A key part of running a successful restaurant involves investing in the best restaurant technology. However, to do this, you need to build an understanding of wider restaurant technology trends. In this article, you can find out about trends related to POS systems, contactless payments, virtual reality, QR codes, and more.

Table of Contents:

What is the Restaurant Industry?

Before exploring restaurant technology, it is important to define the restaurant industry. Simply put, this refers to the industry surrounding the provision of food services where customers can order and eat on the premises. The exclusion of businesses that do not allow customers to sit on-site and eat their food is the main way the restaurant industry is separated from the wider food industry.

With this in mind, the restaurant industry can include everything from traditional standalone restaurants to bars, diners, fast food restaurants, and other similar businesses. Restaurants can be independent businesses, part of a wider chain or franchise, or connected to other businesses, such as hotels, resorts, and casinos.

The restaurant industry is part of the larger and more varied hospitality industry.

Why is it Important to Follow the Latest Restaurant Technology Trends?

The restaurant industry is constantly changing, especially as customer expectations shift, making keeping up with the latest restaurant technology essential for any successful business in the industry.

Today, depending on the type of restaurant business, customers may want swift service, options to place their orders in advance, options for sitting in or taking their food away, excellent online customer service, food options that meet their specific dietary needs, online booking tools, a variety of payment methods, and much more. Failing to meet these expectations can give your competitors a clear advantage over your restaurant.

The Latest Restaurant Technology Trends of 2024 You Should Know About

There are several restaurant technology trends that those within the industry need to be aware of to capitalize on them fully and meet customers’ expectations. These are outlined in detail below.

1. Autonomous Meal Delivery

Food delivery services are growing in popularity all the time, and restaurants face growing pressure to meet this demand while keeping costs low. One of the most exciting restaurant technology developments that could assist in this area, especially over the long term, is autonomous meal delivery.

More generally, the reality of driverless cars is now upon us, and although this technology is not yet in widespread use within the restaurant industry, some businesses are already experimenting. Driverless delivery vehicles would allow food to be delivered at a lower cost or even when a delivery driver is not available.

Video: Autonomous pizza delivery robot

2. Augmented Reality Menus

Augmented reality is a restaurant technology still emerging and arguably experimental. Augmented reality can provide customers with access to three-dimensional images of food items on the restaurant menu, which can then be connected to the ordering system and POS system.

However, it is feasible that augmented reality could go much further. For instance, using a smartphone and a physical menu could be possible together. The phone can be aimed at a menu item, and nutrition information, or other relevant information, can be presented to the customer via their smartphone.

Video: Menu AR – a menu of restaurants in augmented reality

3. Virtual Reality Onboarding

Businesses have used virtual reality technology in several interesting ways, but it has struggled to catch on as a form of restaurant technology until recently. One of the biggest ways VR is being implemented within these environments is to onboard new recruits.

Here, virtual reality sessions can allow new or potential hires to explore restaurant facilities and see the restaurant in action, all from the comfort of their home. This minimizes the restaurant’s disruption while providing recruits with information about restaurant procedures.

Video: How Hilton Uses Virtual Reality for Training

4. Digital Kitchen Display Screens

Another example of restaurant technology that is intended to improve accuracy and efficiency can be seen with digital kitchen display screens. These screens provide many benefits of printed tickets or handwritten displays but with digital advantages. They can also be connected directly to point-of-sale systems.

As a result, orders can appear on the screen automatically once processed through the POS system. The legibility is far superior to handwritten orders and printed tickets. Many information can be displayed and tracked on a single screen, including each order, service or delivery times, and inventory data.

Video: Regla, Kitchen Display System

5. Table Booking and Reservation Software

A key part of effective restaurant management involves optimizing bookings so that waiting times are kept to a minimum and space is used effectively. Table booking software is an important example of restaurant technology because it benefits both restaurants and customers. According to the Restaurant Reservations Software Market Report by Market Research Intellect, the global restaurant reservations software market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.13% until 2031.

For customers, being able to book a table online can eliminate waiting times upon arrival and allow for greater transparency about table availability. For restaurants, using this software ensures bookings can be managed more carefully so that the most appropriate tables are allocated to different parties.

Restaurant Technology - Table Booking Software

6. Robotic Meal Prep

Automation is a crucial topic when discussing restaurant technology, and an area gaining increased traction is the use of robotics for food preparation. This does not necessarily mean a robot will make entire meals, but it does mean robotics technology can be utilized within the meal preparation process.

A good example of this would be using robots to ensure that the same measurements are used each time or that certain menu items are made to the exact same standard every time they are ordered. Robots used in meal preparation can reduce labor costs, improve efficiency, reduce mistakes, and boost consistency.

Video: Robotic Kitchen Example

7. Digital Inventory Tracking

Electronic or digital inventory tracking systems have emerged as a vital piece of restaurant technology, allowing businesses to continually track stock levels and order new supplies at the best possible moment while also identifying relevant trends, such as when demand increases and when demand falls.

Optimizing inventory management is essential for any business looking to improve financial outcomes. Digital systems can be synchronized with POS systems, so inventory information is always up-to-date and accurate. At the same time, alerts can be set up to notify users when supplies of a particular item start to run low.

Table: Components of Digital Inventory Tracking

Component of Digital Inventory Tracking Functionality Benefits
Real-time Inventory Monitoring Allows for continuous tracking of inventory levels for items like linens, toiletries, and minibar items. Prevents stockouts and overstocking; ensures availability of necessary items for guest satisfaction and convenience.
Automated Reordering System automatically places orders for inventory replenishment based on predefined thresholds. Saves time in manual ordering, reduces errors, and maintains optimal inventory levels efficiently.
Data Analytics and Forecasting Analyzes usage patterns and predicts future inventory needs. Enhances decision-making on purchase quantities and timing; reduces waste and unnecessary expenditures.
Integration with Other Systems Syncs with other hotel management systems (e.g., housekeeping, POS) for cohesive operations. Streamlines operations; improves coordination across departments; enhances overall operational efficiency.

8. Air Purification Technology

In a world that is coming to terms with the long-term ramifications of COVID-19, businesses of all kinds need to be mindful of ways they can help customers feel safe in a world where they are more aware of the possibility of viruses and other threats being transmissible in places where people gather.

A good example of restaurant technology that can assist with this is air purification technology. Air purifiers can help remove threats from the air and make restaurants a more pleasant environment in general.

Video: Safest Air for Restaurants – Genano Air Purification in The Glass, Helsinki

9. Restaurant Chatbots

Restaurant chatbots are an example of the influence that artificial intelligence has on restaurant technology. Chatbots are bots that can deliver automated, text-based responses to customers. This makes them extremely valuable for customer service because they can be made available on a 24/7 basis.

You can explore restaurant chatbots further, learn about what they are, and understand how they can help restaurants and customers via the “Restaurant Chatbots: What They Are, Their Use and Benefits” article.

Video: A 2-Minute Look at a Restaurant Chatbot

On-Going Important Restaurant Technology Trends

The technology examples listed below may have been introduced in the previous years. However, they are strongly influencing the current restaurant technology landscape.

1. Cloud-Based POS Systems

Cloud-based POS systems are one of the major restaurant technology trends to be aware of, and these are point-of-sale systems that utilize cloud technology for deployment and data storage. Third-party service providers offer cloud-based systems on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, and the systems can be accessed remotely using various internet-enabled devices.

Video: Cloud-Based POS vs. Traditional POS Systems

 

Within this, there are several subcategories to be aware of.

Touchscreen POS Systems

Touchscreen POS systems work as expected, allowing users to select different options by touching the screen. These systems will usually include a screen that customers can use to pay and add a tip for good service, and the touchscreen component makes this restaurant technology extremely user-friendly.

Self-Order Kiosks (POS)

Self-order kiosks are an increasingly common restaurant technology, allowing customers to order their food using a self-service order point. Such solutions can reduce demands on waiting staff, while allowing customers to easily customize their orders and pay for the food before receiving the meal. This has become an especially popular restaurant technology trend within fast food restaurants and restaurants offering takeaway services.

Handheld POS Systems

Handheld POS systems are valuable restaurant technology investments because these systems allow employees to carry a device to restaurant tables and process payments there. The POS system can also be used for order taking, which can ultimately help improve accuracy and efficiency.

Read the “Restaurant POS Systems: The Latest and Future Trends” article for more information about restaurant POS systems.

2. Contactless Payments

Many restaurants are moving towards becoming entirely cashless, while others are trying to provide customers with as many payment options as possible. Contactless payment processing has become an essential restaurant technology solution, allowing customers to pay using contactless credit or debit cards or mobile wallets. In fact, according to the Contactless Payments Report by Juniper Research, the global market size of contactless payments is projected to reach $11 trillion by 2027.

Contactless payments have several key benefits. They can be processed much faster than conventional cash or PIN-based card payments, and the procedure for actually paying is also faster. Additionally, the coronavirus pandemic highlighted hygiene advantages, while there are security and transparency benefits too.

Read more about the adoption of contactless payments within the hospitality industry in the “Contactless Payments Are Becoming More Important Within Hospitality” article.

3. The Adoption of QR Codes

Those involved with restaurant and hospitality management also turn to QR codes for wider uses. One of the biggest examples involves using QR codes to allow customers to order from the restaurant menu.

Here, the QR code directs customers to a page on the restaurant website where they can order food. This removes the need to wait for a restaurant worker to take their order and means menus do not need to be printed and placed on tables. QR codes can also be used for payments or to access nutrition information.

Restaurant Technology: POS Systems Overview

Restaurant point-of-sale systems, or POS systems, are one of the most vital pieces of restaurant technology, and businesses need to get to grips with how to get the most from them. This means staying current with the latest trends in this area and understanding how POS systems can drive restaurants forward.

The “POS Systems: Overview and Importance in the Hospitality Industry” article provides much more detail on the latest trends, the trends expected to take hold in the years to come, and the benefits of adopting these trends.

Restaurant Technology: Restaurant Management Systems

Restaurant management systems are a form of restaurant technology intended to bring many common restaurant management tasks under one roof. These systems have several benefits, potentially helping to improve efficiency, data consistency, financial outcomes, and customer satisfaction.

Read “Restaurant Management Systems: Overview, Key Aspects, and Features” to explore this topic further, learn about how these systems work, and gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of investing in a system of this kind.

Essential Online Restaurant Ordering System Functionalities

An increasingly important example of restaurant technology for modern restaurants is an online restaurant ordering system that can facilitate online takeaway orders. However, you need to make sure your chosen ordering system has all of the most crucial features, including dynamic menus, GPS tracking, and live chat support.

In the “Online Restaurant Ordering System Must-Have Functionalities” article, you can explore online ordering systems in more detail and learn about the most crucial functionalities to look for when investing in this technology.

The Most Critical Trends for a Restaurateur

It is vital for restaurateurs to stay up-to-date with the latest restaurant technology, but there are also other trends you need to understand. For instance, it is essential to keep pace with trends related to food itself, and it is also crucial to make sure you are using the latest marketing strategies.

In the “Restaurant Trends You Must Know As a Restaurateur” article, you can learn about the main food, tech, and marketing trends to be aware of, ensuring you always retain your competitive edge.

Restaurant Technology FAQs

Contactless payment and point of sale (POS) systems aid in transactions. Additional software is often used for digital menus, reservations, customer relationship management, and kitchen displays.

The various technologies used to enhance a restaurant’s various operations. The technologies help both customers and restaurants alike through booking, customer data analysis, and kitchen automation.

Technology is often used to enhance customer satisfaction and interaction, streamline ordering, and improve both the speed and accuracy of service. This can be accomplished through inventory management systems, machines in the kitchen for automation, data analysis, and apps for ordering and delivery.

Technology can help customers through engagement and personalized marketing. Meanwhile, the customer’s feedback can help the restaurant. Additionally, restaurants use technology to reduce a customer’s wait times, ensure orders are accurate, and generally make operations more efficient.

Smart restaurants incorporate technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and advanced analytics. The combination of technologies can help determine a customer’s needs, improve efficiency, automate many different areas of service, and improve overall profitability.

Staying up-to-date with the latest restaurant technology trends is crucial for effective restaurant management because it makes it more likely that you will invest in the right.

Want to Learn More About Technology in Related Industries?

It is essential to be aware of all the upcoming technological trends in the hospitality & tourism-related industries. While some trends can affect multiple industries, some are very specific to the industry. You can learn more about technology trends within related industries in the following articles.

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This article is written by:

Martijn Barten

Hi, I am Martijn Barten, founder of Revfine.com. With 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I specialize in optimizing revenue by combining revenue management with marketing strategies. I have successfully developed, implemented, and managed revenue management and marketing strategies for individual properties and multi-property portfolios.