How curry became a real satellite dish
CUSTOMERS ordering a takeaway from an Indian restaurant
could soon be able to track their delivery by satellite.
Owner Mohammed Ali has opened Maliks, in Chesterton, and is
setting up a webcam so customers can watch their order being
cooked in the restaurant's kitchen on the internet.
Then Mr Ali hopes to install a Global Positioning Navigation
system to show the progress of the order from oven door to
front door.
Website updates will inform customers of delays, like a
traffic jam, while a clock counts down the time until dinner is
served.
Mr Ali, aged 30, of Hanley, said: "I have done my research
and I believe we are the first in the world to do this.
"This is a traditional Indian takeaway, with good quality,
home-cooked food. We are not marketing towards drunks leaving
the pub, our customers will be curry lovers.
"We are proud of our facilities and our hygiene, so we are
happy to invite customers to see the kitchen on camera, and
watch the food being prepared.
"Then the GPS tracking system will allow people to follow
their food over the internet, so they know exactly when it is
due to arrive."
Mr Ali, who has experience of photography and video
equipment, has spent £25,000 on the CCTV equipment so he can
film his chef in action and set up the GPS system.
Chef Nefur Miah said: "I'm happy to be filmed while
cooking."
The plan to open the takeaway in London Road had sparked
objections because it was to be the 14th takeaway in the
Chesterton area.
It was only allowed planning approval on appeal after
residents had complained about extra litter, food smells and
too many takeaways.
Councillor John Beech, who officially opened the takeaway,
said: "If you don't have takeaways and public amenities people
don't want to live in an area.
"Most people are open to new ideas, it is so easy to use the
website.
"But it is the quality of the food that will be more
important to people."
Abdul Chaudry, of the North Staffordshire Bangladeshi
Association, said: "There is nothing like this locally."
The new website is up and running, but Mr Ali needs
permission from Ofcom to broadcast live images.
He also needs permission from an operator to publish the map
used with the tracking system and expects it to be up and
running by Monday.
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7 Comments
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by Chri Brass, Light Oaks
Friday, November 07 2008, 5:34PM
“I tried the food from Malik's when it first opened and I had it delivered to Light Oaks, some 10 miles away and as with every time, it arrived as warm and fresh as when it was cooked. Obviously it is good wuality as i have been a regular ever since and would advise any body to follow my lead. Since his opening i have hosted a house warming party at mine for about 20 people and Malik catered for us. Every person at the party congratulated him on the food and many have returned there since. Enough of the praise, it's time you should order too and you will soon see for yourself. Best of luck for the future Malik.”
by Dawn Smith, Walsall, Uk
Monday, September 29 2008, 1:01PM
“What a fabulous idea, brilliant for the customer and a good way of ensuring customer loyalty and security in the knowledge they are receiving freshly prepared, well cooked food from a hygenic kitchen. I sincerely wish you luck in your new venture.”
by Tom, Tunstall
Friday, August 29 2008, 2:08AM
“One of the best currys i have had in years i just can't wait till the website is up and running to see this live gps tracking.”
by Michelle, stoke on trent
Wednesday, August 27 2008, 2:26PM
“Just as long as the cook doesn't forget the camera is there and pecks his nose, as if he does it will be all down hill for Mr Mohammed.”
by Adam Smith, Newcastle
Wednesday, August 27 2008, 1:26AM
“One of the best Curry's I have had in years and Mr Ali is going to the right direction with the Indian service. I went to the place to order 1st time there and I really liked the place and it look the part! When I ordered they got my orders correct on their posh system and they given me a waiting time that was truthful because in the past with other takeaways I had to wait hours for the food to be ready! While I was waiting comfortably I was watching my food being cooked on the big screen inside the takeaway! With this feature I know what is happing with my food! I'm waiting for the on-line service so I can order at home in my time and see the chef cooking and tracking my delivery guy of where he is! 10 out of 10 service and food.”