The casual dining experience has become even more convenient, thanks to restaurant tech. If you run a quick service restaurant, you may have heard of the various types of innovation that can streamline your restaurant operations. If not, there is much to learn about technology within the food and beverage industry.

The restaurant industry has been able to develop the most efficient eatery style. But first, what exactly is a quick service restaurant? Are you unsure of what defines a quick service restaurant or the kinds of tech that’ll run one on autopilot? If so, continue reading to learn more.

What Is A Quick Service Restaurant?

A quick service restaurant consists of the equipment to streamline restaurant operations at a quick pace. Tools like mobile ordering apps and self ordering kiosks are just a couple types of equipment that a quick service restaurant might use.

Every quick service restaurant must use software and programs to conduct business. Fortunately, new technology in restaurants often caters to businesses within the fast-food industry.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the innovative restaurant structure and its place in modern culture.

Examples Of Quick Service Restaurant Technology

Quick service restaurant technology exists primarily in fast-food chains and franchises. It allows eateries to acquire a rapid turnover rate, which is vital in sustaining steady growth.

Consumers benefit from quick service restaurant technology, too. It delivers fast and accurate food. Plus, new food trends are constantly changing the quality of fast-food chains.

Let’s dive into some of the best examples of quick service restaurant technology and how each can boost the restaurant’s profit margin.

1. Drive-Through Menu Boards

Outside every quick service restaurant, you’ll find a menu board of high-resolution photos, items, and prices. A bright and legible menu board draws attention to your business and allows the line to move faster.

Keep in mind that your KDS and POS systems are just two of the three screens you’ll need to frequently monitor. The menu boards are essential to any quick service restaurant, as sit-down wait service isn’t an option. Menu boards also help to speed up the process of food orders.

Menu boards need to connect to a multi-channel network to operate across various locations. As an eatery releases or discontinues items, people will know, regardless of which location they visit.

One of the perks of quick service restaurants is that customers can receive exactly what they expect. So, keeping all menus identical is the first step to having standardized options.

Tech vendors can offer quick service restaurants vertical display boards to mount outside. Such vendors can also display menus on TV screens inside the business.

2. Inventory Management Software

If there’s one thing that every quick service restaurant has in common, it’s that their menu is standard across the board. The food you order at a fast-food chain in New York will taste exactly like the same meal at a location in Paris.

But how can you do this so consistently? Well, fast-food franchises only use specific ingredients from the same sellers. One of the simplest ways to achieve identical menus is to ensure that all your inventory and equipment comes from the same wholesale directory.

Restaurant inventory management software is ideal for all eateries but is more significant for major franchises. The restaurant manager can take inventory and restock kitchen items in a user-friendly app. Plus, they also save you time and money.

Book a demo with BlueCart to learn how inventory software can streamline your restaurant operations. In the meantime, utilize an inventory spreadsheet to help keep track of your stock.

3. Kiosks

Many fast-food eateries opt for kiosks, where customers can order food without the help of a cashier. When consumers place an order, the information goes right to the kitchen for the chefs to make it.

KDS platforms are vital when restaurants have kiosks, as there isn’t a middle person to relay the information. Plus, they help ensure that all orders are accurate and made on time.

Plus, it helps managers reduce restaurant expenses since they don’t need to hire as many employees. If consumers pay for their food at the register, it will be more time-efficient for the cashier on duty. The employee won’t have to take the time to place the order, so it’s a win-win situation for both parties.

4. QR Codes

QR codes can elevate the overall experience for your customers. Quick service restaurants can display a custom QR code on their tables and outside menu boards.

All customers have to do is open up their camera app, hold their smartphone up to the code, and a link will appear to bring them to the menu. QR codes are instrumental when eateries are busy inside, or there’s a long line of cars outside.

Companies like SproutQR can help you create a professional, user-friendly QR code to display restaurant menus. Plus, the platform makes adding and removing menu items very easy.

Are you considering restaurant marketing ideas for print ads? QR codes are a great element to add to flyers and other marketing materials.

Book a demo with SproutQR, where you can learn all about how a simple code can simplify popular restaurant processes.

5. Online Ordering

Quick service technology makes restaurant chains super convenient–but it doesn’t stop at drive-throughs and quick turnover rates. Online ordering apps have begun partnering with fast-food chains to promote sales even more.

Online menu ordering apps are third parties that hire their own drivers. This concept means that fast food eateries don’t have to lay out additional costs for delivery staff. Instead, they integrate their POS system with an app that connects both businesses off-premise (see on premise vs off premise).

Now, consumers don’t have to leave their houses to enjoy food from their favorite fast food restaurant. One of the most apparent benefits of fast food restaurants is the convenient hours. With this in mind, they perform very well as an option on online ordering apps. The convenience is a time-saver in many situations, whether it’s a late-night snack for some or a night shift meal for others.  

Though every quick service restaurant has a minimal menu, pickup options are great for those in a rush or on the go. For instance, Starbucks allows people to pay the tab in advance, so they can get it and leave ASAP. Multitasking is common practice within the food business. However,  consumers often benefit from it, too.

6. Pay At Table Devices

One of the many conveniences of quick service restaurants is that they offer drive-through and dine-in options. However, it’s important to ensure that both dining experiences are similar.

With this in mind, place pay-at-table devices on each table. In some fast food restaurants, the layout may instruct you to order at a counter. In other settings, you might have the option.

If you operate a quick service restaurant, pay-at-table devices can mimic the convenience of ordering at a window. People will have the ability to pay on their own, which removes the risk of slow service. Plus, many people now prefer contactless payments.

Pay-at-table devices are a secure way to accept payments from customers. Many people feel more comfortable paying for items on their own with a clear receipt, which are two elements of such technology.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Service Restaurants

What Makes A Quick Service Restaurant?

Quick service restaurants often include the following features:

• Franchise business model

• Bundled pricing and deals

• Limited standardized menus

• High-volume order quantities
• Fast turnaround time

All of these traits create a casual environment for consumers on the go. By removing these features, you’ll create a more formal restaurant experience.

What Are Quick Service Restaurant Examples?

Quick service restaurants are those that are known to be fast-food eateries. They have standard menu items that you can receive in record time. The term is also interchangeable with fast food restaurants.

Some of the most famous examples of quick service restaurants include:

• McDonald’s

• Burger King

• Taco Bell

• Chick-fil-A

• Wendy’s

• Subway

What Is Quick Service Restaurant Equipment?

Quick service restaurant equipment is the tech that allows for a fast turnover rate. It also offers a convenient solution for customers. Must-have items for running a fast food restaurant include:

• Digital menu boards
• A facility that supports drive-through service
• A payment processing software
• An inventory management system