Sydney CBD workers are among the first in the country to download an innovative food app that allows them to pre-order and pay for their food purchases, then skip queues in Westfield Sydney’s busy food precinct.

Currently 16 food retailers, including Becasse Bakery, are on board with the “Eat on Time” app, which was developed by Westfield Labs and recently piloted at Westfield San Francisco, in the US.

Users simply download the free app, browse the menu, and order and pay securely. When the food is ready, they receive a text message, allowing them to jump straight to the counter to collect their order. The technology is also available online as a website.

Scentre Group (the owner and operator of Westfield in Australia and New Zealand) marketing director John Batistich said new research revealed workers spend on average one-third of their 36-minute lunch break waiting for food.

“Thousands of people buy their lunch at Westfield Sydney each week. Our research found 84 per cent of city workers hate to queue and we’re confident Eat on Time will improve the dining experience for shoppers and give them back a few extra minutes to enjoy their lunch break,” he said.