AUSTIN (KXAN) — Digital menus, contactless ordering and robot servers are just some of the technology investments some restaurants are considering this year.
More restaurants are turning to technology, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 State of the Restaurant Industry Report.
According to the report, 60% of restaurant operators nationwide plan to invest in technology to improve the customer experience.
“What are the different ways we can apply today’s modern technology to create a better customer experience?”
Joe Monastero, Texas Restaurant Association
This comes as more companies increasingly turn to technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, approximately 25% of small businesses said they are using or testing AI to gain an edge over competitors.
Automate specific tasks
Joe Monastero is the Chief Operating Officer of the Texas Restaurant Association.
Monastero said restaurants are looking at technology that can automate certain tasks behind the scenes.
“AI is now definitely embedded in things like making a phone call to place a to-go order or having an interactive conversation,” Monastero said. “This eliminates the need for agents to answer the phone and allows them to spend more time and attention on the customer in front of them.”
Monastero said restaurants are also using technology to better predict what they’ll need.
“The amount of food they need, how to control the cost of food,” Monastero said. “So applying these technologies and finding the right combination is really going to be everyone’s primary focus.”
“It’ll be helpful.”
At K BBQ, robot servers move from table to table, delivering food to customers.
The restaurant has been using robots since it opened in 2021.
General Manager Mario Cotto said there will be white dots on the ceiling that will help the robot move around the restaurant.
“It has multiple cameras that allow you to visualize yourself and a map inside the restaurant,” Kotto said. “Whenever you type which table you want to go to, it will take you to one of the tables.”
Kotto said the robots have augmented the workforce and helped save time.
“Whenever it gets really, really busy here, two of these are moving around,” Kotto said. “It’s like having two other people working for us. It’s really helpful.”
Kott said the technology frees up servers to focus more on customer service, whether it’s delivering food or singing Happy Birthday.
“Robots do all the heavy lifting for us,” says Kott. “It creates a better relationship for us and our customers.”
