Ocean City's Sack O' Subs Releases iPhone App Today

For the hungry masses of smartphone users, Ocean City's is launching an iPhone app today that will help customers connect more quickly and inexpensively with their food.

The free app is the first of its kind in the region, according to Jerry McGee, a social media advisor and long-time employee of Sack O' Subs.

The app is another example of the ways small business owners are using technology to improve customer service.

The iPhone app and a similar Android app that will be released shortly will allow users to search menus, take advantage of discounts and order food. The current version of the iPhone includes:

• Contact Us: Call the store with one touch
• Tell a Friend: Send recommendations through Facebook, email or Twitter
• Menu: Complete selections and prices
• Offers: Special discounts (Thursday, for instance, is "Pizza Night" with $7.50 large pies and half-price toppings)
• Locations: Maps, web links, one-touch phone or e-mail contacts
• Updates: Registration for text, email or app updates on discounts

McGee said enhancements under development include a system for placing orders directly through the app, alerts for specials of the day, app-only coupons and even text alerts that will let customers know when their takeout orders are ready for pickup.

Sack O' Subs has seven locations, including two in Ocean City (926 Asbury Avenue and a seasonal shop on 55th Street), and the new app will help eliminate confusion among seasonal visitors about store addresses, McGee said.

Al Sacco owns the two Ocean City locations of the chain started by his family in Ventnor in 1969. The Saccos got their start at Atlantic City's White House Subs in 1947.

The new app is a localized version of AppSuite's Cafe App, which serves restaurants throughout the nation.

Smartphone users interested in downloading the free app can search for "Sack O Subs" in the iPhone app store or scan the QR code included with the images above. Other QR codes link to Sack O' Subs Facebook pages.