Mobile marketing and business solutions company 2ergo has developed a market-first iPhone app for PizzaExpress that enables customers to pay their bill automatically in a restaurant via smartphone.

The free app gives diners with limited time the option to pay the bill in less than a minute at any stage of their meal. Available via Apple’s App Store, the app can be used in any of PizzaExpress’ 370 restaurants across the country.

2ergo was appointed to develop the application, because of its capability to provide a complete mobile solution for PizzaExpress. The app forms the hub of the solution, which also incorporates mobile websites, voucher redemption, live search and booking facilities, as well as customer interaction and messaging. It has full e-commerce integration with retail partners including Torex’s solutions for the restaurant.

Launched late last week, the app is already in the top ten of free app downloads.

John Stevens, Group Managing Director of 2ergo said: “Consumers are growing increasingly reliant on smartphones as their primary source for communication and information. The next logical step is that consumers feel comfortable enough to use their mobile devices for their purchases.

“Forward thinking businesses such as PizzaExpress have identified that this confidence will fuel demand for mobile payment solutions that add to a convenient and effective customer service. Once consumers get used to paying via a mobile device, it will quickly become expected, and retailers and leisure operators not considering an integrated mobile strategy could soon be left behind.”

Mark Angela, Chief Executive of PizzaExpress says, “We knew there was no point just launching an app for the sake of it, so we waited until we had a system that could genuinely improve our customers’ experience of eating out at PizzaExpress. We believe today’s version does exactly that and we’re looking forward to developing it in the future.”