2015 was a big year in tech, and by the looks of it, 2016 is shaping up to be just as noteworthy.
While almost every area of trade, from ecommerce to retail, has gone through major changes this year, tech has been revolutionizing the restaurant industry in ways that restauranteurs have likely already felt.
So far, 2016 has seen a massive increase in mobile app usage for ordering and finding restaurants, an increase in loyalty and rewards programs, and even a federal liability shift. It’s a changing world, and more and more, technology drives those changes.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2016, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the top technological innovations that are already having significant effects on restaurants.
Payment Changes
A substantial change in 2015 was the successful completion of the EMV liability shift. One of the most effective ways to safeguard against card theft is the use of EMV-enabled chip cards.
Unfortunately, horror stories are already coming out about how EMV chip cards negatively impact consumer experiences. Some payment gateways and checkout systems are difficult to use because they cause frequent delays or hiccups.
However, anyone who swipes a debit or credit card has a responsibility to help prevent stolen and counterfeit card use. To date, one of the strongest PoS systems for use with EMV includes AccuPOS POS software. AccuPOS provides sensible, easy-to-install EMV terminals and lightning-fast verifications.
Watch Out for Servy
In part because of the growing power of customers’ opinions, many savvy restauranteurs are aggressively trying to tackle customer service problems before the restaurants net bad reviews.
One useful tool for minimizing negative feedback is the Servy app. On Servy, crowd-sourced customers can evaluate restaurants by filling out customized forms.
Unlike most other mystery shopper opportunities, Servy only costs between $5 and $30.
Mobile Engagement
Did you know that customers who visit a restaurant on mobile increase their likelihood of visiting in person by 70%? And that’s just the tip of the iceberg where mobile ordering is concerned.
Consumers who use mobile ordering apps are also likely to spend more money because they can take their time selecting options.Click To TweetRestaurants that have access to mobile-friendly ordering systems are consequently apt to net more overall sales. Smartphone engagement is part of the reason why mobile ordering apps of a variety of iterations are sweeping the country. Our pick for the one to watch is Eat24, which partners directly with Yelp.
Yelp itself is an important part of this conversation. Because Yelp allows users to rate local businesses, it’s a convenient way for consumers to vet restaurants and bars. A poor reputation on Yelp can be a business killer, and successful marketing on Yelp can dramatically expand a restaurant’s potential clientele.
Homebase Is Revolutionizing Scheduling
If you hate employee messaging, tip reporting, and shift tracking, then you need Homebase! This clever app and website is a stripped-down, easy-to-learn way to manage those logistics digitally. What’s more, it’s absolutely free.
Another advantage is that Homebase integrates with almost all available PoS systems, from Square to Revel. Business owners and managers can view staff schedules at any time, and the app allows easy shift trading between employees.
In Summary
Tech developments aren’t just helping restaurants turn a profit more easily. They’re enabling consumers to find what they love, helping managers to keep track of details, improving marketing opportunities, and protecting people from fraud.
While 2015 was a big shake-up year in restaurant tech, owners should keep an eye on the emerging trends of 2016. This year just might blow its predecessor out of the water.
Jack Edwards
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Right said by someone “Imagination is more important than knowledge”. Thanks for sharing this great post. It helped me with an ocean of awareness.
Also, find simple practical tips on choosing a table reservation system for restaurant
Hello Jack Edwards,
This is an amazing post for restaurant owners because nowadays technology is most important for most of business. Through technology we can do payment and easily find what we want.
Thanks for the share.
Indeed, Tech is changing the Hospitality Industry. We soon going to find a tab or a computer screen on tables for ordering food.
Thanks for sharing it. Good read.
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Yeah it is damn true that technology has pulled a lot of changes in the society making things easier in comparison to the other days. Now most of the people do rely on technology as that can be get going with a single click on your finger.
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Technology along with the modern inspiration of the days has changed a lot, that is helping the people to get easier with its clumsy features within the gadgets. It has also been seen that people are getting used to the modern technology, as that helps the things get into them just with one single click.
That 70% statistic is really eye opening. It suggests that people are searching their phones right before they arrive someplace to eat. With that in mind, more restaurants may realize the importance of getting an online and mobile presence.
yes the technology always helps the commercials, so it assist the restaurant wokers to do perfectly theris shifts without mistakes.
Recently I started ordering food through mobile apps. It is once in while but after getting used to such easy and money saving process, it is only option I have in mind today.
Great improvement in restaurant industry.
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The technological innovations in Food and Restaurant industry have been really helpful both for the restaurant owners and customers.Booking reservations is now very easy. Plus, customers are able to know what other people think about their service through online reviews.
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Wow, this is something very interesting and innovative. Thanx for sharing such a unique and its very informative.!
Yes indeed it has changed the industry and by adding reviews, people are easily able to find which restaurant is good to eat or not.
Hi, Edward
Thanks for sharing this informative post and the way you explained is amazing. Please keep writing as well as your article motivate us.
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Love how tech can help small businesses help growth their businesses, some people use pokemon go to get more customers now…
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Its great to check on from our mobile or tab to a nearer restaurant and their prices and all detailed information about the restaurant. Very nice idea. Thanks for the blog posting.
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Very different and amazing idea for discover and show the menu from your device at any place. Thank you very much for sharing a nice thing here.
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Technology is revolutionizing most industries and is a welcome to the restaurant industry. Consumers get what they require faster and helps avoid losses due to fraud. Restaurants get more clients increasing their profit margins