More than 75% of restaurant operators say technology provides them with a competitive edge, according to Hospitality Tech. In a bid for that competitive edge, restaurants accelerated their uptake of technology, states the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Technology Landscape Report 2024.
What if you firmly reside in that 25% that has yet to move to the latest technologies? Let’s consider how you can integrate today’s restaurant technologies into the operations of a bar or eatery without causing problems.
Start Behind the Scenes
Rather than revamping your full-service restaurant through a major technological renovation that changes its ambiance, leverage the power of technology behind the scenes first.
Install a hospitality management software (HMS) system that enables you to analyze sales, menus, and recipes for better plate costing. Automate digital invoicing and manage both vendor and customer information. Handle ordering and inventory in your HMS by linking it to your point of sales (POS) system.
Improve the Tech Customers’ See and Use
Update your POS systems and consider installing automated ordering systems. More than half of consumers rated themselves “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with using restaurant self-ordering technologies. The 55% that indicated this rating used kiosks, tablets, or their smartphone, among other devices.
Consider your target audience and their habits before making changes they’ll need to use. Younger customers readily use apps and self-ordering technologies. For instance, 82% of Gen Z adults say they feel comfortable using a smartphone app to place their order at a limited-service restaurant.
Conversely, at a full-service restaurant, 65% of adult consumers feel comfortable using a tablet to pay for their meals. Less than half of Baby Boomers say they would feel comfortable using a tablet at their dining table, but the majority of Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z respondents do like using tablets.
Integrate Artificial Intelligence into Your Hospitality Operation
AI-powered point of sale systems (POS) offer the next step after HMS, according to Orderific, an online publication. Before switching to an AI system, a restaurant or bar needs to optimize its processes, such as how long a server waits after delivering menus before approaching to take an order, according to Food Service and Hospitality.
When your eatery makes the switch to AI, the computer system will take over the order-taking function. You’ll train your AI software in how your restaurant or bar functions and it will respond accordingly.
Who Are Actively Updating Their Bars or Eateries?
More than half of restaurant owners plan technology improvements to their service areas in the next year. Others search for technology that improves the customer experience, a need for 60% of restaurant operators. Most of the delivery segment of eateries have already moved to app-driven menus, ordering, and payments because their audience expects to use smartphones and computers to do business.
Don’t worry if your café hasn’t started transitioning to the latest technologies yet. Only 16% of restaurant operators feel ready to invest in AI integration in 2024, according to Hospitality Tech.
Get ready for a technology revolution, though, because younger generations expect it and older generations will follow suit. Start now by assessing your operation and finding the easiest back-office method of integrating technology into your eatery.
