The restaurant industry has been positively transformed by new technologies, from delivery management software and digital menus to online ordering systems. Whether you're a high school leaver interested in careers in culinary fields, about to embark on a degree in culinary arts, or considering switching careers to become a professional chef or restaurant owner it's important to understand the restaurant technology trends now shaping culinary careers.

What is restaurant technology?

Restaurant technology encompasses the solutions, including equipment, digital platforms, artificial intelligence and software programs, that restaurants can use to help run a business more efficiently and improve customer service. These tools include mobile apps, digital menu boards and customer relationship management (CRM), point of sale (PoS), online ordering, contactless delivery, inventory management, table management, and kitchen display systems.

How is technology changing the restaurant industry?

Technology for restaurants has become so important in the restaurant business that the best culinary schools incorporate it into their culinary arts programs, offering courses in restaurant management software and food technology to ensure students are prepared for the modern culinary world.

For instance, customers can now place and pay for orders online or via mobile phones. Automated ordering enables restaurants to manage inventory more efficiently, while data analytics can provide valuable insight into customers' preferences, so restaurants can personalize offerings.

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The impact of technology on the restaurant industry

 

Technology continues to have a huge impact on the restaurant and food industry, helping to improve efficiency, sustainability, customer service, profitability, and creating a seamless experience for customers.

Improved efficiency and productivity

Technology enables restaurants to streamline operations, automating repetitive tasks and liberating staff to focus on delivering better customer service. It allows restaurants to manage menus and stock levels more efficiently, helping to reduce food waste and costs.

Enhanced customer experience

Online ordering, mobile payment, and digital menus let customers customize their meals with convenient ordering and payment. Personalized promotions and offers, customer loyalty programs, and CRM systems help restaurants build and maintain stronger customer relationships.

Data analytics and management

Restaurants can gather and analyze data about customers and business operations and gain valuable insights to improve business and, ultimately, increase revenue. For instance, restaurants can use data analytics to track inventory, identify popular restaurant menu items and optimize staffing levels based on customer demand for greater efficiency.

Streamlined operations and profitability

Restaurant PoS systems help streamline the payment process and reduce errors, while digital inventory management systems enable restaurants to minimize waste and optimize supply chains. Meanwhile, restaurant automation solutions such as robotics and self-service kiosks help lower staffing costs.

Enhanced security and privacy protection

Data protection and encryption can protect customers' sensitive information for mobile payment solutions and secure transactions.
 

Examples of restaurant technology

If you're considering a career in the restaurant industry, here are some examples of popular restaurant technology innovations you should know about.

Online ordering and payment technology

Online ordering platforms and payment technology enhance operational efficiency, improve the customer experience, enhance data analytics, provide marketing opportunities, and increase sales and revenue.

Online ordering systems and mobile apps

Customers can now place food orders and pay securely online through mobile apps or websites and receive real-time order tracking updates. Mobile apps for restaurants help businesses improve customer engagement through loyalty programs and push notifications.

Contactless payment and self-ordering kiosks

Customers can quickly pay for meals by tapping credit cards against the terminal or by authorizing payments on their phones without needing to push buttons or swipe their cards. Self-ordering kiosks also offer a convenient way for customers to place orders easily through touchscreens.

Benefits and drawbacks of each technology

 

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Online ordering and payment technology offers many advantages for restaurants and customers, but there are drawbacks to consider when considering investing in restaurant technology.

Online ordering systems: benefits

 

• Customers can order online when and wherever suits them
• Restaurants need less staff to take orders
• Increases order accuracy as customers submit orders
• Gather valuable data and insights about customer preferences
• Restaurants can expand their customer base through online promotions and marketing

Online ordering systems: drawbacks

 

• Requires restaurants to make initial investments in the necessary technology and software
• Not all customers are comfortable with, or able to use this technology
• May still require staff to manage certain orders and ensure efficient pick-up or delivery
• Risk of technical glitches with poor internet connectivity
• Mobile apps: benefits

 

• Customers can save past orders and preferences for a fast, personalized ordering experience
• Potential to increase customer loyalty through rewards and targeted promotions
• Delivers real-time updates and push notifications to customers
• Provides an all-in-one solution that includes table reservations, online ordering, and payments
• Can provide insights into customers' behavior

 

Mobile apps: drawbacks

 

• Can be costly to develop, launch and maintain
• May not be accessible to all customers
• Issues with app updates or device compatibility can prevent smooth operation
• Require ongoing updates to ensure usability and effectiveness

Contactless payments: benefits

 

• Allows contactless dining
• Provides customers with a faster, more convenient payment method
• Reduces the need for cash handling, saves time, and helps to avoid errors
• Customers' sensitive information is not saved on payment terminals

Contactless payments: drawbacks

 

• Requires restaurants to invest in new payment terminals and staff training
• Some customers may have security concerns
• Customers may need compatible phones or credit cards

Self-ordering kiosks: benefits

 

• Improves efficiency and reduces waiting times as customers can place orders without waiting for staff
• Reduces staff costs
• Provides a more personalized ordering experience
• Can promote or upsell specific menu items

Self-ordering kiosks: drawbacks

 

• Restaurants must invest in technology, training staff, and maintenance
• May not be accessible to everyone
• Staff may be needed to supplement the technology

Kitchen and inventory management

Kitchen and inventory management software help to streamline and automate restaurant kitchen operations, reduce waste and costs and minimize errors. It can also provide real-time insights to help restaurant managers make informed decisions.

AI-powered inventory management systems

AI-powered inventory management systems are a key restaurant management system that utilizes advanced algorithms and machine learning to automate and optimize real-time inventory management and tracking. This technology helps reduce waste, improve supply chain efficiency, and save costs by accurately predicting demand and adjusting inventory requirements.

Smart kitchen appliances and robotics

Tasks traditionally undertaken by humans, including cooking and cleaning, can now be automated to help improve efficiency and reduce costs. Smart kitchen appliances such as smart ovens can guarantee consistent results each time. Meanwhile, robotic arms can prepare salads and pizzas, and help with cleaning, freeing kitchen staff for other tasks.
 

Marketing and customer experience

 

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Restaurants can now also harness social media to connect with customers. These technologies enable restaurants to reach a much wider audience, offer promotions and loyalty programs and ultimately, provide a much more interactive and engaging customer experience.

Personalized marketing and CRM tools

Personalized marketing and CRM tools help restaurants build long-term customer relationships. CRM platforms let restaurants track customer data, enabling them to provide personalized experiences and targeted marketing. For example, a restaurant may use a customer's previous order history to make menu recommendations or offer customized promotions.

Digital signage and interactive displays

Digital signage displaying dynamic menu boards, updated in real time, makes it much easier for restaurants to adjust offerings based on stock levels or customer demand. Interactive displays also provide customers with an immersive dining experience by showing them high-quality images of menu items to inform ordering.

Feedback management and social media integration

By incorporating technology into feedback management systems, restaurants can collect customer feedback in real time, enabling the identification of areas for improvement and prompt responses to feedback. Social media integration lets restaurants engage with customers on social media, respond to reviews, and promote events and specials
 

Delivery and logistics

Delivery and logistics technology improves the accuracy and efficiency of food delivery. This delivery technology encompasses delivery management systems that let restaurants track orders, optimize routes, and provide customers with real-time updates on orders.

Third-party delivery services

Third-party delivery services help restaurants to expand their reach. These services connect customers with local restaurants and drivers for ordering food online and home delivery.

Drone and robot delivery

Restaurants can use drones and robots to deliver food faster and more efficiently, reducing waiting times and increasing customer satisfaction. These technologies can operate 24/7, providing great flexibility. This delivery method can reduce the need for staff, helping restaurants save money.

Last-mile logistics solutions

These solutions use real-time order tracking, GPS tracking, and automated route optimization to deliver food orders quickly and efficiently. Restaurants can use this technology to reduce costs, improve delivery times and enhance customer experience.

How to prepare for a career in restaurant technology

Preparing for a career in restaurant technology requires a solid foundation in all aspects of the culinary arts, which you can achieve by obtaining a bachelor degree in culinary arts from a world-class French culinary school such as Ecole Ducasse. Here, you will examine what is culinary arts, and gain in-depth knowledge. Through on-the-job training and apprenticeships, you'll gain the skills and practical experience to thrive.
You should also stay abreast of the latest restaurant trends and technology by following industry publications, attending industry events, and networking with other culinary professionals.

Conclusion

Technology continues to revolutionize the restaurant industry, from improving efficiency to reducing costs. It also plays a key role in enhancing the customer experience. With restaurant innovations constantly emerging, you can look forward to working in an exciting and dynamic restaurant environment.

 

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Main image: Philippe Roy/Royalty-free via getty images