The Top Restaurant Technology Trends Transforming the Industry in 2024

Introduction

The food industry has undergone a rapid transformation in recent years, and technology has been instrumental in driving this change. Advancements in technology have led to the emergence of new trends and facilitated the adoption of new practices, making it easier for restaurants to meet the demands of their customers. In this blog post, we will explore some of the restaurant technology trends that are set to revolutionize the food industry.

Food Delivery & Online Ordering Apps

The advent of online ordering systems and delivery apps has revolutionized the food industry in recent years. With the rise of these technologies, customers have been able to order food from their favorite restaurants with just a few clicks on their smartphones. According to a recent study by Roy Morgan, 57% of Australians aged 14 and above have used a food delivery service in the last 12 months. Additionally, the same study found that millennials were the most likely demographic to use these services, with 74% of those aged 25-34 using food delivery apps or online ordering services.

The popularity of online ordering and delivery apps has also resulted in an increase in revenue for restaurants. A survey by Hospitality Magazine found that the use of delivery services increased restaurant revenue by an average of 20%, with some restaurants reporting an increase of up to 50%. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of these technologies, as lockdowns and social distancing measures have made dine-in options less viable. As a result, online ordering and delivery apps have become a crucial component of the food industry in Australia and around the world.

Contactless Payment

Contactless payment has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a convenient and safe way for consumers to make payments. In Australia, contactless payments have seen a significant surge in usage, particularly since the outbreak of COVID-19. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, contactless payments accounted for 87% of all in-person card transactions in September 2020. This represents a significant increase from just 33% in 2013.

The trend towards contactless payments is expected to continue in Australia, with the government recently announcing plans to increase the contactless payment limit from $100 to $200. This move is aimed at reducing the need for physical contact during transactions and promoting the use of digital payments. With the convenience and safety offered by contactless payments, it's no surprise that consumers are increasingly turning to this technology as their preferred payment method. As businesses and governments continue to encourage the adoption of contactless payments, we can expect to see a further increase in usage in the coming years.

Online Table Reservation System

Online table reservation systems have gained popularity in the restaurant industry, with more and more establishments adopting them. These systems offer a convenient way for customers to book tables, as well as for restaurants to manage reservations more efficiently. In Australia, online table reservation systems have seen a significant increase in usage. According to a report by OpenTable, Australia saw a 49% increase in online reservations between 2019 and 2020, with more than 40% of all reservations now being made online.

It is evident that online table reservation systems offer several advantages to restaurants, enabling them to optimize their operations and enhance the overall customer experience. With the ongoing effects of the pandemic on the hospitality industry, online reservation systems have become a crucial tool for restaurants to manage their capacity and comply with social distancing measures. As the use of this technology continues to grow in popularity, we can expect to see even more innovative features and advancements in online table reservation systems in the future.

Kitchen Display Systems

Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) have become an increasingly popular tool in the restaurant industry. These systems provide a streamlined way for chefs to manage orders, track inventory, and communicate with other staff members back of house. In Australia, the adoption of digital kitchen boards has seen significant growth. According to a survey by the Australian Retailers Association, 60% of hospitality businesses in Australia have invested in new technology since the pandemic began, with digital kitchen boards being one of the most popular choices.

A kitchen display system is integrated with the restaurant's point-of-sale system (POS) and begins functioning immediately an order is placed. It offers a more efficient and streamlined way for restaurants to manage their kitchen operations. With the ability to track orders in real-time, chefs can ensure that dishes are prepared and served quickly, improving the overall customer experience. As the hospitality industry continues to face challenges and adapt to new technologies, we can expect to see further advancements and innovations in digital kitchen boards in the future.

Automated Inventory Management Software

In recent years, automated inventory management software has gained popularity as a valuable tool for restaurants. This software offers a streamlined way for businesses to manage their inventory, reducing waste and ensuring that they always have the necessary supplies on hand. The adoption of automated inventory management software has seen significant growth, especially in Australia. According to a report by BDO, 38% of hospitality businesses in Australia have invested in new inventory management technology since the pandemic began, with many turning to automated systems.

With the ability to track inventory levels in real-time, businesses can reduce waste and save money by only ordering the supplies they need. As the hospitality industry continues to face challenges and adapt to new technologies, we can expect to see further advancements and innovations in automated inventory management software in the future.

QR Codes

QR codes have become an increasingly popular tool in the hospitality industry. These codes offer a contactless way for customers to access menus, make payments, and even provide contact tracing information. In Australia, the adoption of QR codes has seen significant growth, with many businesses implementing them as a mandatory requirement for entry. According to a survey by the Australian Retailers Association, 74% of hospitality businesses in Australia are using QR codes for contact tracing purposes.

QR codes offer a clear advantage by providing businesses with a more efficient and hygienic means of managing customer interactions. With the ability to scan QR codes using a smartphone, customers can easily access menus and make payments without the need for physical contact. Additionally, QR codes offer a more accurate and streamlined way for businesses to collect contact tracing information, reducing the risk of transmission and ensuring that businesses can remain open. As the hospitality industry continues to face challenges and adapt to new technologies, we can expect to see further advancements and innovations in the use of QR codes in the future.

Online Gift Card Software

Online gift cards have become a popular option for gift-giving in Australia. With the ability to purchase and send gift cards online, customers can easily give the gift of their favorite restaurant or experience to their loved ones, without the need for physical contact. According to a survey by the Australian Retailers Association, 44% of businesses in Australia offer online gift cards and gift vouchers, with many reporting an increase in sales since their implementation.

Using a gift card software to sell gift certificates online provides several advantages. This approach offers customers a more accessible and convenient way to gift their loved ones. With the ability to purchase and send gift cards online, customers can avoid the hassle of physical gift-giving, and recipients can redeem at their leisure. Additionally, it offers a new revenue stream for restaurants, allowing them to reach a wider audience and increase sales. As the hospitality industry continues to face challenges and adapt to new technologies, we can expect to see further advancements and innovations in the use of gift card system in the future.

VaocherApp is a gift card software for restaurants that helps sell and manage gift cards and gift vouchers online with ease. Businesses can create customised gift cards and offer them to customers through their website or social media platforms. The software is fully automated and it's an efficient software to increase revenue and reach a wider audience. VaocherApp is a valuable solution for businesses looking to offer online gift card software as part of their marketing and sales strategies.