The industry of food and drink has traditionally not been quick to adopt technology and new digital technologies. However, in the years 2020 and 2021 the COVID-19 outbreak changed the landscape and required food and beverage companies to consider alternatives to the conventional. Many restaurants have switched to technology in the past few years, albeit reluctantly to be able to cope with an evolving reality. One of which is more contactless technology, strategies to separate guests from guests, and a myriad of other sanitary precautions.
Innovation and technology has helped, and even saved restaurants in their efforts to change the way they function to not just be able to survive, but also thrive in the new digital and connected time. From self-checkouts online, online ordering and payments that are touchless to pick-up and delivery the F&B industry cannot be content with ignoring the latest trends that help businesses to reinvent themselves in order to remain relevant and in the market.
As it is anticipated that the expansion in the restaurant industry will be driven entirely by consumption outside the premises Utilizing technology is not only about improving operational efficiency and delivery of services, but also redesigning restaurant concepts.
So, what technologies and trends are going to be on your radar in 2023 in order to stay current and ahead of your competitors?
1. Delivery and ordering online applications
Since restaurants are subject to the imposed restrictions as well as strict hygiene regulations and even closing, food ordering online and even home delivery that is contactless are stepping in to help. The service is here to stay, as customers become used to receiving the food they desire when they’d like it. The market for food delivery is today valued at more than $150 billion in the world and has nearly tripled since 2017 , largely due to the pandemic, as per figures from McKinsey.
Third-party food delivery services such as UberEats, Foodpanda, or Door Dash will continue to provide a solution to customers who aren’t able to provide home delivery and ordering services. However, as many customers report that they prefer ordering at restaurants directly, one are likely to see restaurants follow the model of the larger fast-food chains, and investing in the development of their own integrated websites and apps. Despite the distance that digital technology provides, it allows restaurants to stay in close contact with their patrons.
Click here for restaurants in Colchester UK…
2. Payment via contactless
Contactless technology is becoming mainstream, and it’s no longer only about making an order online, but also paying using a smartphone smartwatch, smartcard or other app or other touchless device. Innovative payment methods have been slowly gaining ground in the restaurant industry worldwide however this trend has been accelerated by the outbreak. It’s predicted that contactless payments will increase between $2 trillion and $6 trillion in 2024. In addition, having these options is reportedly significant in 34% consumers. Since there is no cash on hand and no contact with a human being necessary – making it more clean and secure – it’s fast, quick and easy. From the perspective the process is more reliable. If you don’t want restaurants to be lost in the coming year, those that haven’t yet made the move should make the investment and prepare an online and mobile payment plan.
3. Reservations for tables online
Making reservations via phone call is now obsolete as technology for online table reservations becomes more important. Service providers such as Eat App, Tablein or OpenTable allow customers to view available tables and then make reservations in the comfort of their mobile. By utilizing reservation systems that are powered by technology restaurant owners can manage waitlists, seating, customer loyalty and preferences for dining and also collect important information about customers, be it to track contact or market research.
The concept has been extended. Through the Initiative Experiences, OpenTable is offering restaurants the opportunity to create special dining events and culinary experiences that are beyond regular reservations. If the event is Ramen Nights in celebrity chef Hugh Acheson’s restaurant or a’side-dish’ that includes line dancing classes or an all-inclusive tasting menu customers can reserve their next dining experience quickly, easily and in accordance with what appeals to their palates. It’s time to think outside the box!
4. Digital kitchen ‘boards’
It is no longer necessary to pull out pen and paper, fret about the smudged tickets, or move back and forth from the kitchen to the front of house for any longer. Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) are a menu display that is digital to help kitchen staff simplify back-of-house processes. Connected directly to the restaurant’s point of sale (POS) system The display displays orders on a regular basis, based on priority , and will also indicate any special diet requests. Monitoring delivery times for meals and monitoring inventory levels to notify the moment an item is not in inventory, this technology provides greater communication, precision and clearer workflows. Additionally, since it is 100% digital, it ensures an environmentally sustainable kitchen operation.
5. Software for automating inventory control.
Automation of your management of inventory process means keeping track of your food and beverage inventory in advance, anticipating quantity requirements and scheduling reorders does not have to be tedious and time-consuming tasks. Importantly, the use of these software into your work process will also cut down on food waste which, according to reports, costs the hospitality industry around $100 billion each year. By utilizing cutting-edge artificial Intelligence (AI) technology companies such as Kitro help restaurant managers and owners cut cost and waste in their food and manage their business more effectively and environmentally sustainable. Partnerships with innovative platforms such as Too Good to Go also allow restaurants to avoid the waste of their surplus food, instead offering it to customers who are looking for a great deal. Save time and money while helping the environment – seems like a no-brainer, with sustainability at the top of the world agenda.
6. QR codes
In mobile-first society such as China QR codes are becoming more widespread and appearing in restaurants across the globe. In the age of no-touch scanning barcodes automatically with smartphones cameras on tables, posters doors, coasters, doors, or websites lets customers browse menus online, place orders and pay without touching making diners and workers secure. The technology that does not need downloading an app is also playing a crucial part in assisting restaurants with contact tracing , which is now required in several parts of the world in order to reopen during the current pandemic. With a variety of practical advantages at a relatively low cost for restaurants using QR codes, QR code technology was an absolute necessity in 2021 and will be until 2022.
7. Technology for purifying air
In the future, when diners are returning to dining establishments, it’s going be crucial to ensure that they feel secure and at ease. The upgrading of sanitization systems using various air purification methods to ensure “clean air” is becoming a major focus in the restaurant industry.
Bipolar ionization, a technology that is completely harmless to humans like that purifies indoor air and surfaces areas by neutralizing the presence of contaminants has already shown promising results and is establishing an audience. These are the systems that employ ultraviolet light, which is regarded as one of the most effective methods for both cleaning surfaces and air. Although these ideas and products aren’t quite popular but they are rapidly becoming the most crucial restaurant technology an increasingly virulent world.
Digitalization is accelerating within the F&B industry
Every crisis has a silver and a silver. The COVID-19 pandemic might have disrupted “business as normal’ and forced radical changes on the food industry However, the change has also brought many F&B experts to the possibility to take advantage of tech-related trends to speed up change and transform the concept of restaurants.
Technology provides unique solutions to restaurants to differentiate themselves , and for the owners to manage their business more efficient. This leaves the time and energy to concentrate on delighting customers with tasty food and memorable dining experiences, whether on-premise or off-premise. It’s a win-win situation do you not think?