Top Restaurant Technology Trends in 2018

February 14, 2018

When looking to buy restaurant supplies, you want to be on the leading edge of technology trends.

This will keep your kitchen running smoothly.  Let’s take a look at some of the most recent trends in restaurant supplies technology.

1. New Payment Options

Who would have thought that restaurant supplies would ever include mobile payment options and payment kiosks at each table?  One of the biggest restaurant technology trends is enabling mobile payment through custom apps, or through Samsung, Apple, or Android Pay.  Having kiosks at each table has also proven beneficial to many restaurants.  A good amount of diners think that payment kiosks improve their experience, as they allow parties to order, pay, and receive digital receipts right at their table.

2. Management for Food and Restaurant Supplies

It may sound out of this world, but your needs can now be predicted by software.  Cutting-edge software from companies selling technological restaurant supplies can use trends and orders to determine what people are likely to order and what kinds of restaurant supplies you will need to stock up on each night.  This can help you be better prepared to serve your customers. It can also help you stop over-ordering restaurant supplies and food, thus reducing your waste.

3. Guest Data Tracking and Analytics

The computer is an essential part of restaurant supplies today.  The multitude of software and apps available for restaurants give tech-savvy restaurateurs a special edge. When guests come in, you can record their favorite meals, where they like to sit, and their favorite drinks.  You can also track which days they visit so that you can have the restaurant supplies that you need ready for them.

Plus, who doesn’t like being greeted by name when their server comes to the table?  Who doesn’t feel a bit more special when the server already knows their favorite drink and “the usual” order?  A simple computer is one of the restaurant supplies that can increase your customer service ratings significantly, when utilized effectively.

4. Server Call Buttons

Whether you decide that you want to have a kiosk at your tables or a server call button, the ability to call a server to a table is key in 2018. With restaurant supplies that provide an electronic way to call a server, there is no more need for guests to earnestly try to flag down a server when he fleetingly walks past, or to feel ignored when the server doesn’t see the guest. Server buttons have already been implemented in many restaurants. Those who are using them are seeing much more satisfied customers.

Modern technologies should be considered some of your most important restaurant supplies in 2018. Once a few restaurants catch on to a technology trend, everyone expects you to be on top of it. If you start adopting new technologies now, you could be seen as one of the most modern and convenient restaurants around!

Cooking Equipment Spotlight: The Right Knife for the Job

Cooking Equipment Spotlight: The Right Knife for the Job

Not everyone who’s involved in a commercial kitchen has had professional training as a chef. As a result, not everyone is aware of how to choose the best cooking equipment for each job. Having the right knife is one of the most vital choices you can make during food...

read more
Cooking Equipment Spotlight: Choosing the Right Fryer

Cooking Equipment Spotlight: Choosing the Right Fryer

Choosing the right fryer may seem straightforward. After all, you just need something to hold oil and keep it hot so you can cook some things, right?   Not quite. You have a lot of choices, which helps you choose the cooking equipment that’s perfect for your...

read more
Keep Your Foodservice Equipment Coolers Clean & Functional

Keep Your Foodservice Equipment Coolers Clean & Functional

Whether you run a convenience store or a restaurant, you need safe storage for food that must be refrigerated. Commercial coolers are the foodservice equipment you need – but it’s important to keep them in good shape. Otherwise, your investment won’t give you the...

read more
Keep Pests Out of Your Commercial Kitchen

Keep Pests Out of Your Commercial Kitchen

Having pests in your kitchen is already a nightmare, but if health inspectors find them it gets even worse. Keep your guests safe and your restaurant operating safely. Your commercial kitchen is automatically a target of a variety of bugs and other pests. It has...

read more
The Best Kitchen Equipment for a New Graduate

The Best Kitchen Equipment for a New Graduate

If you’re like many people, you know a young adult who will be setting up their own place for the first time this summer. It’s an exciting time, but very nerve-wracking. It’s amazing how quickly the costs add up as you outfit an apartment – especially in the kitchen!...

read more
Outside the Commercial Kitchen: Food Safety While Catering

Outside the Commercial Kitchen: Food Safety While Catering

Many restaurants and other eating establishments like to provide catering for special events. Catering a huge business, worth over $53 billion per year. Catering allows your restaurant to reach customers who might never set foot in your establishment otherwise. It’s...

read more
3 Times Used Kitchen Equipment is As Good As New

3 Times Used Kitchen Equipment is As Good As New

Are you nervous about buying used kitchen equipment? It’s understandable. After all, restaurants are subject to a lot of regulations, and if something goes wrong you could lose your business. However, there are many times that used kitchen equipment makes perfect...

read more
Kitchen Equipment You Need: Wellness Mats

Kitchen Equipment You Need: Wellness Mats

When it comes to serving customers, you leave no stone unturned. You choose the best kitchen equipment, test your recipes, buy the best ingredients, and hire excellent staff. Unfortunately, there’s something that even the savviest restaurant owner often forgets –...

read more
Is Your Kitchen Equipment Ready for National Hamburger Month?

Is Your Kitchen Equipment Ready for National Hamburger Month?

Restaurants can always use a fun and playful way to bring in new customers. Did you know that May is National Hamburger Month? Why not use that fact as an entertaining way to bring in new customers? You can offer a special promotion on a hamburger, or feature other...

read more
Understanding Restaurant Equipment: A Variety of Fryers

Understanding Restaurant Equipment: A Variety of Fryers

You may think of a fryer as a simple machine with a basket and hot oil. If you do, you don’t quite understand this restaurant equipment. You’re missing out on the enormous range of different fryers available! The truth is there are four very different types of...

read more
How to Increase Sales From Your Cold Case

How to Increase Sales From Your Cold Case

As we move into May, it’s time to start thinking about ramping up your summer sales. One of the key focuses can be the cold case in your store. This piece of foodservice equipment can really boost your bottom line. A cold case gives you an opportunity to display...

read more