3 Ninjas Pizza
QR Code Ordering System for Pop-Up Food Events
Overview
3 Ninjas Pizza operates pop-up pizza events at pubs and venues across the region. They needed a solution that was simple enough for a pop-up but robust enough to handle a busy Friday night.
The Challenge
Like many mobile food businesses, 3 Ninjas Pizza faced common pain points:
- Long queues at peak times frustrated customers and slowed service
- Order errors from verbal communication in noisy environments
- Payment friction — cash handling, card machine delays
- No visibility — customers had no idea when their food would be ready
- Kitchen chaos — handwritten tickets got lost or misread
The Solution
We built a custom Progressive Web App (PWA) ordering system designed specifically for pop-up food operations.
How it works:
- Customer scans a QR code at their table
- Browses the menu on their phone (no app download required)
- Adds items to cart, enters their name
- Pays via card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
- Receives real-time updates as their order progresses
Meanwhile, the kitchen sees orders appear instantly on a dedicated display, with one-tap controls to move orders through each stage of preparation.
Features for Customers
No App Download
Works instantly in any browser
No Account Required
Just scan, order, pay
Real-Time Tracking
Visual progress timeline for orders
Persistent Cart
Cart saves if you navigate away
Dietary Filters
Vegan, gluten-free, and more
Features for Kitchen Staff
Live Order Queue
Updated in real-time
One-Tap Bumping
Move orders through stages instantly
About to Drop View
See pending payments to prep ahead
Allergen Alerts
Special instructions clearly visible
Any Device
Works on any tablet or screen
Features for Management
Service Control
Open/close with one toggle
Prep Time Adjustment
Update estimates on the fly
Sold Out Items
Mark items unavailable instantly
Order History
Full history and refund capability
Multi-Venue
Separate configurations per location
Technical Approach
We chose a modern, cost-effective stack:
- Nuxt 4 + Vue 3 — Fast, reactive frontend
- Supabase — Real-time database with built-in auth
- Stripe — Secure payments including Apple/Google Pay
- PWA — Installable on home screen, works offline for menu browsing
The entire system runs on generous free tiers, keeping ongoing costs minimal — perfect for businesses where margins matter.
The Results
- Faster service — No queue at the counter, orders flow directly to kitchen
- Fewer errors — Written orders eliminate miscommunication
- Better customer experience — Real-time updates mean no anxious waiting
- Increased throughput — Kitchen can see what's coming and prep ahead
- Professional image — Modern ordering system elevates the brand
Why This Works for Pop-Ups
Unlike off-the-shelf solutions designed for permanent restaurants, this system was built with mobile operations in mind
Zero Hardware Required
Uses devices you already own
Quick Setup
QR codes are all you need
Works Anywhere
Just needs phone signal or venue WiFi
Scales Down
No monthly fees eating into quiet nights
Scales Up
Handles the rush without breaking a sweat
Is This Right for Your Business?
This approach works brilliantly for:
- Pop-up food stalls and street food vendors
- Food trucks and mobile catering
- Takeaway and collection services
- Event catering and festival food
- Pub kitchens and ghost kitchens
- Any food business wanting to reduce queues and improve efficiency
Need a QR Ordering System?
Let's discuss how I can help you streamline your food service operations.