The restaurant industry, which until recently has relied on traditional processes, is currently undergoing a huge digital transformation with food and beverage establishments of all sizes adopting technology and innovative digital solutions. Against the backdrop of uncertain markets, record inflation, and the IMF forecastfor global growth to decelerate from 3% this year to 2.9% in 2024, well below the historical average, we know that eating out and going for a drink or leisure activity, what are considered ‘luxuries’ to the majority of the population, will be the areas people cut back on to reduce their household expenditure.

The resilient F&B sector is no stranger to challenging times, the past few pandemic-fuelled years of economic hardship have forced food and beverage outlets to look beyond the traditional. Many restaurants have turned to tech in the last couple of years, even if reluctantly, to adapt to a new reality. One which includes more contactless technology, and is realigned with new customer expectations and wants whilst trying to offset the rising operational costs.

Let’s explore more ways in which restaurants are using these Digital Technologies to ensure quality service and customer satisfaction.

1. Automated Ordering and Delivery: Restaurants actively utilize websites and mobile apps for online orders and swift delivery. This not only adds convenience for customers but also expands the restaurant’s audience.

2. Order Management Systems: Digital menu boards allow restaurants to efficiently manage orders, track their status, and allocate tasks among staff to ensure the best service.

3. Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Modern POS systems improve sales tracking, inventory management, staff management, and analytics, contributing to overall business improvement.

4. Marketing and Advertising: Social media, email, and mobile apps empower restaurants to create targeted marketing campaigns and gather customer data for personalized offerings.

5. Ratings and Reviews: Restaurants actively monitor online customer reviews and respond to them, enhancing service quality and reputation.

6. Virtual Menus: Digital menu boards on websites and mobile apps can be easily updated, allowing quick changes to the menu items and prices.

7. Online Reservations: Table reservation systems streamline the process for both customers and restaurant owners.

8. Staff Management: Digital time and task-tracking systems facilitate efficient staff management and work schedules.

9. Analytics: Cloud-based digital signage gathers data on sales, customer preferences, inventory, and other business aspects, enabling better strategic decisions.

10. Robotics and Automation: Some restaurants are adopting robots for cooking, customer service, and even order delivery.

Digital technologies have significantly transformed the way restaurants operate. The presence of various innovations not only makes restaurants more efficient but also eases communication and interaction with customers. Let’s delve further into how digital solutions have revolutionized the restaurant service sector.

One of the key benefits is the option of automated ordering and delivery. Restaurants actively use websites and mobile apps for internet orders, which not only adds convenience for customers but also expands the restaurant’s audience.

Order management systems ensure efficient task distribution among staff, order tracking, and improved service quality. Digital POS systems make sales tracking, inventory management, and analytics more manageable, thus optimizing the business.

Marketing and advertising have gained new opportunities through social media, email, and mobile apps. Restaurants can create more targeted marketing campaigns and gather customer data for effective personalization.

Attention to customer ratings and reviews has also increased, as restaurants actively monitor them online and respond to enhance service and reputation. Digital menus on websites and mobile apps allow restaurants to quickly and conveniently update menu items and prices.

Online reservation systems benefit both customers and restaurant owners by simplifying the process. Staff management has become more efficient with digital time and task-tracking systems. Analytics enable restaurants to collect data on sales, customer preferences, inventory, and other business aspects, facilitating the improvement of strategies and informed decision-making.

Furthermore, modern restaurants are experimenting with robotics and automation. Robots are being used for cooking, customer service, and even order deliveries.

Digital technologies expand restaurant possibilities, enhance the customer experience, optimize operational processes, and help adapt to market changes. In the world, numerous restaurants are implementing digital technologies into their services, offering unique innovations that provide unparalleled experiences for their customers.

If you are interested in more details about bold experiments in new technologies for restaurants and cafes, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for further research.

Digital technologies help restaurants improve the customer experience, optimize operations, and adapt to market changes.

There are numerous restaurants worldwide that are incorporating digital technologies into their service. Here are a few examples:

1. Inamo, London, UK: Inamo offers interactive tables where customers can order dishes and even play various games.

2. Eatsa, San Francisco, USA: Eatsa is known for its automated ordering and food delivery system, where customers can order through a mobile app and receive their food from special chambers.

3. Dinner in the Sky, Various Locations Worldwide: This restaurant concept offers dining on suspended chairs in the air, and in some locations, customers can use virtual reality during their meal.

4. Ichiran, Various Locations Worldwide: Ichiran is a chain of restaurants with automated tables where customers can order their dishes and customize the flavor of their ramen soup.

5. Spyce, Boston, USA: Spyce uses a robotic kitchen where robots prepare dishes to order for customers.

6. Ratio, Shanghai, China: Ratio restaurant employs robot waitstaff to serve customers and deliver orders.

7. Haidilao, Various Locations Worldwide: Haidilao is a chain of restaurants with automated systems for ordering and preparing hot pot dishes.

8. Sushi Singularity, Tokyo, Japan: This restaurant uses 3D printing to create individual sushi based on customers’ genetic data.

9. Zume Pizza, Mountain View, USA: Zume Pizza uses robots to prepare and deliver pizza.

10. The Bionic Bar, Various Locations on Cruise Ships: This bar on cruise ships employs robot bartenders to mix drinks.

A few years ago, restaurant owners had to be convinced of the necessity of digital technologies for their business. However, the situation has changed today. Restaurant owners are actively choosing existing technologies based on functionality and cost. With the rapid growth of digital communication channels and increased competition among restaurants for customer loyalty, new trends in the restaurant market for digital technologies are emerging.

Advision is a cloud cross-platform Digital Signage software. We help offline business and advertising companies to implement reliable Digital Signage infrastructure using our own software and hardware solutions. Advision is used for DOOH advertising networks, digital signage at points of sale (retail), in the fast food industry for digital menus, and corporate TV. Customization of software functions is possible to meet the client’s specific requirements. Contact us, and we will help you implement the most modern technologies to solve your tasks!