The coronavirus pandemic has affected several industries worldwide, but none have been hit quite as hard as the restaurant industry. From unexpected closures and ‘take-out only’ ordering, to strict social distancing rules, an increased risk of staff exposure, and now, a restaurant labor shortage – it seems like the hospitality sector just can’t catch a break.
Thankfully, hope is not lost. Many restaurants are now making a digital business transformation, resulting in the automation of their once-manual processes. The result is a faster, more efficient, and COVID-safe work practice that’s helping their business to thrive. Here’s how your restaurant can get the same results:
Digital Transformation Definition
Did you know 45% of the jobs we are paid to do can be automated by making the switch to technology that is already available? Known as digital transformation, this transition has already had an impact on many industries, including the restaurant industry. So, what exactly is digital transformation? Also referred to as digitalization, it’s the integration of digital technology into different areas of a business to create new (or modify existing) business processes and customer experiences. Digital transformation provides the ideal way for restaurants to be innovative, remain viable, and overcome many of the challenges the pandemic has created.How Can Restaurants Make a Digital Business Transformation?
Thinking about making the switch to digital? Here are five top ways your restaurant can make a digital business transformation.1. Text to order
Text ordering (also known as A.I ordering) has become extremely popular for the food industry – particularly in the contactless world the pandemic has created. There are two ways a text to order system might work:- Customers can either text you their entire orders so a staff member can input them into your restaurant’s Point of Sale (POS) system.
- Customers can text a keyword – such as “PIZZA” – to receive an automated message with a link to order online.
2. Tablet POS and self-ordering kiosks
Rather than having your waitstaff carry around a notepad and pen to record customer orders, why not provide them with a digital tablet to simply tap instead? It’s a time-saver that’s easy to set up and manage, plus it avoids order confusion by ensuring everyone is using the same system. To take your restaurant’s digital transformation one step further, however, consider utilizing self-ordering kiosks for customers. These can be placed toward the front of your establishment or at each table so diners can order while seated. It not only speeds up the ordering process for customers but also frees up additional staff members for other necessary tasks.3. Introducing more digital payment options
Even before the pandemic hit, we were moving swiftly toward a cashless society, but now is the perfect time to emphasize contactless and digital payment options in your restaurant. Popular digital payment apps include Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Wallet. Instead of the customer having to get cash or a credit card out of their wallet, these apps allow them to simply pay through their phone, on the spot.4. Drone delivery
Drone delivery isn’t just for large companies such as Amazon. Many small restaurant businesses are also trying out the service, which allows them to fly a customer’s order directly to their waiting car or doorstep, contact-free. It’s not only quick – especially if you have multiple drones operating at the same time – but also frees up staff from this once time-consuming task.5. Digital marketing
The easiest, and perhaps most budget-friendly, digital transformation for your restaurant business comes in the form of switching up your marketing to concentrate on digital-only methods. Rather than sending promotional mail such as flyers and coupon cut-outs, embrace the following:- Email newsletters
- Social media ads
- Google PPC (pay-per-click) ads
- Blogging
- Online partnerships
