,” she states. “My three year old still attends day care so that allows me time to work on my 9 to 5 during the day. In the evenings my wife is very supportive and helps with our son while I burn the midnight oil on Lavii,” Rea expresses.
Be on the lookout for a Lavii, Inc smart locker near you! The team is currently engaging potential investors through a new campaign. The new technology of Lavii, Inc is successfully helping the hospitality industry remain afloat during the pandemic. Rea’s visionary mindset for technology is Black History in the making. To inquire about services or to connect with the Lavii, Inc brand please visit her website and follow her on social media.
Writer, C. Scott, is a mother of one; author, social worker, early literacy interventionist and entrepreneur. Follow her on Instagram as @curls_coils and @mysweettealife.
(Photos Courtesy of Lavii, Inc.)
