Innovation regularly shapes the restaurant industry. As tech and food trends change, there are new ways to manage operations.  

From restaurant inventory management systems to ordering apps, there are numerous ways that a restaurant can accelerate business in the industry’s recent digital transformation.

The way a business operates will dictate the level of customer satisfaction. When you implement software to simplify such processes, you create a better customer experience.

Restaurant technology companies are improving how eateries do business worldwide. Let’s learn more about new technology in restaurants that are disrupting the industry.

What Is New Technology In Restaurants?

New technology in restaurants consists of software and hardware that streamlines operations. Restaurant technology is responsible for innovative ways that eateries can keep up with the competition.

New technology in restaurants is also changing the ways customers order food. Platforms such as restaurant online order apps and self ordering kiosks are just a couple of examples of how people get food more efficiently.

Restaurant Technology Companies

In recent years, restaurant technology and hospitality software companies have been shaping the way eateries do business. They have also been changing the ways that customers interact with restaurants.

Whether you’re looking for restaurant or hospitality software solutions, there are several questions to keep in mind. So, if you’re a restaurant manager or business owner, here are five questions to ask yourself before partnering with a restaurant technology company:

1. Will another company’s features seamlessly integrate with my current systems?
2. Is there a chance of losing any of the restaurant data analytics we’ve been collecting?
3. Which features will provide more efficiency to the restaurant’s team?
4. How will your features allow me, as a restaurant owner, to maximize profits?
5. What kind of educational resources and training will we receive to learn your company’s features?

At Revolution Ordering, we pride ourselves on being able to check all of the boxes and offer restaurants innovative solutions.

1. Omni-Channel Ordering Systems

Omni channel order fulfillment systems can change the way you do business. For restaurants, it means that customers can choose how to pay for and receive their food.

Take-out and delivery are increasingly popular, so it’s crucial that restaurants can cater to their entire customer base.

Another great benefit of omni-channel restaurants is the access you’ll have to consumer insights. Customer data is fundamental and is essential for digital ordering platforms.

Omni-channel ordering can assist with your inventory management system, too. It tracks customers’ order history, allowing you to gauge the trends and popularity of various high demand products. With this information in mind, restaurants can take inventory more accurately.

Remember, omni-channel ordering doesn’t end with delivery options. By establishing an omni-channel restaurant, you’ll provide customers with numerous ways to pay the bill. A new concept that consumers enjoy is tabletop payment methods.

Tabletop payment methods with options for debit credit, mobile payments, and more allow the turnover rate to be much quicker. (More on payments via tablets later on.)

Pros Of Omni Channel Ordering Systems

• It organizes all orders across an enterprise to streamline operations.
• Omnichanel ordering systems collect customer data across all locations, which can help build and readjust restaurant marketing strategies.
• Omnichannel features allow the restaurant POS platform to operate smoothly and efficiently.

Cons Of Omnichannel Ordering Systems

Do we recommend omnichannel ordering systems across the hospitality industry? Absolutely! However, keep the following ideas in mind:

• Restaurants need to onboard a system that ensures the accuracy of consumer data.
• Omnichannel ordering systems may not operate as quickly as you might need them to, which can hinder restaurant efficiency.

2. Live Order Monitoring

Time management is a valuable tool for consumers and businesses. Live order tracking allows hosts to report to the kitchen, which assists operations. At the same time, customers can view their order status.

Restaurants that provide their customers with accurate data are trustworthy. By offering order updates, customers will become more loyal and likely to visit again. Such updates let them know that food prep and timely service are equally important.

Restaurant operations keep the staff pretty busy. When customers can check their order status, it eliminates numerous phone calls to the business. Plus, this elimination of contact also decreases the amount of communication hosts will have with delivery drivers on the road.

Delivery drivers can directly benefit from order updates. After loading their vehicle, order updates can guide them to customers in the correct order. Everyone will receive their food at the expected time; therefore, every customer will experience great service.

Pros Of Live Order Monitoring

Live order monitoring is pretty straightforward. However, there are many great perks for both restaurants and customers. Just a few of them include:

• Live order monitoring can assist kitchen technology by giving restaurant staff an accurate timeline.
• Order monitoring provides customers with order updates and an estimated time of arrival.
• Online ordering apps with order statuses often provide customers with contact information for the driver and vice versa. This way, both parties can contact each other if there’s any confusion about the order or delivery location.

Cons Of Live Order Monitoring

Online ordering features are constantly being adjusted. Luckily, restaurants rarely run into errors when using live order monitoring. However, technology cannot be perfect 100% of the time.

If you utilize a live order monitoring system, be mindful of the following issues that can arise:

• If estimated arrival times are inaccurate, order monitoring can result in many phone calls from unhappy customers.
• Order tracking systems may not update immediately. For instance, if a customer sees that their order is still “in the kitchen” yet the delivery driver is on the road, it’ll appear that the order is taking longer than expected.

3. Restaurant Tablets

Table payments are a new restaurant technology that enhances the experience for customers and servers. Quick service streamlines restaurant operations. Tablets are a new technology in restaurants that eliminates the time it takes for wait staff to stop by, making it simpler for customers.

Elevate the casual dining experience by allowing customers to pay and leave at their discretion. Does your staff get super busy? Maybe you’ve even seen long wait times reflect in your servers’ tips. If so, you can eliminate the hassle with tablets for each table.

Pros Of Restaurant Tablets

Tablets aren’t just useful for work and play. They’re a great way to collect orders and process payments in restaurants. Here are several reasons to use this in your restaurant right now:

• Since tablets remove some of the tasks the waiters have to do, it speeds up the table turnover rate. By doing so, there is more time and space to serve more customers.
• Tableside payment devices display menu items, which is an effective way to boost in-person cart values.
• Customers can pay the bill on pay-at-table devices, which eliminates a lot of the wait time once they’re ready to leave.
• The payment processing systems within tableside devices are secure and follow PCI standards. Customers can feel safe that their payment data is secure.

Cons Of Restaurant Tablets

Though restaurant tablets are a great invention, they’re not perfect for every eatery. Here are just a couple of reasons why it may not suit your business.

• Self-serving devices don’t provide the most upscale experience. If people are dining in high-end eateries, especially for the stellar wait service, they probably won’t partake in pay-at-table devices.
• If customers use the tableside device, their server may see this and move on to the next table. This is the point–but if the device malfunctions and the customers need assistance, this will prolong their visit. So, ensure that every device has a secure connection to every feature and operates quickly.

Tablets make the processes simpler for restaurants, too. The turnover is quicker when customers can order food and pay the bill themselves. The faster customers enjoy their meal and pay the check, the more consumers you can serve.

Restaurant tablets or “ziosks” are a form of innovative restaurant technology that processes secure payments, boosting customer loyalty. Plus, they eliminate handling debit or credit cards, which many people prefer.

If tablets in a restaurant also feature restaurant menus (which we recommend they should), customers can spend more time browsing and checking nutritional information. Consumers with allergies or dietary restrictions will appreciate this feature, as it allows them to feel sure of what they want.

4. Marketplace Order Insertion

Premium marketplace menu pricing is a game-changer in the food industry. With marketplace order insertion, restaurants can place orders from customers across popular marketplaces into their own POS systems. Though tablets are helpful for businesses, this new restaurant technology eliminates the number of devices needed for operations.

Premium pricing within off-premises businesses is even more critical for delivery services. Studies show consumers aren’t as sensitive to higher prices when they receive convenience. So, restaurant enterprises can maximize profits (learn more about how to price a menu).

Direct to POS submissions allow restaurants to gather data they might not be able to receive otherwise. Such information includes go-to menu items, email addresses, payment information, etc.

The more information you can discover about your customers, the better. Various restaurant marketing ideas revolve around the buyer persona, which begins with basic data.

Efficient operations are the key to successful restaurants. Eliminate manual labor and confusion by partaking in delivery apps with a single POS system.

Learn more about Revolution’s Connect and how we can provide premium marketplace menu pricing while placing order submissions directly into the restaurant’s POS system.

Pros Of Marketplace Order Insertion

Marketplace order insertion can take your restaurant to the next level. From streamlining operations to boosting the restaurant profit margin, it’s definitely a form of tech to invest in.

Not convinced just yet? Here are a few of the most popular reasons why restaurant owners utilize marketplace insertion:

• With marketplace insertion, your restaurant will become more accessible to the public.
• The option to order online, spanning multiple marketplaces allows for more orders each day.
• Premium marketplace pricing allows restaurants to rise above the competition in the marketplace.  
• Over time, it becomes a cost-effective way to reach more customers.

Cons Of Marketplace Order Insertion

Marketplace order insertion is vital for maximizing restaurant profits. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind before using such a feature:

• Inventory costs may rise. This isn’t necessarily a con, as it means you’ll be placing more orders, but it is definitely something you’ll have to work into your budget.
• Once a restaurant becomes available within marketplaces, it’s up against the competition. However, this can work in your favor once you acquire several five-star reviews!

5. Mobile Ordering Apps

Mobile ordering apps are the ultimate convenience for customers. They’re also essential for ghost kitchens or small eateries.

The ability to place off-premise payments is a way to keep up with trends. Many consumers opt for delivery or curbside pick up to save time and money (view: difference between curbside and pickup).

If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that the restaurant industry can thrive in a digital landscape. Mobile ordering apps are just one tool to maximize a restaurant’s ROI.

The ROI meaning refers to the profits you generate vs. the amount of funds you invest. By featuring your business on mobile apps, you’ll be able to expand your reach to the entire area. Plus, it’ll help eliminate overhead expenses and overall restaurant expenses.

Once you make your business available on such apps, your customer base can grow tenfold. Due to time constraints, not everyone can visit a restaurant. Busy schedules or illnesses can prevent people from leaving the house, too.

Everyone has a mobile device on hand. Ensure that your restaurant is easily accessible.

Pros Of Mobile Ordering Apps

Online ordering apps are excellent ways to serve customers. With this in mind, here are some of the best reasons to use delivery apps:

• Serve more customers since delivery apps reach a wide geographic area.
• Minimize the labor cost by not hiring as many waiters. A lot of sales will become delivery orders, so there’s a chance that your brick and mortar eatery won’t be as business. However, you’ll have to monitor this over time.
• Studies show that people spend more money online than they do in person. This concept means that restaurants participating in delivery apps can achieve higher cart values.
• Online ordering apps can suggest items to customers upon checkout. By doing so, people are more likely to make a larger order.
• Restaurants can ensure that orders are accurate since they have a digital order to reference in the kitchen.

Cons Of Mobile Ordering Apps

There aren’t too many downsides of opting for online ordering apps. However, here are a few things to consider:

• It’s challenging for high-end restaurants to offer online ordering, as it creates a more casual experience. Plus, they may not serve food that would remain presentable upon delivery.
• In smaller residential areas, online ordering may decrease business from your eatery. If this occurs, waiters may not earn as much income.
• Restaurants pay mobile delivery apps a fee, which can tap into net profits. As always, make sure that you calculate projections to ensure the financial health of your business.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Technology In Restaurants

New technology in restaurants is constantly evolving. Plus, it’s changing the ways restaurants operate, as well as consumer behavior when purchasing food. It’s certainly a lot to keep up with, so it’s vital that you monitor industry trends to maximize efficiency in your business.

Still have questions about new technology in restaurants? Continue reading to learn more about how it’s shaping the food and beverage industry.

What Are Five Examples Of How Technology Is Used In Food Service?

Five relevant examples of how technology is used in the food service industry include:

1. POS integrations that consolidate data and streamline operations
2. Food delivery apps that offer convenience to customers and boost profits for restaurants
3. Reservation scheduling tools that allow restaurants to service large parties
4. Tableside payment devices that increase turnover rates in dine-in eateries
5. Kiosks that allow customers to quickly place orders and retrieve their food

How Is Technology Changing the Restaurant Industry?

Technology is changing the restaurant industry by streamlining operations while simultaneously offering customers convenient solutions. New technology in restaurants is reshaping the way restaurants conduct business by automating standardized processes.

What Are Online Ordering Systems?

Online ordering systems are a form of restaurant technology that allows people to make digital, off-premise payments. It is an innovative process that every restaurant should onboard. It can quickly turn browsers into customers right from the comfort of their own homes.

How Do You Create An Online Order System?

Utilize a POS system, create a mobile menu, and become available on ordering platforms. Each online ordering platform for restaurants will require third-party integrations. So, ensure that all of your software is compatible.

What Is the Role of Technology In Restaurant Operations?

Technology can assist restaurant owners in boosting sales and up-sell orders. Mobile ordering apps are a prime example of new restaurant technology that can accelerate business. The convenience of ordering food off-premise opens a restaurant’s business to a whole new sector that may not dine at the physical location.

Online ordering apps also collect customer data to suggest menu items upon checkout. It’s impossible to include such selling points in person, leading to higher cart values.

Kiosks are an innovative form of new restaurant technology. They allow consumers to place orders without an employee present. Plus, they allow customers more time to browse the menu.