7 Years with Gustaio: How Pizzaexpress Bruneck Replaced Their Entire Digital Presence

A Success Story about patience, partnership, and a platform that keeps getting better.

When Georg Plankensteiner first started using Gustaio in 2019, it was a simple tool to take online orders for his pizzeria in Bruneck, South Tyrol. Seven years later, Gustaio has become the entire digital backbone of Pizzaexpress — replacing what used to require multiple services, agencies, and tools.

💬 Success Story

"We don't need any other platform anymore. Gustaio just keeps getting better with every update."

— Georg Plankensteiner, Owner of Pizzaexpress Bruneck

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From Ordering Tool to Full Website

In the early days, Pizzaexpress still maintained a separate website alongside Gustaio. Over time, as Gustaio evolved its page builder and customization features, Georg realized he could consolidate everything into one place. Today, Gustaio is the Pizzaexpress website — complete with:

• Full menu with photos and descriptions for every dish
• Opening hours, location info, and contact details
• Custom branding that matches the restaurant's identity perfectly
• A custom domain — visitors don't even realize they're on a Gustaio-powered platform

No more paying a web agency for updates. No more juggling two systems. One platform handles everything.

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The Pizza Configurator: A Game-Changer

The feature that Georg's guests love the most? The custom pizza configurator. Instead of calling the restaurant and trying to explain a complex order, guests can:

1. Choose their base — classic, whole wheat, or gluten-free
2. Pick toppings one by one — with prices updating in real time
3. Add special requests — extra cheese, light sauce, well-done crust
4. Submit the order — and it arrives in the kitchen exactly as configured

Zero miscommunication

"Our guests pick their toppings, and the order arrives in the kitchen exactly as they want it. No more mistakes, no more phone tag."

This alone has dramatically reduced order errors and increased customer satisfaction. For a pizzeria that serves hundreds of custom pizzas every week, the time saved is enormous.

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Online Ordering That Actually Works

Before Gustaio, online orders were handled through phone calls and WhatsApp messages — a system that worked but was chaotic during peak hours. With Gustaio's built-in ordering system:

• Orders come in structured and complete — no missing details
• Kitchen staff see exactly what was ordered — formatted for their workflow
• Guests get real-time order confirmation — building trust and reducing follow-up calls
• Peak hours are manageable — no more missed calls or lost orders

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POS Printer: From Screen to Kitchen in Seconds

One feature that transformed daily operations at Pizzaexpress is the integrated POS printer. Every incoming order is automatically printed on a thermal receipt printer in the kitchen — giving the team a fast, clear overview of what needs to be prepared.

• Instant printout — orders appear at the kitchen pass the moment they're placed
• Clean, structured format — toppings, special requests, and order notes are clearly laid out
• No screen dependency — the kitchen team doesn't need to check a tablet or phone between orders
• Multiple printer support — different stations (kitchen, bar, counter) can each get their relevant items

"The printer changed everything. Orders come in, the ticket prints, and the kitchen knows exactly what to do. No delays, no confusion."

For a high-volume pizzeria during Friday evening rush, having a physical ticket for every order means nothing gets lost and nothing gets forgotten.

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Discount Codes: Driving Orders with Smart Promotions

Georg regularly uses Gustaio's discount code system to run targeted promotions — whether it's a slow weekday special, a seasonal campaign, or a thank-you for loyal customers. The system is simple but powerful:

• Percentage or fixed-amount discounts — flexible for any promotion type
• Usage limits — set how many times a code can be redeemed
• Time-limited campaigns — codes automatically expire after a set date
• Easy sharing — codes work directly in the ordering flow, no third-party coupons needed

Instead of relying on expensive marketing platforms or paper flyers, Georg can create a discount code in minutes and share it via Instagram, WhatsApp, or printed on receipts. It drives orders directly through his own platform — keeping everything in one ecosystem.

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7 Years of Evolution

What makes the Pizzaexpress story remarkable isn't just the features — it's the timeline. Over seven years, Georg has watched the platform evolve from version to version, each update bringing something new:

• 2019: Basic online ordering
• 2020–2021: Menu management, allergen detection, QR code ordering during COVID
• 2022: Custom pizza configurator, full website capabilities
• 2023: POS printer integration, custom domain support
• 2024: Discount codes, AI-powered menu descriptions
• 2025–2026: Experience bookings, advanced analytics, WhatsApp integration

"What started as a simple ordering tool has become our entire digital presence. Gustaio just keeps getting better."

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Why It Works: No Lock-In, Fair Pricing

Georg is also quick to point out what keeps him with Gustaio: predictable, fair pricing with no hidden fees and no lock-in contracts. Unlike platforms that charge per order or take a commission on every transaction, Gustaio operates on a flat monthly rate. Every euro his guests spend goes directly to his restaurant.

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The Takeaway

Pizzaexpress Bruneck proves that you don't need five different tools and a web agency to run a modern restaurant's digital presence. With the right platform, everything — from your website to your ordering system, POS printing, and promotional campaigns — can live in one place.

And when that platform keeps evolving alongside your business for seven years and counting? That's not just a tool. That's a partnership.

Ready to simplify your restaurant's digital presence? Get started with Gustaio →