As each year passes, customers demand more and more technology be included in their restaurant experience.
Technology is and has been an important component to how restaurants operate. However, according to the NRA, many operators say they lag in technology use. Nonetheless, new technology continues to be created to support restaurants so they can earn more profits and better serve their customers. In fact, 4 in 5 restaurants agree technology helps increase sales. And, according to a survey done by Toast, 73% of restaurant-goers think technology improves their experience. Plus, 95% of restaurant owners think it improves their efficiency.
Outside of adding online ordering to your restaurant, here are some other ways your restaurant can become more tech-savvy.
Online Reservations
While there is a lot of focus on providing customers different ways to order online, restaurants owners should also consider tools to better serve customers that want to eat in-house.
Currently, around 49% of diners go online prior to choosing a restaurant and dining out. This is a large percentage, so treat the ones that show up to dine-in by rolling out the red carpet for them.
Customers don’t enjoy waiting an extended amount of time to sit down to eat. Why not try a tool that could alleviate this problem? Using a tool where customers can reserve their table ahead of time could help you book reservations directly with customers. These tools can provide suggested seats based on the time and size of party. According to one of these services, Bookatable, 50% of customers booking a restaurant through them have never visited that restaurant before. This shows that online booking services can drive new customers to restaurants.
Mobile Payments
The trend for mobile doesn’t just stop at delivery. Mobile is increasingly becoming the way for diners to pay and tip. Industry analysts estimated the volume of mobile payments in the restaurant industry grew 75% in 2017 alone. And in 2019, they were expected to be $142 billion. As a restaurant owner, it’s wise to invest in a tool that accommodates this growing demand from customers.
Digital Menu Boards
Long gone are the days of printing your menu to hang in your restaurant.
Studies show that installing a digital menu board can boost overall sales by 3 to 5 percent, and much higher on specific promoted items. By having a screen with your menu on it, you can change prices, menu items, specials, and unavailable items daily. While the up-front cost might seem expensive, owners no longer have to take the time to manually update the menu. You can also be transparent with your menu items by offering calorie counts, ingredient specifications, and add-ons easily. Replacing printed menu boards with digital displays can save fast-casual restaurants money.
Operations and Management
Many programs have been adopted that help bring new hires onboard, help train them, and then oversee the employees moving forward. Having a system that assists owners in scheduling employees, keeping track of payroll, and properly monitoring labor costs will help a restaurant become more efficient and better operate under growing conditions.
Activate Your NetWaiter Site
If you want to attract more local customers and keep them informed about your restaurant, check out NetWaiter’s restaurant platform and network. You can search for, and activate, your NetWaiter site and app here:
