The Top 10 Ways Technology is Influencing Restaurant Design

Technology has changed the restaurant industry over the past few years in ways that may not be immediately apparent but definitely have an impact on your dining experience from when you decide to go out to eat to the moment you finally sit down at your table and order your meal. If you’re thinking about opening a new restaurant or just curious about the state of the restaurant industry in general, here are the top 10 ways technology is influencing restaurant design.

Digital menu boards have revolutionised the food service industry by allowing restaurants to minimise the use of paper while also presenting images of food items in a more stylized way. These menu boards allow diners to order and pay for their food without having to wait for a waiter or waitress, which saves time and cuts down on clutter.

Faster Internet Speeds are Making it Easier to Order Ahead

Internet speeds are growing so much faster than they ever have before. With these new speeds, it is becoming easier for customers to order food ahead of time and pick it up when they are ready to eat without waiting in line or talking to someone on the phone. All they need to do is place their order on their mobile device and pick it up on the way home or even while they are sitting at home watching TV.

Online Ordering is Eliminating Wait Times

Eliminating wait times through online ordering is one of the many ways technology is changing the design of restaurants. More and more people are seeking convenience, and as restaurant owners need to focus on providing it, they’ve looked to other technological innovations to improve their guest experience. Online menus have become increasingly popular for many reasons:

It saves time by letting guests choose what they want without having to wait for a server or order in person

It gives the customer a chance to customise their meal by picking different toppings or sauces before placing an order.

It allows customers who may not be sure what they want (especially families with children) to find something that suits them without having to leave and come back again.

It also lets guests save some money because they can order drinks or appetisers before committing to a full meal. As long as these features don’t take away from service quality, there’s no reason why most restaurants shouldn’t adopt this system!

Integrating Touch Screens into the Dining Experience

Touch screens are popping up in a variety of industries, and restaurants are no exception. Touch screens make ordering and paying faster, enable customers to learn more about their meal’s ingredients, and can even be used as the dining table with swiveling stands that elevate the screen and put it right in front of you. Some new touch-screen tablets also come equipped with Bluetooth capabilities so guests can order without ever picking up a menu. With these innovations in mind, restaurateurs will likely want to keep an eye on how they design their space for future use of technology.

Apps are Getting Restaurants Closer to their Customers

Restaurants have to think about the customer and how they might use apps when they go to their restaurant. The business can get a better idea of what the customers want before they even sit down. They will also be able to customise their service and food offerings so it is more tailored for the individual customer. Not only that, but the businesses can cut back on employees by using more technology in the kitchen like self-service kiosks where customers can place their order themselves. And if there are any problems with any orders, it’s easy to track who ordered what through an app.

Mobile Apps are Increasing Customer Engagement

A multitude of mobile apps are beginning to influence the restaurant design industry. These devices are now used for everything from food and wine pairing suggestions to live streaming services. Even more, these advancements will undoubtedly have an impact on not only the way we eat, but also how restaurants choose to interact with their customers. What does this mean for you? If you’re looking to break into the restaurant design industry, it may be time to start thinking about embracing digital technologies in your designs.

Location Based Marketing can Increase Customer Visits

Location-based marketing is an effective way to connect with customers who are in the vicinity of your business, just as they’re looking for what you offer. This technology also delivers a strong ROI and a new level of convenience for both companies and consumers. Some studies show that 45% of restaurants do not use this approach. The fact that this method helps drive traffic could be one reason why many restaurateurs are hesitant to adopt it. The lack of knowledge about how it works or the fear that it will go wrong may also explain some reluctance. These fears can be avoided by following good practice methods such as only sending notifications when the customer has opted in and requesting permission before broadcasting messages on their location.

Instant Bookings Save Time and Hassle

How many times have you gone to the restaurant of your choice only to find out they’re not taking any more reservations? It’s an annoying problem that can leave customers in a bind. Now, some restaurants are finding a solution by turning their table management system on its head and letting patrons reserve seats before ever stepping foot inside. Diners who may have been about to lose their minds over not being able to sit down for dinner now no longer need to wait and can enjoy themselves without any reservation stress. But what happens if there’s another customer ahead of them when they arrive at the restaurant? Not to worry! They’ll be alerted via text message with instructions on how to get seated as soon as possible.

Smart Tables Maximise Space Efficiency

I love this idea because it allows a restaurant to pack more seating capacity in an efficient manner. Less tables in the dining room also makes people feel less crowded, so this is a great option for larger restaurants.

Booking apps will allow customers to book their table and select a seat before they even enter the restaurant, meaning they won’t have to wait or speak with an employee at all. Smart doorways are becoming popular, as well, where guests swipe their phones to get into the restaurant. These features will cut down on time spent waiting and make it easier for guests to get seated without ever speaking with an employee.

With over 70% of customers using a social media platform to communicate with their favourite brands, restaurant owners have started to rethink the way that their establishments are designed. Many chains are opting for open-concept kitchens that allow guests to walk right up and talk with the chefs and see how dishes are prepared. Interactive tables give diners a chance to play games and compete against other teams at restaurants.

Wrapping up

Technology has had a huge impact on restaurant design over the past few years. It’s given restaurants more flexibility in creating new spaces, increased their ability to collect customer data, and is the driving force behind some of the coolest and most creative dining experiences out there. Traditional table settings are also seeing an overhaul with tablet menus that can be customised for each guest as well as live-streaming menus. Smartphone technology even offers guests the opportunity to rate their experience and provide feedback directly from their seat! While it’s still early days for this next wave of technological innovation, it promises to continue changing the way we dine out forever.