A SCOTS firm that invented the world's first "pies and Bovril" mobile phone app for football fans said it is close to signing deals with five English Premier League clubs and Wembley Stadium in time for next season.
The revolutionary app allows football supporters to use their smartphone to place orders for food and drinks during the match by scanning a QR code on their seats to bring up a menu on their screens.
Snacks are then delivered within five minutes – a fraction of the time it takes to queue up at half-time. QikServe, the Midlothian company behind the app, receives a commission fee for every transaction made.
It was successfully launched earlier this year at Tynecastle stadium, where 3000 Hearts fans got the opportunity to skip the queues and avoid having to leave their children unattended.
QikServe founder Dan Rodgers, 40, a medical science graduate of Napier University, said: "We have had some fantastic feedback from fans who thought it was a great idea.
"Now we are delighted to be in talks with some major English clubs. We hope this will open up the US market for us, where sports hospitality is really huge."
Alcohol, which is allowed in English stadiums, can also be ordered via the app, though as it cannot be consumed in view of the pitch it is served at a collection point on the concourse.
Mr Rodgers also revealed he is about to conclude a deal with a Scottish airport in the next fortnight and has pitched a proposal to serve snacks at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
"It is all about improving customer service," he said. "We can deliver menus in consumers' own language via their mobile phone devices. Hopefully this will mark the end of queuing for consumers all over the world."
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