Posted by
Patrick Maness +
The foodservice industry has one foot in the future and the other planted in the more traditional past.
On one level, chefs are expected to have a foundational understanding of traditional techniques and recipes. On another, though, they're supposed to be able to add unique twists to dishes and incorporate culinary trends into their menu. Chefs still rely on some basic, though well-honed, tools and techniques to do their work, such as knives, pans and fire. And though the process of making a quality meal has not changed a great deal in the past one hundred years, today’s kitchens are a showcase of modern technology.
Restaurant technology has emerged in the form of smart kitchen appliances, digital kiosks, Wi-Fi connectivity and more, and these upgrades have changed the dining experience considerably.
Some folks, though, are worried about the effects digital technology will have on the industry and therefore hesitate to adapt. Others view this trend toward a more digital kitchen and experience as not only inevitable, but as a key to success. No matter how sophisticated or game changing the smart kitchen or restaurant technology is, it’s still all about the customer’s experience.
In this series of blogs, we’ll help you make sense of some of the digital changes taking place in the foodservice industry and look at ways your business can benefit. The four topics will include:
Digital and online ordering for better customer service
As more people go online to do business, connect with others or check news updates, they are also looking to order their food and make meal plans online. For many restaurant owners, giving consumers the option to order online is all about customer service and satisfaction. In this blog we’ll also look at how some restaurants have incorporated online ordering and other digital services, such as iPad kiosks and apps, to help them cut costs, increase profitability and enhance the customer’s overall experience.
Digital and smart tools for food safety
One of the most important tasks in any foodservice setting is to keep the food fresh and safe to eat. This is a great challenge for many, and one small mistake can mean a costly fine or even a shutdown. In this blog post we’ll look at how digital tools help ensure food safety. From apps that monitor daily food-safety tasks, to wirelessly connecting ovens, warming equipment, refrigerators and more with sensors that monitor temperature and food quality, we’ll look at the technologies that help with this crucial task.
Technology that helps reduce food waste
How can technology help reduce food waste? We’ll look at how some restaurants have gone digital to gather data about the food they order, what customers order, and even what they end up wasting, all to develop a more precise system that reduces overall waste. In addition, we’ll look at some of the emerging opportunities that make it easier for restaurants to donate their unused food, rather than letting it go to waste.
The new fast-food kiosk and similar technologies
Many fast-food establishments have installed ordering kiosks to make the process easier and faster for their customers. A similar thing has been seen in many sit-down restaurants where guests can order and pay for their meal from a screen on their table. What are the advantages and drawbacks of using this technology? We’ll take a look at how these technologies are affecting the fast-food landscape and what others in the food-service businesses can learn from them.
The digital world's vast effects on the foodservice industry have been felt for several years. With these blog posts, you’ll have a better understanding of the changes taking place and how they can help your business.