As 2025 approaches, restaurant owners are looking to the future when it comes to smart technology to create better experiences for customers and staff. Building ambiance, elevating customer experience, and streamlining operations are all ways new tech is allowing restaurant owners to keep up with the times. The advancement in tech allows restaurant owners to better cater to clientele and create more personalized and engaging experiences for guests.
Having helped many restaurant owners over the years as the owner of Automated Environments in Mesa, Arizona, here are four ways smart technology can help restaurant owners keep up with new equipment and create better experiences for customers.
Creating Ambiance
Lighting always plays a critical role in creating the atmosphere of any space. As technology advances, dynamic lighting systems are even taking it a step further. These smart lighting systems allow management or team members to adjust the light intensity, color, and warmth throughout the day to cater to the mood of the customer. For example, a staff member can create a bright, happy environment for the brunch service and then switch over to a warmer setting as the sun sets and the dinner crowd comes in.
For restaurants with specialty customers, staff can even adjust the lighting above their table for a unique dining experience just for them. Imagine a couple coming in and the staff knows one person is going to propose to another. They can dim the light above the table and create an individual romantic setting just for them. Lighting is crucial for restaurants as it is the first thing that sets the tone. Understanding how to use lighting is crucial in helping guests have the experience they desire.
Interactive Dining
When it comes to more sports- or family-oriented establishments, restaurant owners must consider at-table television screens. These small screens at tables or booths allow for a range of content options, from live sports to menus and games. When it comes to family friendly dining, many restaurants use these as tools to keep kids occupied while the parents watch the big game or the fight on the larger screens. Having small interactive TVs at the table allows guests to not worry about when the server will come because a quick tap to the screen can order more wings or switch over to a game for the kids to play. It is a combination of convenience and service.
Allowing this tech to be at each table within the establishment provides greater service and helps a family not feel like their kids are bothering people because they have a game to play right there at the table. Don’t forget you can also use these at-table televisions for promotions, which may lead to boosts in things like appetizer sales and extra advertising.
Custom Audio
Sound systems are becoming more in-depth than ever, allowing restaurants to create custom audio areas helping to enhance the dining experience of the space. These sound systems can adjust music or ambient noise based on the area of the restaurant, customer feedback, or time of day. For example, a restaurant can play more energetic music during the afternoon, creating an exciting place that may attract people walking by. You may also want to slow it down at night to make a cozier experience for guests who are on their first date or celebrating an anniversary. The sound technology provided on the market today for restaurants allows for any situation to be an opportunity for an experience that your guests will never forget.
Restaurant owners and management can cater the mood of the entire space of the restaurant in one push of a button or touch of a screen. Understand who your audience is at any given time. Take time to understand the many applications provided to you and audio systems provided so you can create the best ambiance for your clients no matter the style of restaurant you own. At the end of the day, you want your clients to be happy, and the last thing you need to do is blast Blink 182 when it is supposed to be a quiet dinner time.
Upgraded POS Systems
Point-of-sale systems are always upgrading as technology gets better. With features like seamless integration and enhanced data, POS systems allow restaurant owners and management teams to better track what is going on in the restaurant at any given time. From turnover rates on tables, to the number of specials being served and so on. Newer POS systems allow for much more than just allowing a customer to pay at the table.
These systems integrate with management software, inventory control, and more which provides real-time data to the home office or restaurant owners. Doing so allows management to streamline operations when creating smoother and more efficient experiences for workers and customers.
Even more advanced systems can provide insight on customer behavior, allowing for personalized promotions or discounts to those who are loyal clientele or help bring in new guests. When using new POS features, restaurant owners may see an uptick in guests coming to their establishment and be better prepared to cater to guests in the future.
Smart technology in the restaurant world is constantly evolving, yet it is on a smaller level than most other areas. Understanding how to utilize these new smart tech trends in your establishment is key. Upgrade your systems as you see fit and do your best to stay on top of new technology that can help build your restaurant, attract more guests, and keep clientele coming back.
Jason Fischbeck is the owner of Automated Environments in Mesa, Arizona. As a leader in the smart technology installation community for the past 25 years Automated Environments has helped dozens of commercial and hospitality businesses create unique environments for their clientele.
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