Technology is extremely important within any eating establishment. However, in the future, the majority of restaurants and cafés will operate in completely different ways to the ones in which they operate today and technology will be at the forefront of each and every change.
Technology has already altered many important aspects of running a food service business. For example, the vast majority of promotion is carried out digitally, and even special offers have become pixels on phones as opposed to coupons cut out of papers. Likewise, the way in which restaurant staff accommodate their customers is also changing and from how they manage those waiting for tables to how orders are taken, technology has provided many great opportunities to improve the customer experience.
EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING
Customer service will usually be what marks one restaurant out from the next. Whilst the quality of food will be important, the way in which it is served and the quality of service will usually be even more so, and the best chefs may find their cuisine is overlooked if those serving it do not do so in the right way.
Technology will be important here, not only to ensure orders are always taken quickly and accurately and in turn cooked in the correct order to make certain no one is left waiting, but modern technology also makes it easier to both seat customers and keep them happy whilst they are waiting for a table.
Paging systems may be one of the most important assets for any restaurant, making sure that customers are seated in the order they arrived whilst also ensuring that customers feel comfortable waiting rather than choosing to head off if a table is not free there and then. The process of paging customers when a table is ready can help boost bar take, allow customers to relax until their first course is ready in more comfortable surroundings, and even simply reduce the stress that staff can experience when trying to successfully run a very busy floor.
Guest experience is vital for the continued success of any business in the food or hospitality industry, and by offering individuals a more relaxed experience and one that allows them to get seated and served in the most efficient and fairest manner, you are likely to not only keep customers who may have otherwise gone elsewhere on a busy night, but you are also going to vastly increase the chances of seeing repeat custom.
TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE
Paging systems are very much here, ready for business owners to make the most of them today. However, knowing the best technology to use here and now is only one part of the battle, and being prepared to make changes in the future will also be important.
For example, electronic menus are likely to become increasingly popular, not only allowing diners to search for the right meal more intuitively, but also allowing you to offer far more information about dishes and their ingredients.
Entertainment will also change as science improves, and certain restaurants are already trialling a brand new technology that allows audio waves to be carried on ultra sound waves, taking music or television sound direct to specific tables whilst remaining silent to all those around them.
Such technologies may sound futuristic, but the future is very nearly here and those who move with the times will see far greater levels of customer satisfaction than those that are left behind. In other words, those in the food industry should start improving their technology today with the likes of paging systems, whilst ensuring they keep their eyes on the technology of the tomorrow at the very same time.
About the Author – Adam Howes is a freelance writer and blogger. He regularly writes articles about food service solutions, using websites such as www.lrspagers.co.uk to stay up to date with all the latest industry news and developments.
John Smith 