Technology changes constantly and this is especially true for the food and beverage industry. While some might believe that the restaurant industry was reluctant to adopt technology and digital solutions, that changed in 2020. Restaurants and bars adjusted to the “new normal” during the pandemic with even more changes in 2021. 

How has technology changed because of GRUBBRR?

According to EHL Insights, restauranteurs and operators in the food and beverage industry looked beyond traditional methods, changing its model to contactless technology. This includes online ordering, self-checkouts, delivery, and touch-less payments for delivery and pick-up. 

There was an unexpected labor shortage this year and new technology was implemented for this new business model. As a result, self-ordering kiosks have become standard. According to SMB Management Blog, over 65 percent of customers surveyed said they would visit the restaurant more often if they had self-service kiosks. In fact, 30 percent said they prefer to order from a kiosk. 

One of the latest technology, GRUBBRR (grubbrr.com), powers the all-new Samsung self-service kiosk, increasing customer satisfaction with a custom-designed experience built on GRUBBRR’s technology. This technology allows restaurants to operate with a smaller and more efficient team. In addition, customers can order directly from the self-service kiosk, ensuring both order accuracy and speed.

The kiosk addresses and improves the customer experience, and implementing kiosks allows

restaurants to streamline efficiency, reducing average transaction time. In

addition, kiosks always show up, don’t call in sick, and are ready to work 24/7.

GRUBBRR’s self-ordering kiosks also minimize human contact, eliminate ordering errors, and allow businesses to implement integrations, such as loyalty programs. GRUBBRR now integrates with the loyalty platform Punchh which enables a restaurant marketing team to help carefully curate a customer journey. GRUBBRR’s loyalty integrations provide businesses with an opportunity to capture data intelligence about consumer history, including most recent orders, to execute suggestive selling and use discount codes that reward consumers for communicating more efficiently.

Customers have high expectations now expect their favorite restaurants to deliver personalized offers while integrating the latest in technology. It is the standout experiences that nurture customers through a restaurant loyalty program. A customized restaurant reward program empowers restaurateurs and operators to feature personalized experiences and offers that drive value and increased sales.

Cash registers (and cashiers) are being replaced by tablet POS systems and going cashless. Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) is a digital order board so kitchen staff can keep up with orders. KDS can assist with inventory management by displaying priority orders, signal dwindling stock items, and flagging special dietary requests. 

Digital menu boards can display rotating images and videos of products that entice the senses in innovative ways. The boards can be updated immediately and visually appealing to patrons waiting to place an order.

What about trends in 2022?

Online ordering systems and delivery apps will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the customers who now expect to order from all restaurants. Contactless payment will be the preferred method using a smartphone, smartwatch, or smartcard via an app or touchless device. Experts predict that contactless payments will triple from $2 trillion to $6 trillion worldwide by 2024. 

Online table reservation technology gives customers the freedom to see the available times, book their own reservation, and not require any staff. Apps also allow restaurants to upsell unique culinary events and dining experiences. QR codes, a must this year, will continue to be used in 2022. Best of all, no app is needed. 

While changing, the food and beverage industry remains viable since people love to eat and drink. Companies such as Samsung powered by GRUBBRR and Punchh integrate the latest technology with a suite of products to help generate revenue, streamline operations, and improve the guest experience creating loyal customers.