In Jublains, Mayenne, Jean-Charles Martel embodies the entrepreneurial artisan spirit of someone who refuses to choose between quality and efficiency. A restaurateur for 18 years, at the helm of La Cella, a restaurant pizzeria grill, alongside his wife Catherine and his son, he ventured into selling pizzas through vending machines 6 years ago. Today, he manages 9 Adial vending machines located within a 20-kilometer radius of his establishment. An operation that he now runs with the help of the Crystal Ball connected solution.
A project born from an encounter
It was during a pizza competition organized in Nantes that the idea took root. While talking with a professional who was already equipped, Jean-Charles Martel discovered the vending machines designed by Adial. The trial was successful! He then installed a first vending machine before gradually expanding his fleet, particularly during the Covid period. Speaking to entrepreneurs who wish to get started, he emphasizes the importance of choosing the right location and being fully committed to the project: “Number one is really the location. And you have to go all in, be aware that you’re on the project 7 days a week.”
The restaurant’s laboratory remains the production hub. Six people prepare artisan pizzas there each day before they are stored and then cooked to order in the vending machines. Some recipes are emblematic of the region, such as the May Chicken: a delicious blend of Camembert and chicken.
Streamlined management thanks to Crystal Ball
A true daily ally, Crystal Ball, a connected option developed by Adial, has profoundly transformed the way Jean-Charles runs his business. The tool analyzes sales, anticipates demand, and provides production forecasts. The result: less waste, considerable time savings, and better work distribution within the team. “It’s the one that dictates the work to be done,” summarizes the restaurateur, satisfied to be able to focus his efforts on production rather than planning. Easy to use, the solution provides him with a clear view of his sales, as well as logistical precision that he considers essential to the profitability of his network.
Technical support that makes the difference
Jean-Charles Martel also appreciates the stability and reliability of his vending machines. “The machine is simple to use and very robust. We very rarely have breakdowns,” he explains. Beyond the technical quality, he emphasizes the importance of the after-sales service that supports operators step by step. Interventions are explained clearly and patiently, which allows for quick resolution of any problems and maintains service continuity. “This combination of reliability and technical support is a decisive factor for an entrepreneur whose business depends directly on the availability of the machines.”
Family balance and effective HR management
The installation of the vending machines allowed Jean-Charles Martel to reorganize his schedule with the possibility of closing the restaurant every evening and weekend, while maintaining the pizza offering through the vending machines. This rhythm has a direct impact on team management: it facilitates recruitment, reduces pressure on staff, and helps stabilize human resources. A crucial issue for any business owner!
At the same time, this new arrangement allows him to regain a family balance while guaranteeing the quality and consistency of service, thus ensuring sustainable and efficient organization of the business.
