THE MIDDLE EAST'S NUMBER ONE RESTAURANT CONSULTANTS
The post-pandemic restaurant and hospitality industry has faced numerous problems. Many enterprises have been compelled to shut down operations, restructure their processes, or seek alternative approaches due to dining limitations, inflation, and the persistent job shortage. By 2023, restaurants must prioritize technology to respond to the shifting economic landscape and better fulfill customer demands.
Contactless services grew in popularity during the pandemic: off-dining pickups, mobile booking, self-ordering kiosks, and QR code menu design – these innovations improved efficiencies and gave consumers more control over their experience, contributing to higher levels of satisfaction. Consumers now anticipate this innovation, and restaurants that fail to adopt it will fall adrift.
Greater adaptability and innovation
Restaurant managers and operators must be adaptable and innovative fulfilling client demands and adapting to evolving trends. However, businesses must now accommodate customer requirements across many platforms and touchpoints, providing consumers with a consistent experience wherever they are and whenever they want it.
Here is where restaurant technology innovation comes in. Many technological developments are available in today’s digital age to increase the restaurant’s operational efficiencies, paving the path for much-needed versatility and adaptability.
Adopting technological innovation allows restaurants to run more efficient operations as it optimizes time-consuming or error-prone procedures and allow business systems to work together. As a result, technology assists owners in achieving their primary goal of providing an exceptional client experience while keeping their food-service business profitable.
What Technologies Should Restaurants Prioritize This 2023?
Automation and AI Technologies
Automation has existed in food production and processing but hasn’t been as prevalent in restaurants. However, as restaurant consultants have demonstrated, this is evolving. Restaurant owners are considering automation, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) in response to increasing labor costs, workforce shortages, and menu inflation. These technologies automate specific processes or simplify a few steps for employees. As a result, their productivity and production consistency improve, allowing them to provide quality service.
Contactless Processes
Since the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in demand for contactless processes. Mobile ordering, digital payments, and QR code menus provide numerous advantages to restaurant operators and their customers. They enhance table turnover, optimize workflows, and provide restaurants access to customer insights, allowing them to develop meaningful connections with customers.
As highlighted by restaurant advisors, going contactless offers secure financial transactions, enhanced order fulfillment, and an overall better eating experience for customers.
Digital Reward Systems
Due to the global financial downturn, diners are cutting budgets. Thus restaurant operators are developing reward systems to enhance client engagement and promote customer loyalty.
Keeping current customers is five times less expensive than finding a new one. Customers who have previously purchased from you are more likely to try new meals and spend more on them. Focusing and investing in providing your loyal customers with the best client experience is the way to go.
While some businesses prefer traditional punch cards, digital rewards programs are rising because they meet consumers’ need for cashless transactions. Customers can register for a digital reward program online or via an app, for example, by inputting their email or phone number. The application then monitors their consumption and recommends incentives based on previous transactions.
The best part about digital reward systems is they are available in various forms and styles. In essence, you can make them as simple or as sophisticated as you like. This digital reward system is one of the current trends in restaurants that provide instant rewards, such as in-store coupons or lower shipping charges. Alternatively, you may offer freebies after a certain number of visits or orders.
