We are almost halfway through the year, so it seems like a good time to take a look at what restaurant trends are holding strong and will continue to carry on through 2024. Evaluating what works and what doesn’t is important to the success of your business, and not all trends are going to fit every restaurant. However, there are a few that seem to hold true no matter what type of food you serve, and we want to share these revenue boosting, technology trends that are proven to help your business succeed. Trends can be fleeting, but some are here to stay and for very good reasons.
AI is gaining popularity, but not just the automated kitchen tools that can flip burgers or make french fries. Restaurants are seeing the advantage of having technology that eases the workload and are investing, because the return on investment is substantial, both financially and in efficiency. Having software that can analyze patterns and predict shortages or being able to use a smartphone to count inventory can completely change the way restaurants are run. Managing payroll is complex, scheduling employees is a frustrating puzzle with many moving parts, and gathering information such as detailed plate costing or tracking data is extremely time consuming. It’s no wonder managers are seeking ways to simplify the process and make their, along with their employees’ jobs, easier.
Make It Personal
Restaurants are able to use technology to form more personalized experiences with their customers. Apps have the ability to make personalized recommendations based on customers’ previous orders and gives customers the chance to personalize the ordering process. Personalization is a powerful tool because it not only has the ability to drive sales, but can also help build customer retention. Another way to make the customer experience personal is to track data for special occasions like birthdays and send a message with their name and brief message. You can even include a birthday gift for a complimentary menu item for them to use on their special day. Customers want to feel seen and heard, so these are great tools to accomplish that.
Kitchen Display Systems
Kitchen Display Systems are also a strong addition to technology that has increased efficiency and created a better experience for the kitchen staff as well as guests. Real-time order updates allows for better accuracy, leaving less room for mix-ups and mishaps, and the best part just might be no more paper tickets!
Customer expectations have shifted over the years, and today it is hard to run a successful restaurant without using technology in some capacity. The benefits that restaurants have seen from incorporating technology is significant, and the customer also reaps many of the perks. Digital advancements are happening every day and technology is forever changing, but these discussed today are a few that seem to be here for the long haul. Companies will continue to improve on ideas and make the technology even more advanced, but the idea of working smarter, not harder is here to stay!
