Case Study: Tech Modernization for a Family-Owned Pizzeria

The Challenge

Royal Pizza, a long-standing pizzeria in Georgetown, Ontario, had seen better days. After years of family tradition and community loyalty, the business struggled under the weight of COVID-19 and two difficult ownership transitions. In 2024, a new, young owner—close to my own age—stepped in, determined to revive the restaurant’s reputation and operations. When I visited after returning home from university, I saw how much he was juggling: handwritten orders, multiple delivery tablets, an aging cash register, and just one employee (with help from family when needed). Having grown up ordering from Royal Pizza every Friday with my family, I felt a personal connection—and offered to help.

Using my computer science background, I led a full digital transformation. We overhauled the POS system, unified delivery apps, and modernized security. On the backend, I built a customized Zoho ERP system to manage inventory, sales, CRM, and vendor tracking—tailored specifically to the restaurant’s needs. We also implemented bookkeeping automation using cloud-based tools to sync POS data with banking and payroll systems, eliminating spreadsheets and reducing manual errors. What started as a way to support a local business became my first end-to-end systems project—and the foundation for what would become Varix Solutions.

Our Approach

Varix Solutions partnered with the owners to develop and implement a full digital overhaul of their business systems. Every solution was tailored to their specific needs, tools, and growth plans.

  • Built a custom Zoho-based ERP to manage inventory, sales, staffing, and vendor operations—complete with interactive dashboards.

  • Connected POS and banking data to cloud-based accounting software for real-time reconciliation, payroll, and tax tracking.

  • Replaced the outdated system with a cloud-based, tablet-compatible POS that works across devices and locations.

  • Standardized and synced menus across Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes, and DoorDash using API connections—enabling unified backend reporting.

  • Designed a flexible, scalable POS prototype in Zoho Creator, giving the business full control over processing tools and future integrations.

  • Created user-friendly onboarding materials and digital workflows to reduce training time and improve team consistency.

  • Installed cloud-connected surveillance cameras with remote mobile access for real-time monitoring and greater accountability.

The Results

Higher Order Volume

With a streamlined POS system and fully integrated delivery platforms, Royal Pizza was able to process orders faster, eliminate manual errors, and serve more customers during peak hours. The result was a measurable 30% increase in order volume, achieved without expanding front-of-house staff. The system improved speed, accuracy, and capacity—all at once.

Reduced Delivery Platform Costs

By standardizing menus and connecting all third-party delivery apps through API integrations, we helped the business reduce duplicate efforts and identify unnecessary commissions. Orders were routed more efficiently, allowing Royal Pizza to save on platform fees and focus more on profitable delivery channels. This increased margin per order without sacrificing convenience.

Faster, More Accurate Financial Reporting

With POS data feeding directly into cloud-based bookkeeping software, financial records became easier to maintain and far more accurate. Reports that used to take hours were now generated in minutes. As a result, the business experienced 2x faster financial reporting, giving the owners better visibility into cash flow, daily sales, and overall performance.

Stronger Security and Accountability

We installed a modern, cloud-connected security system with mobile access, allowing the owner to monitor the restaurant remotely in real time. This provided greater peace of mind and improved accountability among staff, reducing incidents of error, loss, and oversight—especially during late or unattended hours.

Centralized Operations with ERP Integration

The custom Zoho ERP system gave Royal Pizza the ability to manage inventory, staff schedules, vendor relationships, and CRM tasks from a single platform. What was once tracked across spreadsheets, paper logs, and phone calls became a unified, structured system. This level of centralization not only reduced admin time but also improved operational decision-making.

Scalable Infrastructure for Growth

Perhaps most importantly, the systems we put in place didn’t just fix short-term issues—they laid the groundwork for sustainable expansion. With integrated platforms, automated processes, and SOPs in place, the business is now positioned to launch new locations or service offerings in a matter of days, not months. Scaling is no longer a logistical barrier—it’s a realistic next step.

Final Thoughts

This project is a clear example of how the right systems, when thoughtfully applied, can transform a business from reactive to proactive. For this pizzeria, modernization wasn’t about chasing the latest tech—it was about creating clarity, consistency, and control.