We all love going to a restaurant for a meal and a few glasses of wine. A modern restaturant is not only gastronomy, it is also a large, complicated operation, including bookings, seating, orders, people, raw materials, razoredge logistics and so on. Just like many other businesses, these operations are complex and require technology to succeed.
Restaurant tech refers to the tools, software, and hardware designed to improve the efficiency, customer experience, and overall operations of restaurants. This technology spans various aspects of the business, from front-of-house customer interactions to back-of-house kitchen operations. Here’s an overview of the main categories:
1. Front-of-House (FoH) Technology
Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Modern POS systems handle orders, payments, and inventory tracking. Cloud-based options like Toast, Square, and Clover integrate with other tools.
Self-Ordering Kiosks: Touchscreen kiosks allow customers to place orders directly, reducing wait times and errors.
Table Reservation Platforms: Tools like OpenTable and Resy simplify the reservation process for both customers and restaurants.
Mobile Ordering & Payment: Apps and QR code systems allow diners to browse menus, place orders, and pay from their smartphones.
Digital Menu Boards: Dynamic displays that can show menu items, specials, and promotions.
2. Back-of-House (BoH) Technology
Kitchen Display Systems (KDS): Screens replace paper tickets, helping kitchens streamline orders and reduce errors.
Inventory Management Tools: Software like BlueCart or MarketMan helps monitor stock levels, track waste, and manage supply orders.
Food Safety Technology: Tools for temperature monitoring, automated compliance tracking, and expiration alerts.
3. Delivery & Takeout
Third-Party Integration: Platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub help manage online orders and deliveries.
Native Delivery Solutions: Some restaurants use in-house platforms for better control and to avoid high commission fees.
Delivery Route Optimization: Software to streamline delivery logistics for speed and cost-efficiency.