Wondering how to take advantage of the hottest restaurant trends for 2021? McDonald Wholesale can help. Technology in the restaurant industry keeps evolving, especially as the coronavirus pandemic continues, and it’s important for all restaurant owners and executive chefs to stay on top of some of the technology trends we’re seeing across the industry. Here are some of our favorite restaurant technology ideas for 2021.
Wi-Fi Marketing
Offering free wi-fi to your customers is mutually beneficial to your restaurant and your customers. Not only will customers be able to do things like respond to e-mails, change their fantasy football line-up, or look up which actor starred in that movie they saw last week, but if you require their e-mail address to log on, you’ll be able to send them e-mail blasts, including coupons and information like seasonal menu offerings, restaurant events, and more. That way, you can incentivize them to return for future visits.
Online Ordering Systems
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change the restaurant industry, one of our favorite restaurant technology ideas involves implementing an in-house online ordering system. Not only does an internal online ordering system give you more control over the look and feel of your online menu, but it also gives you better access to customer data and a bigger percentage of the profits since you’re not sharing with third-party platforms like DoorDash or Postmates.
Customer Facing Tabletop Tablets
While fast casual restaurants are early adopters of this technology, having customer facing tabletop tablets can be great for any type of restaurant, especially during a pandemic. Tabletop tablets can be used to display digital menus and can even allow diners to place their own orders and make their own digital payments, which can help facilitate social distancing and help turn around tables faster. Some tabletop tablets even come loaded with games and entertainment to add even more value for your restaurant diners.
Restaurant Loyalty Programs
One great way to take advantage of new technology in the restaurant industry is starting a restaurant loyalty program. In addition to incentivizing diners to spend more money at your restaurant, loyalty programs can help you show appreciation to the customers who spend the most time and money at your establishment. Not sure how to get started? Check out our tips for creating a successful restaurant loyalty program.
For more restaurant management tips, check out our foodservice blog, where we cover everything from how to keep restaurant costs down and revenue up during coronavirus to the McDonald Wholesale guide to no-contact curbside pickup and food delivery.