Restaurant technology isn’t just a luxury of dining out anymore — it’s as necessary as having a reliable stove. Customers have come to expect every aspect of their lives to be improved by technology. Statistics show they seek the perfect mix of traditional dining hospitality and digital conveniences:
73% of diners say their experience is enhanced by restaurant technology.
For 46% of full-service diners, the availability of technological options positively impacts their dining experience, with the same sentiment shared by 39% of limited-service diners.
In an industry with tight margins and fierce competition, new restaurant technology has become the not-so-secret ingredient for success. The benefits can’t be understated, and understanding how restaurant technology drives value is the first step in transforming how you serve customers and grow your operations.
Types of restaurant technology
Today’s restaurant technology is rich in solutions that can transform every corner of your business:
Front-of-house systems, from digital ordering platforms that reduce wait times to smart table management that optimizes seating
Kitchen automation, such as smart equipment and order management systems that keep your kitchen running smoothly
Sustainability enhancements, for more energy-efficient operations and reduced waste from food and other resources
Customer engagement tools, including loyalty programs and customer service apps that turn first-timers into regular guests
Business operations systems, including analytics tools that help you make data-driven decisions about everything from pricing to peak staffing levels
Workforce management software, like modern employee scheduling and time-tracking platforms that turn staffing issues into smooth operations
Of course, to gain the highest benefits, the right mix depends on your specific service model.
Weighing the challenges of implementation
Of course, implementing different restaurant technologies can be challenging. The initial investment goes beyond just purchasing software or hardware. Challenges can include:
Potential disruption during setup
Staff training and possible resistance to change
Ongoing maintenance and updates
Integration challenges with current systems
However, the advantages far outweigh the negatives when it comes to getting your restaurant up to speed with the latest technology. The key is choosing systems and tools that feel like a natural extension of your operations to solve your restaurant’s most pressing needs.
Tip: Research technology vendors carefully before committing to a particular type of technology for your restaurant. Check out customer reviews and sign up for a free trial if available.
5 benefits of investing in restaurant technology
If you’re still undecided about what technology will do for your restaurant, here are five benefits of investing in restaurant technology:
More efficient business operations
Better customer service
Increased profits
Higher employee satisfaction
Greater sustainability
1. More efficient business operations
The kitchen is your restaurant’s command center, and introducing automation technology turns it into a precision operation. Modern kitchen automation goes way beyond the basics to create a cohesive system where:
Displays coordinate timing between stations
Digital inventory systems automatically track ingredients
Integrated point of sale (POS) systems streamline ordering
Smart functions minimize food waste
Real-time updates and automated alerts ensure that food moves efficiently from order to table. This level of information reduces the table turn in your restaurant so that you can serve more diners.
When restaurants get busy, friction can develop between front- and back-of-house staff. Kitchen automation software helps the two teams collaborate effectively. Instead of shouting across the kitchen or dealing with paper tickets, staff can send digital updates, manage priorities, and flag special requests or dietary restrictions in real time.
2. Better customer service
Restaurant technology is an integral part of keeping today’s discerning diners happy. A strategic combination of customer-facing and behind-the-scenes technology creates experiences that keep guests coming back:
Ordering platforms that reduce wait times
Contactless payment options for fast checkout
Digital signage and menus with real-time updates
Easy customer query or request resolution
Tablets on the tables for immediate service
Inventory management systems will ensure you never run out of ingredients. When diners discover their favorite dish is unavailable, you risk customers dealing with their disappointment quietly and taking their business elsewhere.
You can also use restaurant technology to implement a loyalty program to encourage your diners to spend more to redeem free or discounted items. Today’s top loyalty programs incorporate a mobile experience with customer interactivity features, such as personalized rewards and special offers.
3. Increased profits
Every investment in new restaurant technology should ultimately contribute to your bottom line. Tech-enabled tables can increase sales productivity by 10.77% compared to normal tables. You can drive this profitability through multiple channels:
Smart upselling suggestions to increase check averages
Integrated payment systems to reduce transaction fees
Analytics that identify the most profitable items
Automation streamlines the ordering process so you can serve more customers. During busy times, speedy service is important to clear tables quickly or give diners time to order extra courses. More efficient service translates to:
Faster table turnover
Reduced customer complaints
More accurate order fulfillment
Lower labor costs per order
Better forecasting and trend analysis
Automated scheduling software is another technology that results in cost savings for your restaurant. Staffing costs are a major expense, but they can be managed by scheduling software because you have access to more detailed information about the cost of labor. You’ll then be in a better position to make key decisions about how to cover busy and quiet periods.
Interested in learning how much you could be saving with scheduling software? Download this free Workforce Management Calculator and see savings on overtime, scheduling, payroll processing, time theft, and more.
4. Higher employee satisfaction
Keeping staff happy is essential for your restaurant’s survival. Investing in technology for your restaurant is also an investment in employee morale.
Using workforce management software allows you to make better staffing decisions, assigning the right people with the right skills to the appropriate shifts. The best workforce management platforms empower employees with:
Mobile schedule access and updates
Easy ability to swap shifts
Clear collaboration channels
Streamlined time-off requests
Automated staff scheduling gives staff the convenience of receiving their schedules in advance so they can better plan their lives outside of work.
A point of sale (POS) system is yet another type of restaurant technology that will have a positive effect on your employees. Restaurant employees have a range of jobs to juggle. A POS system takes the pressure off of monitoring stock on a daily basis. Neither front- nor back-of-house employees will have to stress about explaining to customers that items aren’t available.
5. More sustainability
Customers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious. Using technology to make your restaurant more sustainable isn’t just a customer service benefit; it can also increase your competitiveness.
Food preparation accounts for the biggest part of a restaurant’s energy bill (around 35%). Using energy-efficient technology at your restaurant, like smart fridges, has the following benefits:
Cost savings – You’ll save on your restaurant’s energy bill because your equipment will use less energy.
Tax credits – Using refrigeration with an Energy Star rating could qualify your business for tax credits or rebates.
Helping the environment – Energy-efficient equipment reduces greenhouse gases and water usage. Every business can play its part in safeguarding the environment.
Sustainable restaurant technology includes platforms that optimize energy usage, automated inventory control to reduce waste, and digital documentation that eliminates superfluous paper. These features work together to make a meaningful environmental impact while improving your bottom line.
Invest in your restaurant
Restaurant technology isn’t just an investment in equipment or software; it’s an investment in your business’s future. The right technology stack can mean the difference between elevating your service and customer satisfaction and falling behind your competition.
The key is starting with technology that addresses your most pressing needs. For many restaurants, that begins with workforce management. Online scheduling platforms provide numerous advantages to help you:
Create efficient schedules that match the demand
Reduce labor costs without sacrificing service quality
Keep your team satisfied
With Deputy’s workforce management software, you can save time and increase staff happiness with reliable scheduling. If you are interested in learning more about restaurant technologies that can improve your restaurant operations, start your free trial or book a demo.
