Running a successful restaurant requires much more than just delicious food, reasonable prices, and a pleasant atmosphere. Although crucial, satisfying the taste buds of the customers is only one part of a larger equation.
Creating a smooth operations system that consistently delivers high-quality service is also important. Achieving this requires leveraging technology to streamline daily operations and stay ahead of the competition. In this article, we’ll explore the best technologies that can boost your restaurant business.
To demonstrate a clear plan for implementing technology in day-to-day operations, outline your technology strategy in your business plan. For comprehensive guidance, use this business plan template for restaurant owners.
Point of Sale (POS) System
The first technology to consider is a point of sale (POS) system. The key objective of POS technology is to optimize workflows, enabling timely and accurate tracking of orders, while reducing the errors caused by human intervention. The benefit of adopting a POS system is that it allows the staff to comfortably manage table ordering, payment processing, and inventory control from one platform, making their work easier and more streamlined.
Online Ordering
The next beneficial technology to consider is online ordering. With the rise of online delivery apps, online ordering is a game-changer for restaurants that want to offer customers an easy way to order from the comfort of their own homes. This can lead to increased sales and minimized wait times for the customers, while also promoting a green and paperless approach in this digital age.
Kitchen Display System
A kitchen display system (KDS) is another essential technology that can help restaurant operations run smoother and faster. This innovative tech removes paper tickets and instead, allows staff to send orders directly to the kitchen. The KDS makes way for faster preparation times, accurate order fulfillment, and real-time updates on order status. With all these features, servers can accurately inform customers about the progress of their meal preparation.
Tableside Ordering and Payment
Tableside ordering and payment is another important technology that can benefit the restaurant. This allows servers to take orders and process payments using handheld devices at tableside, reducing wait times for customers and improving their overall experience. Not only does this increase efficiency, but it also helps increase sales by giving servers an opportunity to promote different items while at the table.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Another powerful piece of technology that can help a restaurant thrive is CRM technology. This tech gathers valuable customer data that allows the restaurant to offer personalized promotions and catering according to the unique preferences of the customers. With this tech, the restaurant business can easily identify top-selling menu items and recommend similar options based on the purchasing history of the customers.
Social Media
Social media platforms also present an excellent opportunity to build a restaurant brand and engage with customers. By being active on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, the business can share behind-the-scenes images of the restaurant and build anticipation for new menu items or featured events. Consider joining in conversations with customers, as well as responding to their questions and concerns promptly. By regularly posting relevant content, the business can attract new customers and keep followers engaged and interested.
Mobile App
Investing in a mobile app for the restaurant can also be advantageous. A well-designed app with an easily-navigable interface can offer the customers convenience and flexibility when placing orders or making reservations, while also providing insights into their preferences. This data can aid in better understanding customer behavior, allowing the business to optimize menu options and promotions that complement customer needs.
Digital Menu Boards
Another piece of technology to consider is digital menu boards. This can help the business save time and money by eliminating the need to manually update menus or print out new ones when there are changes in pricing or menu items. With this technology, the restaurant can easily update the menu options with a few clicks of the keyboard, keeping customers informed and engaged.
Reservation Management System
Finally, a reservation system is essential for keeping track of seating availability. By automating the booking process, customers can reserve tables with ease, either via phone or website. This type of system allows restaurants to customize their rules and preferences, such as table size and time limits. The use of a reservation management system helps to streamline seating availability, expedite service times, and reduce guest wait times.
Technology can be a powerful tool for restaurants to use in driving sales and optimizing operations. By leveraging kitchen display systems that simplify order fulfillment, together with reservation management software, the business can deliver a delightful customer experience, while improving efficiency levels and profitability. The right combination of restaurant tech tools can provide the business an opportunity to soar to greater heights in the digital age.
