How New Restaurant Technology is Changing Customers’ Expectations & Habits

As an investor, it’s crucial to partner with a brand that understands the importance of advanced technologies in the ever-evolving foodservice industry. Learn how changing technology is improving operations, supply chain issues, and the customer experience.

The Evolution of Restaurant Technology

In the recent past, restaurant technology has undergone a significant revolution, dramatically shaping customer expectations and habits. Traditional dining experiences have been supplemented by innovative solutions that prioritize convenience, efficiency, and personalization. Here’s how:

Ordering and Delivery Systems: Advanced ordering and delivery systems have become essential components of modern restaurant technology. Online ordering platforms, mobile applications, and third-party delivery services have empowered customers with the ability to effortlessly browse menus, customize orders, and have food delivered to their doorstep. This convenience-driven trend has set new expectations for frictionless ordering processes and prompt deliveries.

Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Modern POS systems have transformed the way restaurants process transactions and manage operations. With cloud-based solutions, businesses can streamline order management, inventory tracking, and employee scheduling. POS systems enable seamless integration between front-of-house and back-of-house operations, resulting in faster service, reduced errors, and increased operational efficiency.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM): CRM platforms have revolutionized customer engagement and loyalty programs. By leveraging customer data, restaurants can personalize marketing campaigns, reward loyal patrons, and optimize their menu offerings. These systems provide valuable insights into customer preferences, enabling targeted promotions and enhancing the overall dining experience.

The Future of Restaurant Technology

Looking ahead, restaurant tech is poised for even more advancements, with some key trends to consider:

AI-Powered Automation: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning algorithms will further streamline restaurant operations, from inventory management to predictive analytics for staffing needs, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs.

Voice-Activated Technology: Voice-activated systems will become increasingly prevalent, allowing customers to place orders, make reservations, or request information through voice commands, offering a hands-free and convenient experience.

Enhanced Customer Data Analysis: With the aid of data analytics, restaurants will gain deeper insights into customer preferences and behaviors, enabling personalized marketing campaigns and menu recommendations tailored to individual tastes.

Teriyaki Madness: Embracing Technological Innovation

Teriyaki Madness (TMAD for short) understands the significance of technology in all aspects of their business: franchise training, operational efficiency, and providing guests with a killer dining experience. They have consistently adopted cutting-edge technologies to keep ahead of the curve, both for customers and franchisees. TMAD offers:

Mobile Ordering & Loyalty: They developed a user-friendly mobile application in 2017 that enables customers to conveniently browse the menu, customize orders, and make secure payments. This streamlined approach to mobile ordering presents an even more convenient option than ordering directly at the counter in shops and enhances the overall customer experience. After launching the mobile ordering app, they rolled out their loyalty program, which allows guests to create bowls at the click of a button and accrue rewards at the same time. Since the launch, they have grown their rewards program to 550,000 members and have proven that loyalty guests are spending 8-12% more than non-loyalty guests and visit TMAD more often.

Data-Driven Insights: By leveraging customer data and analytics, Teriyaki Madness is able to identify diners’ preferences, enabling them to refine menu offerings and launch targeted promotions. This data-driven approach ensures that customers receive personalized recommendations and allows them to tailor their offerings to suit changing trends and preferences.

High-Tech Kitchens: TMAD implements advanced kitchen display systems and order management platforms to optimize kitchen operations. This technology minimizes errors, enhances order accuracy, and expedites food preparation, resulting in faster service and improved customer satisfaction. Plus, with their Olo integrations with third party delivery companies, orders from those platforms flow directly into the POS and kitchens for a seamless experience for both the customer and restaurant staff.

Stay a Step Ahead with TMAD

Teriyaki Madness has been setting trends and developing a singular approach to Asian fast casual dining for over 20 years. Hungry customers and franchisees around the country have developed a taste for TMAD and the brand continues to grow, with 130 shop locations across the United States, Mexico and Canada with more in development.

To learn more about available TMAD franchise territories in your area, start by downloading the Franchise Report.