Due to the recent technological advancements in the restaurant industry, businesses have an opportunity to reinvent their customer experience and use data to rethink their restaurant business model. Modern technologies are changing how restaurants operate, pushing the boundaries of what was once possible. Off-premise service models and self-service ordering have become common in fast food and casual dining restaurants. The next decade will see technology revolutionizing the way we dine and interact with our favorite restaurants, from automated ordering systems to virtual reality. In this blog, we will explore the best restaurant technology trends and how technology for restaurants is impacting the dining industry.
Innovation in restaurants today
Online ordering, whether for takeout or delivery, is a popular area for tech investment. One of the major pandemic trends that appears to have staying power is off-premises dining. In September 2021, a Deloitte survey found that 61% of consumers ordered takeout or delivery meals at least once a week. In the Fall of 2020, most dining rooms were largely closed, so that’s a jump of more than two times over before the pandemic. As a result, observers and industry leaders are noticing a meaningful, long-term change in consumer behavior.
According to Future Market Insights, over the next decade, the online food delivery market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%. Many food chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, Chilli’s, and TGI Fridays are launching spinoff takeout concepts to serve consumers off-premises. QSRs with drive-thrus have also seized the opportunity to do more, from Taco Bell’s “Go Mobile” concept, which emphasizes app-based ordering, to McDonald’s partnership with DoorDash.
Now, let’s see how technology for restaurants is transforming the food and dine-in industry.
Digital transformation in the restaurant industry: 8 ways
Restaurants have undergone significant changes in recent years, driven partly by technology for food and restaurant apps. With the advent of digital menus and online ordering, restaurants have completely transformed how they operate and interact with their customers. Restaurant technology solutions has permanently altered the industry in following ways:
- Drone delivery
Many restaurants have already implemented food delivery services, whether they are doing it alone or with a third party. Did you know that drone deliveries are also becoming more popular?
Several small restaurants are also testing out the service, which is no longer just for large companies such as Amazon. It is not only quicker, simpler, and more efficient to fly an order directly to a customer’s door, but it also reduces carbon emissions. Using this technology, restaurants can stay on top of restaurant technology trends and remain competitive.
- Digital menus, ordering, and online payment
Digital revolutions have already benefited restaurants, such as employee scheduling online through Findmyshift. Digital menus may be the next step. Many restaurants now offer QR code or app-based menus instead of physical menus. Digital menus that allow you to order and pay all in one place provide a more hygienic, efficient, and convenient solution for staff and customers. Also, we are rapidly moving towards becoming a cashless society. Smart and contactless payments are expected to triple from $2 trillion to $6 trillion worldwide by 2024. You can ensure that your restaurant business will continue to grow and won’t be left behind by investing in a digital menu and online payment strategy.
- Ordering and payment systems for mobile devices
As digital menus and online payments advance, we can see how app-based offerings enable customers to receive seamless experiences. Customer interaction with restaurants has been transformed by mobile ordering and payment systems. No more standing in line for an order or to pay the bill. Smartphones make everything convenient. It is easy for customers to browse menus, place orders, and make payments with just a few taps. As a result, customers are able to order faster, save time, and have a seamless experience. Also, restaurant ordering technology improves efficiency, reduces errors, and improves customer satisfaction. It’s easy to order and pay for food on your mobile device whether you’re on the go or enjoying a leisurely meal.
Aside from the technology for restaurants, there are also apps that simplify transactions between restaurant owners and customers. One such app is MyTab. It is a leading hospitality industry application that enables businesses to serve food and beverages quickly and safely, as well as to select and pay for orders comfortably. With its geo-locator and multiple venues list, you can pick up your order without standing in line. To get the best idea of adopting such technologies, you can read the full case study of MyTab here.
- Augmented and Virtual Reality
Augmented and Virtual Reality are becoming increasingly popular in the restaurant industry, offering immersive dining experiences and allowing restaurants to showcase their offerings in new and exciting ways. Virtual reality, for instance, can be used to create virtual tours of restaurants, so customers can view the menu and facilities before they visit. On a mobile device, Augmented Reality can be used to create engaging experiences, such as menu items that come to life. Businesses can use these restaurant technologies to enhance their overall dining experience and connect with customers.
- Apps for food delivery and new features
Such apps allow users to order food online at any time. The first food delivery application was created by Grubhub. In the past few years, delivery apps have become more popular among eateries, providing customers with a practical way to order restaurant-quality food from home.
A restaurant owner, however, must develop the application for both iOS and Android. To do that, you need to opt for professional mobile app development services.
This trend in restaurant technology is becoming increasingly important in meeting the expectations of customers who want a more convenient online ordering experience. Keeping up with new features in delivery apps is vital to staying ahead of restaurant technology trends.
- Incentive programs for digital loyalty
One of the new restaurant technologies is one that encourages customer loyalty and boosts customers’ spending. You can sign up for a loyalty program online or through an app using your phone number or email address. After tracking their spending, the program recommends rewards based on their previous purchases. A restaurant owner is able to recommend new dishes to customers and encourage them to spend more money by providing a seamless and personalized experience for them. This technology for restaurants is already being used by well-known fast-food chains worldwide.
- Inventory management software
With inventory management software, you can extend your restaurant’s technology beyond the front of the house. Inventory technology helps your kitchen staff centralize restaurant operations and visualize supply chain needs. More specifically, software for restaurants can automate your team’s routine tasks. Among these tasks are managing purchase orders, store receipts, keeping track of ingredient stock levels, adjusting menu costs, and many more.
Your kitchen manager can complete the inventory process in a fraction of the time with a streamlined inventory process. Several inventory management software applications also use artificial intelligence prediction technology. A software development company can help you develop customized inventory management software tailored specifically to your restaurant’s needs.
- Online table reservation system
In recent years, online reservation systems have become industry standards. Online booking makes it easier for guests to book, but it can also help your staff plan and execute a well-coordinated rush. Through the reservation system, customers can book directly without disrupting in-person service. Moreover, most reservation systems allow you to predetermine the number of reservation slots to release to the public to avoid overbooking. Real-time monitoring is even possible for individual reservations. To ensure excellent service to customers, it is important to monitor this to ensure steps of service are completed at the appropriate time markers. With an online contact book, you can keep track of your regular clients and any notes you may need. Maintaining customer relationships can be made easier with this tool.
Many well-known companies as well as small businesses are using these technological advancements in restaurants. Let’s have a look at some of the examples of digital transformation in the restaurant industry.
Most popular fast food restaurants that have adopted new technology in the last few years:
McDonald’s
In recent years, the fast-food giant has invested heavily in restaurant technologies, such as self-order kiosks and mobile ordering. Due to these technological advancements, the company has reported increased sales and customer satisfaction.
Domino’s Pizza
Deliveries and ordering processes at Domino’s have been improved through the use of technology for restaurants. By implementing GPS tracking for deliveries and an easy-to-use mobile app, the company has increased sales and streamlined its ordering process.
Starbucks
Starbucks has improved customer convenience and reduced waiting times with mobile ordering and payment options. As a result of these initiatives, Starbucks’ sales have increased and customer satisfaction has improved.
Sweetgreen
This salad chain has improved operations and enhanced customer service with the help of automation and data analytics.
Subway
With new technology in food service, such as mobile ordering and delivery partnerships, Subway improves its customer experience and competes with other fast food chains.
Conclusion –
Restaurant owners must keep up with the latest trends as technology continues to change the way kitchens operate. The online ordering trend is one of the current trends, and restaurants that do not keep up with it risk losing customers. Even so, the restaurant industry is still undergoing a technological transformation, from cost savings to improved efficiency. Furthermore, it is crucial for improving client satisfaction. As we move forward, we can expect further advancements in restaurant technology to enhance the dining experience for customers and improve restaurant operations. The sooner entrepreneurs adopt technology for restaurants, the sooner they can take advantage of its multitude of benefits.
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