Technology has changed the way we look at the world and has revolutionized industries. These changes have happened quickly and rapidly. Thinking about the way we have lived our day to day lives just 20 years ago paints the picture of how much more involved technology is in our lives today.
Just consider the time we spend on our phones and computers every day. Think about the services we now enjoy, thanks to the internet and particular apps and software.
The restaurant industry has had a major transformation due to technological advancements as well. These have made it possible for restaurants to offer delivery food on a much larger scale, train their employees online, automatize reservations, etc. Simply said, technology has helped make restaurants more efficient.
Are they more sustainable?
Technology plays a big role in the earth’s sustainable development. Traditional restaurant practices have a great societal, environmental, and economic impact on development. On the other hand, technology has had a great impact on helping restaurants serve better food, faster, and at a smaller cost. These advancements have also made it possible for employees to work fewer hours.
Restaurant Technologies
Online Ordering
Something that comes to mind and that most people are familiar with is online ordering. This restaurant feature comes thanks to the popularity of the internet and people’s dynamic lives.
Online ordering is beneficial to both parties, the restaurant, and the customer. The restaurant has the ability to reach a new customer segment while the customers don’t have to wait in line and leave the house. By reaching more people restaurants increase their revenue and are able to keep track of their data since the orders are placed on the website.
Restaurant Reservation
More and more restaurants are increasing their online presence in search of new customers. Most of them are simplifying the relationships with their customers and making it easier for them to make a reservation. Nowadays you can book most restaurant by contacting them on their social media or website. Some have even developed restaurant reservation software to make their customers experience as pleasant as possible.
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are something restaurants and coffee shops have been using for a long time. Their point is to keep track of their most loyal customers and reward them for that. Instead of using cards to do that, restaurants have been opting for mobile apps. Since everyone has their phone with them at all time, it is easy to reap the rewards of their loyalty at any time. With these mobile apps, the restaurant can even keep track of their customer’s birthday and wish them a happy one.
Digital Menu
This one looks a little more futuristic and is not as popular as the aforementioned, yet. Some restaurants have started using tablets to display their digital menu where their customers can order from. Digital menus help keep track of one’s exact order, so they eliminate the risk of mistaking it and cut the time of the ordering as well as the cost of paying extra waiters.
With a digital menu, customers can also see the ingredients and possible add-ons to a dish so they are sure the food doesn’t contain something they might not prefer to eat or are allergic to.
Smart Kitchen Technology
The kitchen is the most important part of a restaurant. New technologies in the kitchen make it possible for them to run more efficiently and deliver more delicious food. A smart kitchen is an investment that pays off in many ways since they are more accurate and can prevent major issues.
Featured image source: Freepik
