Put your offer in front of UChicago students.

1. 1

   A student finds your offer

   UChicago students browse Pool and see your offer with the exact terms you approved. They tell your staff before they order.

2. 2

   Your staff watches them redeem

   The student redeems in the app while your staff watches. The screen updates live, so a screenshot won't work. There is nothing to install.

3. 3

   They pay you, at your register

   Your staff applies the offer in your own POS, and the student pays you like any other customer. Pool doesn't handle payment.

Pool puts your student deal in front of UChicago students across Hyde Park.

Questions owners ask

The short answers.

How do I get more UChicago students into my restaurant?

Put a 2-for-1 on Pool. It is a food deals app for UChicago, free for restaurants, and the deals on it this quarter are 2-for-1 12 oz açaí bowls at Deep Purpl (from October 8), 2-for-1 subs at Subway 53rd Street, 2-for-1 half chicken plates at Nando's PERi-PERi (from October 8), 2-for-1 Philly sandwiches at B'Gabs Comfort Cafe (from September 30), 2-for-1 jerk or honey wings at Ja' Grill, 2-for-1 Wagyu Steak Frites at Chemistry, 2-for-1 wraps, salads and bowls at Litehouse Whole Food Grill, 2-for-1 chicken shawarma wraps at Cedars, a free refresher with any treat at StruggleBeard Bakery (from September 29), a free third taco or a free drink with a Taco Dinner at 5 Rabanitos, 2-for-1 Indian combo meals at Rajun Cajun (from October 1), 2-for-1 chicken and waffle bites at Dawn A.M. Eatery (from October 1), 2-for-1 lattes at Sweet Drip (from October 1) and 2-for-1 sushi, pizza and more at The Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar (from October 1). A student with a verified UChicago email books a time in the app, shows a pass at your counter, orders two and pays you for one. The guide on getting UChicago students through the door covers the rest: where they walk, what they already paid for, and which weeks matter.

What does Pool cost a restaurant?

Pool is free for restaurants right now, with no commission and no hardware. You give up margin on each redemption.

How does the 2-for-1 work on our side?

The student orders two eligible items. Your staff applies the offer in your own POS and the student pays you for the pricier one, like any other customer. Each student can use a deal once every 30 days, and you set how many students can use it each day.

Do we need a POS integration, a tablet or a QR code?

No. The student's pass shows their name and a clock that keeps ticking, so a screenshot does not work. Your staff reads a phone screen and rings up the order normally.

Who are the students on Pool?

University of Chicago students. Every redeemer has a verified UChicago email, which Pool checks once at sign-up. Pool counts every redemption, so you see how many students used the offer.

When are UChicago students in Hyde Park?

First-years moved in Tuesday, September 22, 2026, everyone else by the 27th, and classes started Monday the 28th. Finals end December 11. Family Weekend is October 16 to 18. Winter break empties campus from December 13 to January 2. The restaurant calendar guide has every date.

Can we pause the offer?

Yes. Pool can pause your deal when you ask, including mid-week if it gets busy, and turn it back on when you want it.

Which Hyde Park restaurants are on Pool?

Deep Purpl, Subway 53rd Street, Nando's PERi-PERi, B'Gabs Comfort Cafe, Ja' Grill, Chemistry, Litehouse Whole Food Grill, Cedars, StruggleBeard Bakery, 5 Rabanitos, Rajun Cajun, Dawn A.M. Eatery, Sweet Drip, The Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar. Terms are set for 2-for-1 12 oz açaí bowls at Deep Purpl (from October 8), 2-for-1 subs at Subway 53rd Street, 2-for-1 half chicken plates at Nando's PERi-PERi (from October 8), 2-for-1 Philly sandwiches at B'Gabs Comfort Cafe (from September 30), 2-for-1 jerk or honey wings at Ja' Grill, 2-for-1 Wagyu Steak Frites at Chemistry, 2-for-1 wraps, salads and bowls at Litehouse Whole Food Grill, 2-for-1 chicken shawarma wraps at Cedars, a free refresher with any treat at StruggleBeard Bakery (from September 29), a free third taco or a free drink with a Taco Dinner at 5 Rabanitos, 2-for-1 Indian combo meals at Rajun Cajun (from October 1), 2-for-1 chicken and waffle bites at Dawn A.M. Eatery (from October 1), 2-for-1 lattes at Sweet Drip (from October 1) and 2-for-1 sushi, pizza and more at The Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar (from October 1).