Consumer preferences, reduced technology costs and government policies that increase labor costs are driving a trend toward automation in the restaurant business. If you make something more convenient and less expensive, it tends to catch on
The restaurant labour shortage is the number one challenge facing operators right now. The strain on labour trickles downstream and affects all back of house and front of house operations making the customer experience less than ideal. The pandemic pushed front-of-house service efficiency to the forefront of our processes, leaving the back-of-house struggling to maintain. Fortunately, there have been automated advances and equipment innovations that are allowing operators the opportunity to streamline.
Innovation’s restaurant owners must consider moving forward Post Covid-19
These are a few of the notable automation and innovations restaurant operators can review to enhance their current operations without investing in the untested workings of robotics in their place of business.
KDS – If you don’t know, well, you should. KDS is a kitchen display system that helps BOH employees operate more efficiently and keeps them organized in preparing orders. Orders coming in through a POS system, online, or kiosk are populated on the KDS and color-coded for time awareness. Cooking directions and pictures can also be incorporated to assist even the most unseasoned cook.
Kiosk Ordering– Front-of-house self-service kiosks are helping offset the need for multiple order takers. This has been a great asset to fast-casual operations when volume levels extend beyond what a physical cashier can maintain. Allowing guests to view the menu, make modifications, order, and pay all at once.
QR Codes for Restaurants.(POINT. SCAN. CONNECT)
In response to COVID, restaurants have gone big with QR codes, those dotted squares now featured everywhere on menus, flyers, stickers, sidewalk signs and more. They're popular not only for providing a touch-free experience, but also because they're easy to use and open up a new world of benefits.
Restaurants have replaced physical menus with QR codes, a change that many in the industry believe is likely permanent.
QR code downloads have soared 750% over the last 18 months, according to Bitly.
Restaurant tech experts also see more opportunities for QR codes, like placing digital orders on premise and keeping track of customer data and past orders.
Tableside payment processing– While this is not the newest advancement, it significantly expedites the payment process for the guest, allowing them to pay and depart as soon as requested. Often, service staff is tied down at the POS, struggling to get orders in, entering modifications, and processing payments. This option takes the struggle off service staff and makes the close-out process simple for the guest.
Enhancing Restaurant Guest Experience
We have noticed now more than ever that the customer experience can make or break your business. Many guests do not want to dine out without confirming reviews first, so the slightest negative review can steer guests away. Testing automation in your operation will significantly enhance the experience and ensure positive reviews for future guests.
· Keep Things Fresh with New Menu Items.
· Spend Time on the Presentation of Your Dishes
· Introduce a Flavor They Can’t Get Anywhere Else
· Introduce a Loyalty Program or Other Benefit for Return Customers