Technology Trends Impacting the Restaurant Industry

Technological advancements in the restaurant industry are so rampant that they’re almost impossible to keep up with. The pace of innovation has increased exponentially over the past few years, and with that change has come an abundance of new technology trends that will have a significant impact on your business.

In this article, we’ll explain 7 different technological changes that will have an impact on the restaurant industry in the coming years. These innovations are making their way into fast casual, fine dining, and casual dining establishments alike.

If you want to stay competitive in an ever-evolving market, now is the time to start investing in technology and implementing these changes into your operation as soon as possible.

Smart Menu Technology

Smart menu technology is already changing the way people order food. If you’re a restaurant that offers online ordering and delivery, this new technology will benefit your business in a variety of ways. Smart menu technology is designed to make ordering easier for both customers and employees.

To make things easier for customers, smart menu technology will be able to suggest items based on previous orders. This means that customers who have ordered food in the past will likely receive something they’ve already indicated they like.

For employees, smart menu technology offers a number of benefits. These include the ability to scan menus and order ingredients for dishes that have not been assigned to specific cooks. Many smart menu systems also include an integrated point-of-sale system, so employees can easily manage cash, credit, and charge cards.

Automation and Robotics

Automation is the process by which humans perform tasks that can be more easily automated. To help make up for the low birthrate of workers who are retiring in droves, automation is becoming increasingly popular in the restaurant industry. Automation is being used to increase productivity and boost sales.

Automation is being used to increase efficiency and decrease costs. Many restaurants are investing in automation to increase productivity and make the most of their limited resources. Automation is being used to increase sales by offering on-demand menu items, like delivery and takeout, as well as creating custom menu items that are available for online ordering.

Digital Displays and Electronic Signs

Digital signs are a staple of most restaurant marketing campaigns. They’re used to display menus, advertising, and other information to both customers and employees. As digital signs become even more relevant, they’ll also become even more important.

Fortunately, they’re already an important part of your marketing strategy. In fact, digital signs are quickly becoming even more relevant with the rise of smart signs. Smart signs are digital signs that are equipped with the latest technology, including the ability to play music and offer specials. When combined with digital menus and online ordering, smart signs are poised to revolutionize the way you market your restaurant.

Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Assistants

Artificial intelligence is being used to create automated systems. These systems are finding their way into a variety of industries, and now they’re making their way into the restaurant industry. AI is being used to help schedule employees, automatically prepare certain items, and even order ingredients. But AI will likely have the biggest impact on virtual assistants.

Virtual assistants are software tools that can be used to manage a variety of tasks, including scheduling employees, managing inventory, and ordering ingredients. Virtual assistants can be used in conjunction with virtual menu boards, digital signs, and POS systems to increase efficiency across the entire operation.

5G Network and Sensory Disruption

The rise of virtual assistants and smart menu technology has made the evolution of 5G wireless technology essential. Wireless networks are used to connect devices such as smartphones, computers, and wireless network access points. Now that virtual assistants, smart menu technology, and 5G wireless technology are becoming more prominent in the restaurant industry, the evolution of 5G wireless technology is essential.

5G wireless technology is being used to create the next-generation of sensory disruption. Sensory disruption is the ability to deliver an engaging audio/visual experience, like a 360-degree video or surround sound, that can be accessed on a smartphone. 5G wireless technology can create immersive sensory experiences that go well beyond what’s possible with current wireless networks, delivering the next generation of sensory disruption.

Voice and video technology

Voice is quickly becoming the primary communication method in the restaurant industry. This change is being driven by the rise of virtual assistants, like Alexa and Siri, which are equipped with voice technology. Voice technology is also being used for restaurant ordering. This change can benefit consumers by making food ordering much easier. And it can benefit restaurants by making it easier for consumers to place orders without having to use credit cards or cash.

Video technology is also changing the way people order food. This change is being driven by the rapid rise of virtual assistants, like Alexa and Siri, which are equipped with video technology. This will allow consumers to watch video examples of menu items, which will be more engaging than static images. And it will make it easier for consumers to place orders.

Self-service kiosks

Self-service kiosks are a common sight in offices and convenience stores. They allow customers to browse products and make purchases without having to interact with a sales representative. Now that they’re becoming more commonplace in restaurants, they’re poised to revolutionize the way people order food.

Self-service kiosks are being used to increase customer satisfaction by reducing wait times. They’re also being used to increase sales by making it easier for customers to place orders. If a restaurant relies on walk-up traffic, self-service kiosks can reduce wait times, making it easier for customers to order food without having to wait in line.

Bottom line

Now that the technological changes affecting the restaurant industry are becoming even more prevalent, it’s important for restaurateurs to stay on top of these trends. As these new technologies become more popular, it’ll be increasingly important for restaurateurs to invest in them. Technology is changing the way people order food and the way those orders are delivered.

This change can be extremely beneficial for consumers, who can now place orders without having to wait in line. And it can be extremely beneficial for restaurants, who can now deliver a more engaging dining experience.

EZ-Chow has solutions such as an Online Ordering, Self-Ordering Kiosks and Rewards/Loyalty Solutions that integrate into your existing POS systems. To learn how EZ-Chow can help you with these initiatives and more, get started by contacting us here.

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