7 USEFUL RESTAURANT TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

As one of the most innovative industries, restaurants are always looking for ways to keep up with the changing times. Restaurant technology is no exception. Technology in the restaurant industry has come a long way, with restaurants in some cities finding it difficult to operate without the support of technology. While most guests wouldn’t be able to tell you how much technology is used behind the scenes at their favorite eateries, they’d definitely notice if these tools stopped working properly. This means that restaurateurs need to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new technology, lest they find themselves at a disadvantage. In this article, we’ll look at 7 useful restaurant technology trends that savvy restaurateurs are using to help their businesses grow.

1. Mobile ordering platforms

Mobile ordering platforms allow guests to order takeout or delivery directly through their phones. By eliminating the need for wait staff, these handy devices create more space in the dining area and allow guests to skip the line and pick up their orders more quickly. Furthermore, guests can choose their meals and pay for them directly from their phones without having to wait in line. This allows restaurants to save money on labor costs also for customers to save time.

2.  Easy payment systems

Credit cards and cash are definitely the most popular forms of payment used in restaurants today, but there are other methods available as well. Apps like Square make it possible for restaurateurs to accept mobile payments via their phones. This makes waiting for a check unnecessary and also speeds up the payment process. Customers pay directly from their credit cards or debit accounts through their phones. Furthermore, some restaurants are even offering QR code payment systems that speed up the process, even more, allowing customers to simply scan a QR code on the restaurant’s advertising and pay for their meals with one click.

3.  Tabletop ordering systems

Tabletop ordering systems allow guests to order their meals directly from tabletop tablets instead of having to wait for a waiter. Guests can access the menu, order food and drinks quickly and conveniently, pay for them through integrated credit card readers, and even play games while they wait for their meals. Tablets also make it possible for customers to access online reviews and information about the restaurant, helping them make a more informed decision. Also, pay at the table devices integrated with your restaurant’s point of sale (POS) system can provide the highest level of efficiency.

4.  Food conveyor belt sushi

Instead of having waiters serve each customer as they order, conveyor belt sushi restaurants utilize a platform with rotating shelves that carry different dishes. These platforms allow guests to select their own meals and even customize them as they move along the conveyor belt. Furthermore, these systems make it much easier to keep track of what each customer orders. This reduces the amount of time wait staff spends with each customer, allowing them to serve more people. This is perfect for any formal lunch or dinner occasion.

5.  Robots

Robot waiters have been around in Japan for a while now, but they’re still very much a novelty. In the future, this technology will likely become more commonplace as artificial intelligence continues to advance rapidly. Restaurants with robot staff can also offer high-quality food because all the ingredients are made from scratch and measured by weight. Furthermore, robot waiters offer a more sanitary dining experience, as they don’t carry any diseases or germs.

6.  Digital signage

Digital signage is a great tool for translating restaurant concepts to guests in a way that’s clear and easy to understand. Restaurants can use digital displays to create the atmosphere that best suits their brand. Furthermore, digital signage can be used to provide menu information, specials of the day, and even nutritional facts. With so many possible uses, it’s definitely an investment worth considering.

7.  Social media marketing/Food bloggers

Social media platforms are great for promoting your restaurant among a large group of people in a short span of time. Restaurants should leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the word out about their brand and bring in new customers. Furthermore, restaurants should work with food bloggers or journalists that can spread the word about what your restaurant has to offer. The more people hear about you, the better.

One of the main problems faced by restaurants today is knowing exactly how to reach potential customers. This has always been something restaurant operators struggle with, but it’s become even more difficult in today’s age of smartphones and social media. The lines between online and offline marketing are slowly disappearing, so restaurateurs need to adapt their strategies accordingly if they want to survive the ever-changing times. Mobile ordering platforms, Robots food, delivery services, Digital signage, and tabletop ordering systems are a few examples of this trend towards more streamlined operations in the restaurant industry. It is also very important to adapt Social media marketing in order to survive in the restaurant industry. By following these 7 useful restaurant technology trends, restaurants can create an edge over their competitors.