7 Emerging Restaurant Technologies to Increase Sales (2025)
Australia is renowned for its plethora of outstanding restaurants, spread across the nation, contributing to a diverse and vibrant culinary scene. In recent years, these establishments have witnessed a seismic shift to the integration of technological innovations transforming the way we dine.
From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences, innovative restaurant technologies are reshaping the industry landscape. In this blog, we will explore 7 game-changing technologies that are at the forefront of this culinary revolution. But first, let’s go through the current and future market trends regarding restaurant technology.
Restaurant Technology: Current & Future Market
With the introduction of contactless payment options and many other emerging restaurant technologies, the restaurant industry is reshaping in the form of digitalisation. In 2023, the Global Restaurant Digitalisation Market was valued at USD 7.9 Billion by a report from Market.us. It is also expected to grow to USD 29.6 billion by the year 2032 with the highest CAGR of 16.3 % between 2023 and 2032.
Talking about Australia, the annual revenue of cafés, restaurants, and takeaway food services in the country amounted to over 58 billion Australian dollars. As the industry burgeons, restaurant owners must adapt to current market trends to sustain and boost revenue. Evolving with the times is essential for success in this dynamic landscape.
It’s as clear as day that restaurants need to embrace tech to increase their sales and stay competitive. So, without further ado, let’s go through 7 of the most innovative restaurant technologies that you can implement to boost your sales.
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7 Innovative Restaurant Technologies that are Reshaping the Industry
AI Integration
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to science fiction; it's a reality that is reshaping the restaurant industry. AI integration has found its way into various aspects of restaurant operations, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
To start with, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are streamlining the ordering process, providing personalised recommendations, and even handling customer queries. For instance, McDonald's has incorporated AI-powered kiosks that allow customers to customise their orders, creating a more personalised and efficient experience.
In the kitchen, AI is optimising inventory management, predicting demand, and ensuring precise cooking times. This not only reduces wastage but also improves overall operational efficiency. Eatsa, a San Francisco-based restaurant, has taken AI integration to the next level by opening a fully automated restaurant. It is completely run by robots and AI software, showcasing the potential for a tech-driven dining experience.
While the notion of fully automated restaurants may seem impractical, incorporating AI in various aspects can still offer practical benefits for today's restaurateurs.
Ghost Kitchens
The rise of ghost kitchens, also known as virtual kitchens or dark kitchens, is another innovative trend revolutionising the restaurant industry. These kitchens operate without a physical dining space, focusing solely on fulfilling online orders through delivery or takeout. As for taking orders, either they utilise Online Ordering Systems or phone calls.
Popular food delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash have facilitated the growth of ghost kitchens in Australia. This has allowed chefs and restaurateurs to thrive and feed the hungry without the financial burden of running a traditional brick-and-mortar establishment.
Online Ordering Systems
Like how Ghost Kitchens are using Online Ordering Systems, more and more restaurants (also the ones with physical locations) are implementing websites where customers can order food online. With the ubiquity of smartphones, restaurants now offer customers the convenience of browsing menus, placing orders, and making payments anytime, anywhere through online ordering platforms. This accessibility enhances the overall dining experience by putting control in the hands of the customer.
A great example of this is Domino's Pizza. They are continually enhancing their online ordering platform and have features such as pizza tracking, allowing customers to monitor the entire preparation and delivery process in real-time. This not only improves transparency but also enhances the overall customer experience.
Online ordering systems not only benefit customers but also empower restaurants to manage orders more efficiently, reduce errors, and collect valuable data for marketing and customer engagement. But these aren’t the only advantages of online ordering as we’ve explained more in our earlier blog.
Contactless Payment
We’re past COVID-19 but we cannot ignore the fact that the pandemic did accelerate the adoption of contactless payment technologies in the restaurant industry. Customers now prioritise safety and hygiene, and contactless payment options provide a secure and convenient solution.
Mobile wallets, contactless cards, and QR code-based payment systems have become commonplace, reducing the need for physical cash transactions. Restaurants that quickly adapted to these technologies not only ensured customer safety but also streamlined the checkout process.
QR Ordering Systems
QR (Quick Response) Ordering System is another emerging restaurant technology that is being used across all hospitality businesses. QR ordering systems are a technology-driven solution that allows customers to access a restaurant's menu, place orders, and make payments using their smartphones. Yes, QRs are more than just for scanning Wifi passwords.
Typically, a QR code is displayed at the table or provided with the menu. Customers can then scan the QR code with their mobile devices, leading them to an online platform where they can browse the menu, select items, and complete transactions without physical menus or cash. This also means that you have the flexibility to change your menu items without having to physically replace printed menus, even for the smallest of changes.
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty Programs in the restaurant industry are structured initiatives designed to encourage repeat business by rewarding customers for their loyalty. This technology for restaurant business allows customers to earn points or rewards for making repeat purchases. Moreover, these incentives can range from discounts and free items to exclusive access or personalised offers. Successful loyalty programs boost customer retention and offer valuable data for businesses to personalise offerings, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Automated Systems
Automated Systems in restaurants refer to the integration of technology to perform tasks traditionally carried out by humans, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
This can encompass various aspects of restaurant management, including inventory control, order processing, and even kitchen operations. For example, automated inventory management systems use technology to monitor stock levels, reducing the likelihood of shortages or excess.
In the kitchen, automated systems might include robotic chefs or smart appliances that enhance precision and consistency in food preparation. The adoption of automated systems not only minimises human error but also contributes to cost savings and improved overall workflow efficiency.
Make Necessary Advancements For Your Restaurant
So that concludes our take on the 7 emerging restaurant technologies you can employ to increase sales. These are reshaping the industry by enhancing efficiency, improving customer experiences, and adapting to changing consumer preferences. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing these innovations will be crucial for staying competitive and meeting the ever-changing demands of the modern consumer.
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FAQs
What is Restaurant Technology?
Restaurant technology refers to the use of various digital tools, software, and hardware solutions to enhance and streamline restaurant operations. This includes restaurant POS technology, online ordering platforms, reservation systems, kitchen management software, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and more. These innovative restaurant technologies aim to improve efficiency, customer experience and overall business performance.
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What are the most popular restaurants using technology?
Many leading restaurants across the globe leverage technology to enhance their operations. Some examples include:
- McDonald's: Known for its innovative use of technology, McDonald's has implemented self-service kiosks for ordering and mobile apps for convenient ordering and payment.
- Domino's Pizza: Domino's has been a pioneer in online and mobile ordering, allowing customers to track their deliveries in real-time and customise orders through their user-friendly app.
- Starbucks: Starbucks utilises mobile ordering and payment through its app, offering rewards and personalised recommendations based on customer preferences.
How does online ordering and delivery technology benefit restaurants?
Online ordering systems allow restaurants to expand their reach, increasing revenue streams, and improving overall customer satisfaction. It allows customers to conveniently place orders from the comfort of their homes, leading to increased sales. Additionally, delivery technology helps restaurants reach a broader audience and compete in the growing market for food delivery services.
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