How Emerging Tech is shaping the future of the Restaurant business
The restaurant industry was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, with dining restrictions, social distancing, and heightened hygiene regulations dramatically changing the landscape. However, these challenges also paved the way for innovation, pushing restaurants to embrace digitalization much faster than anticipated. This shift isn’t just helping restaurants recover from the pandemic—it’s revolutionizing how they operate, making them more efficient and customer-centric than ever before.
In this article, we’ll explore four major technologies reshaping the restaurant business and how industry players can implement them successfully. Additionally, we’ll introduce how AAA Food Handler, a company with over 35 years of experience in food safety and training, is aiding restaurants in navigating these changes to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance.
4 major Technologies Transforming the Restaurant Business and How to implement them successfully
These four cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the restaurant business, offering practical solutions to boost efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and streamline operations.
1. Online Menu: More Than Just a Convenience
Before the pandemic, most menus were physical, printed, and presented to customers in restaurants. However, hygiene concerns in recent years have made online menus a necessity. Many establishments turned to QR codes, allowing customers to view the menu on their smartphones. Beyond hygiene, digital menus offer significant opportunities for engagement, customer acquisition, and even direct sales.
By partnering with UX/UI designers, restaurants can create attractive, easy-to-navigate menus that can be accessed from Google Maps, restaurant websites, or via QR codes in the venue. What’s even better? These online menus can be optimized for search engines, enabling them to serve as lead-generation tools where customers can place orders directly from the site.
To take full advantage of digital menus, restaurants must ensure:
- A mobile-optimized version of the menu.
- Fast loading times and small file sizes.
- Menu visibility on search engines (using CDN services like AWS CloudFront).
2. Delivery Services: The New Restaurant Norm
During the pandemic, restaurant owners were faced with the challenge of rapidly implementing delivery services. But even post-pandemic, delivery has become a staple for many. Offering delivery doesn’t just meet customer demand—it’s a revenue stream that continues to grow.
There are various ways for restaurants to implement delivery:
- In-House Delivery Fleet: Larger chains may find it feasible to hire delivery drivers using their own vehicles or investing in service vehicles. This approach allows for more control over the delivery process but comes with higher operating costs.
- Food Delivery Networks: Partnering with established food delivery networks can broaden a restaurant’s reach by tapping into its extensive customer base. However, this can limit the restaurant’s direct online marketing efforts, as the network may dominate search visibility.
- Independent Driver Services: For those with available resources, setting up a delivery system akin to a cab service using independent drivers offers a flexible solution, balancing between control and cost.
For smooth delivery, kitchens must be automated to match orders efficiently, with proper packaging and labeling to reduce errors. Integrating delivery management modules or using third-party services can help streamline the process.
3.Supply Chain Automation: Streamlining Efficiency
Automated systems streamline supply chain management by performing routine tasks and gathering crucial data on orders and warehouse operations. Leveraging this data, developers can create systems that autonomously reorder units from suppliers, adjust inventory levels, and optimize inventory and food waste. This results in better tracking of product timing and availability, enabling managers to make informed adjustments.
Key Benefits:
- Efficiency: Automates routine tasks, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizes collected data to optimize inventory and reduce waste.
- Real-Time Adjustments: Tracks product timing and availability, allowing for timely management decisions.
Potential Bottlenecks:
- Data Entry Challenges: Requires a fast, accurate, and unified data entry system. Working environments can impact data accuracy, necessitating user-friendly interfaces and scanning technology.
- Enhanced UX: Utilizes scanners, AI assistants, and AR to improve item recognition and inventory management.
- Consideration of Factors: Automates stocking while accounting for shelf life, storage conditions, and contingencies to prevent wastage.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly examine operational processes, interview staff, survey facilities, and review quality control to ensure automation success.
At AAA Food Handler, we understand the importance of maintaining food safety while embracing these new technologies. Our extensive experience in food safety training ensures that restaurants don’t compromise safety when automating operations. We train staff to use technology while keeping hygiene and regulatory compliance in their minds.
4.Business Intelligence: Data-Driven Decisions
Restaurants today have access to vast amounts of data, from online orders to customer feedback. This data, when harnessed properly, can provide valuable insights for decision-making. Business Intelligence (BI) tools collect and analyze data, allowing restaurants to:
- Adjust pricing strategies.
- Streamline operations by identifying inefficiencies.
- Optimize staffing and operational costs.
One challenge restaurants face is ensuring BI tools can integrate seamlessly with their existing systems. Some technology vendors may not be compatible with a restaurant’s infrastructure, leading to missed opportunities. By working with the right tech partners and adopting flexible systems, restaurants can unlock the power of data to make smarter, more informed decisions.
The Future of Restaurants: A Blend of Tech and Expertise
As restaurants navigate the post-pandemic world, digital technologies are more crucial than ever. From online menus and delivery systems to supply chain automation and business intelligence, emerging technologies are helping restaurants save money, improve efficiency, and deliver higher-quality food.
AAA Food Handler is here to support this transformation. With over 35 years of experience in food safety training and management, we ensure that restaurants implement these technologies without compromising on food safety. Our team of experts works hand-in-hand with restaurants to create robust training programs, guide them through new regulations, and ensure that their operations run smoothly and safely in this tech-driven era.
For restaurants, the future is digital, and with the right tools and expertise, it’s bright.
FOOD
HANDLER
Starting at $6.95
FOOD MANAGER
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Starting at $49.95
ALCOHOL TRAINING
Starting at $7.95
FOOD
HANDLER
Food Handler Reviews
4.9
No Title
No Title
Goodwill course
Excelente
Perfect
super
thans so much
Good course
this course is easy and very excelente
No Title
Muibuen examen
Jenial
No Title
Una experiencia fabulosa
Good
Good
No Title
No Title
No Title
No Title
Curso manipulacion alimentos
Excelente
Informativo y entretenido
Las diapositivas muy bien explicadas, cortas y sin tantas letras para no aburrir al estudiante. Definitivamente es un buen programa
Excelente
Un curso que permite un aprendizaje excelente
No Title
No Title
amazing
thank you Maria!
No Title
Excelente explicación de todos mos módulos.
Food Handler Reviews
4.9
No Title
No Title
Goodwill course
Excelente
Perfect
super
thans so much
Good course
this course is easy and very excelente
No Title
Muibuen examen
Jenial
No Title
Una experiencia fabulosa
Good
Good
No Title
No Title
No Title
No Title
Curso manipulacion alimentos
Excelente
Informativo y entretenido
Las diapositivas muy bien explicadas, cortas y sin tantas letras para no aburrir al estudiante. Definitivamente es un buen programa
Excelente
Un curso que permite un aprendizaje excelente
No Title
No Title
amazing
thank you Maria!
No Title
Excelente explicación de todos mos módulos.
Starting at $6.95
FOOD MANAGER
.jpg)
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
No Title
Smooth course
Very easy, no issues. Great way pf teaching and explaining
Great course
Direct and comprehensive course that makes learning faster and easier.
Excellent Details, Well formulated
The course material was well organized and the flow of understanding was comprehensive. I appreciated that I could pause the videos to take notes and replay as I needed. I wish there was a handout I could keep with the main points for easy reference.
BENIFICIAL
THIS COURSE IS GOOD. I LEARNED A LOT
sdfds
dsfdf
I cannot offer a fair assessment because I have not taken the text yet
The class was helpful. The computerized voice was not super pleasant but it got the job done I suppose.. It is very bad practice to demand a review prior to taking the test. I might have given it 5 stars but as I am only 1/2 complete, I could not offer a true opinion.
AAA Food Handler Diamond Course-
The course was quite informative & very thorough throughout.
The training covers the entire process, functions & duties of a food manager/food establishment owner.
It’s well known, Food can easily & seriously harm people & worse!…
I love how this course is very focused on reminding the student of that fact!..
Repeatedly brining focus back to the seriousness of not properly controlling foods.
I’ve already paid for the Allergens course also,
It’s not required for my area but I like the extra added safety of being informed.
My wife and daughter will be taking the food handler course also as they will be helping in our food business.
I 100% recommend this course for all your needs in food & safety training….
Customer service is a huge aspect these days with outsourcing jobs..
I have nothing but positive comments for the agents who I did speak with for general questions pertaining to the courses I trained in….
Overall my full experience was,
(0-10)
Courses ease of access -10
Pricing -10
Customer Service -10
Depth of subjects taught -10
In-between courses reviewing -10
Understandability -10
Thoroughness of topics explanations -10
DIAMOND COURSE REVIEW 10/10
-ILLINOIS COURSE 2025-
Chad Clement,
CC’s Chicago Style Eats…..
Good
Thank you
No Title
comprensivo
se entiende bien y muy bien explicado
No Title
Muy bien explicado
best program ever
This course was very understandable and fast.
No Title
Helpful
Very helpful.
Great Food Manager course
Good information for food safety and the practices needed in a commercial kitchen. The course was very straight forward and informative.
Its fine
It wasn’t the most painful thing ever
PRPOER TRAINING OF FOOD HANDLING
THE COURSE HIGHLIGH ALL AREA THAT NEED IN ORDER TO PROPERLY HANDLE AND PREPARE FOOD IN ORDER TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY ILLINESS OF CUSTOMER AND THE AREA OF CLEANESS OF SELF AND THAT OF THE FACILITY IN ORDER TO KEEP EVERYTHING IN WELL AND CONTROL MATTER THE COURSE WAS EDUCATIONAL AND A WELL PREPARED IN ORDER TO HELP ME EDUCATED THE ONE’S UNDER MY SUPERVISION.
Handwashing
All too often, people don’t realize the importance of handwashing. Not only for personal hygiene but also when touching something that could be potentially hazardous when handling food. I feel that part of this training was explained the best.
Diamond package
easy to follow
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
No Title
Smooth course
Very easy, no issues. Great way pf teaching and explaining
Great course
Direct and comprehensive course that makes learning faster and easier.
Excellent Details, Well formulated
The course material was well organized and the flow of understanding was comprehensive. I appreciated that I could pause the videos to take notes and replay as I needed. I wish there was a handout I could keep with the main points for easy reference.
BENIFICIAL
THIS COURSE IS GOOD. I LEARNED A LOT
sdfds
dsfdf
I cannot offer a fair assessment because I have not taken the text yet
The class was helpful. The computerized voice was not super pleasant but it got the job done I suppose.. It is very bad practice to demand a review prior to taking the test. I might have given it 5 stars but as I am only 1/2 complete, I could not offer a true opinion.
AAA Food Handler Diamond Course-
The course was quite informative & very thorough throughout.
The training covers the entire process, functions & duties of a food manager/food establishment owner.
It’s well known, Food can easily & seriously harm people & worse!…
I love how this course is very focused on reminding the student of that fact!..
Repeatedly brining focus back to the seriousness of not properly controlling foods.
I’ve already paid for the Allergens course also,
It’s not required for my area but I like the extra added safety of being informed.
My wife and daughter will be taking the food handler course also as they will be helping in our food business.
I 100% recommend this course for all your needs in food & safety training….
Customer service is a huge aspect these days with outsourcing jobs..
I have nothing but positive comments for the agents who I did speak with for general questions pertaining to the courses I trained in….
Overall my full experience was,
(0-10)
Courses ease of access -10
Pricing -10
Customer Service -10
Depth of subjects taught -10
In-between courses reviewing -10
Understandability -10
Thoroughness of topics explanations -10
DIAMOND COURSE REVIEW 10/10
-ILLINOIS COURSE 2025-
Chad Clement,
CC’s Chicago Style Eats…..
Good
Thank you
No Title
comprensivo
se entiende bien y muy bien explicado
No Title
Muy bien explicado
best program ever
This course was very understandable and fast.
No Title
Helpful
Very helpful.
Great Food Manager course
Good information for food safety and the practices needed in a commercial kitchen. The course was very straight forward and informative.
Its fine
It wasn’t the most painful thing ever
PRPOER TRAINING OF FOOD HANDLING
THE COURSE HIGHLIGH ALL AREA THAT NEED IN ORDER TO PROPERLY HANDLE AND PREPARE FOOD IN ORDER TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY ILLINESS OF CUSTOMER AND THE AREA OF CLEANESS OF SELF AND THAT OF THE FACILITY IN ORDER TO KEEP EVERYTHING IN WELL AND CONTROL MATTER THE COURSE WAS EDUCATIONAL AND A WELL PREPARED IN ORDER TO HELP ME EDUCATED THE ONE’S UNDER MY SUPERVISION.
Handwashing
All too often, people don’t realize the importance of handwashing. Not only for personal hygiene but also when touching something that could be potentially hazardous when handling food. I feel that part of this training was explained the best.
Diamond package
easy to follow
Starting at $49.95
ALCOHOL TRAINING
Alcohol Training Reviews
4.8
food handler/ alcohol
i learned so many things and taking this curse was helpful in so many ways that can help you later on in your jobs or in life since it gives you good info
not bad
long
great course
The course was very interested! I highly recommend this course.
Informative Training
The course was straightforward and informative. I appreciated that the modules weren’t repetitive.
muy bien
No Title
😎
Excelente curso
Awesome
Great information
No Title
No Title
detailed and easy to follow
Provided good information
No Title
Concise but slow. 1.5 hours is not true no matter how fast you are.
Title explains it all.
No Title
Easy and helpful
This wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Looking forward to putting this information to use. Thank you
No Title
RBS Alcohol License
Very Informative
No Title
No Title
TOO LONG
It took me 4 hours to complete this. It was just a bit too long compared to the other RBS trainings.
Alcohol Training Reviews
4.8
food handler/ alcohol
i learned so many things and taking this curse was helpful in so many ways that can help you later on in your jobs or in life since it gives you good info
not bad
long
great course
The course was very interested! I highly recommend this course.
Informative Training
The course was straightforward and informative. I appreciated that the modules weren’t repetitive.
muy bien
No Title
😎
Excelente curso
Awesome
Great information
No Title
No Title
detailed and easy to follow
Provided good information
No Title
Concise but slow. 1.5 hours is not true no matter how fast you are.
Title explains it all.
No Title
Easy and helpful
This wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Looking forward to putting this information to use. Thank you
No Title
RBS Alcohol License
Very Informative
No Title
No Title
TOO LONG
It took me 4 hours to complete this. It was just a bit too long compared to the other RBS trainings.
Starting at $7.95
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