Blog / April 17, 2018
Fear No Disruption: Making Restaurant Technology Work For Your Business
Bianca Esmond
Change doesn’t always come easy — especially when introducing new restaurant technology. Innovations and advanced technologies hold the promise of increased revenue, more streamlined operations and better processes. And both restaurants and guests are hungry for the change. Almost 80 percent of customers believe restaurant technology positively impacts their guest experience. Guests note some of their favorite features as online restaurant reservation books, loyalty and rewards programs, and mobile ordering. Not only are these capabilities important to guests, but they have the potential to change the way restaurants operate. It’s easy to discuss the benefits of restaurant software and technologies, but there are still barriers to reaping the rewards. That may explain why one-third of restaurateurs see their businesses as lagging behind in the technology landscape. Let’s face it, bringing technology into a restaurant is easier said than done. But with the right approach in place — and partners onboard — the increased use of technology is something you can embrace rather than fear. Here are three ways to ensure restaurant innovations are enhancing your business.
- Evaluate business needs. All that glitters certainly isn’t gold. While it may be tempting to chase the latest restaurant technology trend, it’s more important to have a clear understanding of the needs of your business and customers. Talk to your guests and staff to identify areas of improvement — and identify both short-term and long-term goals. And take time to research which technologies will help make those changes a reality.
- Prioritize training. Whether you’re deploying a new restaurant software or using a digital platform to capture and analyze guest data, these types of features are only useful if setup properly. If you’re looking to get the most out of your technology, start by investing time and effort into training your front and back-of-house staff. It’s also important to maintain regular check ins with your staff so you’re aware of any concerns early on.
- Ask for help. Tackling restaurant tech isn’t always easy, but the good news is you don’t have to do it alone. Finding the right partner can make a huge difference in your experience. Before rolling out new technologies on your own, do your research and identify which third-party services or restaurant management system can help ease the burden. From improved seating management to advanced payment options, there’s no shortage of capabilities to choose from.