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
Starting at $49.95
ALCOHOL TRAINING
Starting at $7.95
FOOD
HANDLER
Food Handler Reviews
4.9
Good
Thanks for everything, I learn
No Title
Interesante
Es muy interesante, aprendí y reforcé mucho conocimiento
No Title
Fue muy instructivo el curso
Nuevos e interesantes conocimientos
es increible descubrir nuevas cosas en un entrenamiento tan corto, que no solo te ayudan a nivel de negocio si no tambien en tu hogar. Una bonita experiencia y no es aburrido, en lo personal me parecio muy importante y provechoso.
Good
It was interesting, entertaining and understandable.
Doy las 5 estrenas por su ayuda
Fue algo educativo para la iguiene del Trabago Laboral y de mucha ayuda
bueno
fue un examen bueno
importante Conover sobre los patogenos, asi evitamos una epidemia
Creo que todos deberiamos saber Como almacenar los Alimentos en casa tambien
very nice
very nice
Great experience
Easy training
Is good
Is Good in
Me gusto saber cómo manipular correctamente la comida y me gustaría saber más,,,,,
Es interesante y nesesario saber correctamente esta información sobre la temperatura de la comida antes y después de cocinarla y también cómo es que nosotros mismos la podemos contaminar
Estoy feliz de aver tomando este curso,,
Basura
Simply crap…. Is like a machine made it and no human revised it lol navigation is not intuitive and at times there is two dialogues happening at the same time….. way to waste my time…. At least I’m on the clock -.-
MUY ENTRETENIDO
Usualmente el leer me abruma demasiado y el pensar que tengo que memorizar me produce estrés pero este curso fue toda una maravilla
No Title
No Title
Es importante tomar clases de diferentes formas de cómo prevenir enfermedades.
Ya que logramos reducir enfermedades
Exam
Good training
Good
Good training
Food Handler Reviews
4.9
Good
Thanks for everything, I learn
No Title
Interesante
Es muy interesante, aprendí y reforcé mucho conocimiento
No Title
Fue muy instructivo el curso
Nuevos e interesantes conocimientos
es increible descubrir nuevas cosas en un entrenamiento tan corto, que no solo te ayudan a nivel de negocio si no tambien en tu hogar. Una bonita experiencia y no es aburrido, en lo personal me parecio muy importante y provechoso.
Good
It was interesting, entertaining and understandable.
Doy las 5 estrenas por su ayuda
Fue algo educativo para la iguiene del Trabago Laboral y de mucha ayuda
bueno
fue un examen bueno
importante Conover sobre los patogenos, asi evitamos una epidemia
Creo que todos deberiamos saber Como almacenar los Alimentos en casa tambien
very nice
very nice
Great experience
Easy training
Is good
Is Good in
Me gusto saber cómo manipular correctamente la comida y me gustaría saber más,,,,,
Es interesante y nesesario saber correctamente esta información sobre la temperatura de la comida antes y después de cocinarla y también cómo es que nosotros mismos la podemos contaminar
Estoy feliz de aver tomando este curso,,
Basura
Simply crap…. Is like a machine made it and no human revised it lol navigation is not intuitive and at times there is two dialogues happening at the same time….. way to waste my time…. At least I’m on the clock -.-
MUY ENTRETENIDO
Usualmente el leer me abruma demasiado y el pensar que tengo que memorizar me produce estrés pero este curso fue toda una maravilla
No Title
No Title
Es importante tomar clases de diferentes formas de cómo prevenir enfermedades.
Ya que logramos reducir enfermedades
Exam
Good training
Good
Good training
Starting at $6.95
FOOD MANAGER
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
Great Course
Easy to navigate and great information.
Great in-depth training module.
I took the Food Handlers class, this is simply like that one just more in depth.
No Title
No Title
Great detailed info in video form
I had started my food manager exam with a different source that was harder to follow. This was easy and I learned the material better.
Very Informative
Information was clear and explained well
Manager
Its always great to learn new things!
No Title
Great training video
Learn more about the knowledge
Get more updates information about this industry!
Very informative!
I love that you are able to go back and rewatch the videos that you want to rewatch. They give great example of how things work and actually make it easy to follow along.
Great Course, easy to navigate.
The course is very easy to follow, informative and provided all the necessary information required to achieve success.
Easy to follow and stay engaged
No Title
learned a lot more in depth about food service rather than the basic food handler permit!
Very informative
Easy to use
Very detail and to the point
been in the food industry for more than 12 years but picked up lot of new and updated information
from the course.
Easy
Quick easy and to the point
Food manager training course
Great visuals/audio to represent and teach individuals how to practice safe managerial roles in food business’
Great training!
I enjoyed this training and found it very easy to navigate!
Excellent learning material
Great course
Informative. I believe the time temperature controls, food borne illness and sanitation are the most important.
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
Great Course
Easy to navigate and great information.
Great in-depth training module.
I took the Food Handlers class, this is simply like that one just more in depth.
No Title
No Title
Great detailed info in video form
I had started my food manager exam with a different source that was harder to follow. This was easy and I learned the material better.
Very Informative
Information was clear and explained well
Manager
Its always great to learn new things!
No Title
Great training video
Learn more about the knowledge
Get more updates information about this industry!
Very informative!
I love that you are able to go back and rewatch the videos that you want to rewatch. They give great example of how things work and actually make it easy to follow along.
Great Course, easy to navigate.
The course is very easy to follow, informative and provided all the necessary information required to achieve success.
Easy to follow and stay engaged
No Title
learned a lot more in depth about food service rather than the basic food handler permit!
Very informative
Easy to use
Very detail and to the point
been in the food industry for more than 12 years but picked up lot of new and updated information
from the course.
Easy
Quick easy and to the point
Food manager training course
Great visuals/audio to represent and teach individuals how to practice safe managerial roles in food business’
Great training!
I enjoyed this training and found it very easy to navigate!
Excellent learning material
Great course
Informative. I believe the time temperature controls, food borne illness and sanitation are the most important.
Starting at $49.95
ALCOHOL TRAINING
Alcohol Training Reviews
4.8
It was Good
It was very straight forwards my only issue was with the speed it felt to slow for me, a custom speed option would be perfect.
Excellent
Excellent
Great course
Easy and informative
No Title
Great information which I should know about
No Title
No Title
Course
Very easy to follow
No Title
No Title
beverage service
the training course was very helpful, and very user friendly
RBS
it was a long training but with everything that i need to know
No Title
Informative & Easy to Navigate
Very intuitive and easy to use. Thank you!
Very well organized with graphics and sound.
I recommend this course.
No Title
Review of RBS Training Course
The course was very educational and easy to follow. The course was very thorough in covering many aspects of serving alcohol.
No Title
No Title
n/a
N/A
Alcohol Server Training
I really like it how they explain step by step
Alcohol Training Reviews
4.8
It was Good
It was very straight forwards my only issue was with the speed it felt to slow for me, a custom speed option would be perfect.
Excellent
Excellent
Great course
Easy and informative
No Title
Great information which I should know about
No Title
No Title
Course
Very easy to follow
No Title
No Title
beverage service
the training course was very helpful, and very user friendly
RBS
it was a long training but with everything that i need to know
No Title
Informative & Easy to Navigate
Very intuitive and easy to use. Thank you!
Very well organized with graphics and sound.
I recommend this course.
No Title
Review of RBS Training Course
The course was very educational and easy to follow. The course was very thorough in covering many aspects of serving alcohol.
No Title
No Title
n/a
N/A
Alcohol Server Training
I really like it how they explain step by step
Starting at $7.95
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