Tropicale Un Pezzo D'Italia: A piece of Italy in the middle of Stockholm

On the picturesque Lake Garda in Italy, Stefano began his culinary journey. His father owned a restaurant, and by his side he learned everything about the restaurant business. He absorbed all the details and brought his knowledge with him when he moved to Sweden. This hands-on training fostered a deep passion for Italian food, culture and gastronomy in Stefano - a love that he would carry with him throughout his career.

Tropical Un Pezzo d'Italia, or affectionately known as "Tropical", is the Swedish twin of the family restaurant on Lake Garda. In one of Stockholm's most magical locations, Kungsträdgården, Tropical attracts a mix of tourists and locals looking to enjoy an authentic Italian experience. From "un doppio" to their famous gelato to pasta and pizza that an Italian nonna would be proud of, the craftsmanship is what gives Tropical its distinctive character.

The interior design feels authentic, warm and inviting, creating a cozy atmosphere. With the stationary cash register at the counter and the mobile devices at the ice cream counter, Stefano and his team are always ready to help customers wherever they are.

Opening at the height of Covid

To open the restaurant wasn't a walk in the park, and the last few years have presented more challenges than cappuccinos. It opened a month after the first wave of Covid in Sweden, and instead of the success it would later become, it was a rough start. The 2020 European Championship gave a boost with slightly more customers, but then came Covid's second wave in October, and it was - as Stefano himself puts it - a disaster.

An accident rarely comes alone, and a kitchen fire meant that everything was postponed for a year. Instead of queues at the ice cream counter and a hot pizza oven, they had to renovate the kitchen, and with that they decided to add a Loomis-Pay's kitchen printer. The printer automates order processing, ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible so they can save time and focus on taking care of their guests.

Passion is the key to success

Today, the restaurant is blossoming alongside Kungsträdgården, and the genuine Italian feel has made the place a meeting point for coffee and sun-loving city dwellers. Stefanos beams when he talks about his restaurant, and he explains how passion is the most important spice in his work because it's what keeps customers happy and coming back.

"Passion is the only thing I know", Stefano says, and continues "I want to meet people, do what I do best, and give others the feeling that I am doing everything I can for you as a customer. You have to have passion to make customers come, otherwise you're out of business."

It's not just the customers who get all the attention. A love of craftsmanship and finding the best ingredients is also an essential part of what makes Tropical special. Stefano works directly with producers to get the creamiest burrata, the tastiest gelato, and everything that tastes like Italy on a plate.

Everything is possible with great tools

Running a successful restaurant requires not only good ingredients but also good tools. As the restaurant became more successful, it became increasingly important for Stefano to find a POS system that could keep up. Accepting payments at multiple locations at once was a challenge, and queues were growing.

Loomis-Pay is one of the tools Stefano has implemented to take his restaurant to the next level. With two handheld devices for table service and the ice cream bar, and a stationary cash register, he is ready to be able to charge at multiple locations at the same time, thus maximizing his income. The modern hardware combined with Loomis-Pay's adaptable and flexible system provides him with a complete solution.

The desktop POS combines several functions into one so that only a single device is needed instead of several different appliances. This eliminates extra cables and devices, leading to a better experience and a cleaner working environment.

Stefano points out how convenient it is when queues grow to be able to handle payments and take orders at the ice cream parlor, at the tables and at the counter.

"Being able to have multiple devices is incredibly convenient, and it gives me flexibility. The ability to reduce queues and increase upselling is really convenient."

Loomis-Pay takes the restaurant to the next level

With Loomis-Pay, Stefano and his staff can use the features they need and customize according to their needs, such as managing tables, updating the day's menu, taking special orders, splitting the bill, and much more. They can also keep track of the day's revenue remotely. The design, together with the software, provides a seamless experience for restaurant visitors.

"One of the features I like the most is that I can keep track of the day's revenue even when I'm not there. I also like that your POS system is there for me as my business grows. It makes it much easier."

He points out the design and how Loomis-Pay is by far the best-looking checkout. His customers also compliment him on how stylish and professional the units look. He emphasizes the design and how Loomis-Pay is by far the best-looking cash register. His customers also compliment him on how stylish and professional the devices look. Loomis-Pay gives Stefano the tools he needs to manage his restaurant and he sees clear benefits in using a POS system that is so aesthetically pleasing and well-developed.

"Design-wise they are next level," says Stefano. "They've helped me take the restaurant to the next level, and they're much better looking than your competitors! Customers are often impressed by how stylish the units look and they often compliment us on it."

A future filled with passion and love for the craft

For the future, Stefano thinks it's important to think long-term, to let things take their time.

"There is too much business and too little passion in the restaurant industry," he says, adding "Today everything happens so fast, but it is important not to rush through things and instead think and work long-term."

This mindset is evident in the way he works, and in the way he talks about his job. Because it's not just a job. It's a small part of Italy that is taking Stockholmers' hearts by storm and we at Loomis-Pay are proud to help Stefano and his Tropical Un Pezzo on their journey.