Technology has helped grow many industries and has transformed the world. The hospitality industry and restaurants have benefitted a lot from technological advancements.
Technology has made it easier for restaurant owners to interact with their customers directly. It has reduced the hassle of visiting a restaurant.
There have been various applications that have accelerated the growth of restaurants. They offer various services such as making a reservation, booking online, contactless payments and many other benefits.
It has made the business more accessible and profitable. Also, it gives an enriching customer experience. Many small restaurants have become famous among customers.
The restaurants going digital
To live up to the customer’s expectations, every restaurant tries to stay up to date. Sometimes they do not have the required funds to adopt the latest technology. For this, they may apply for quick loans with no guarantor.
In Ireland, many restaurants go for this kind of funding. This helps them to renovate their physical stores. It can be a big help for them.
Ways technology has helped the restaurants
The times have changed and so have our approach to making a reservation in a restaurant. You can check the following points to understand the difference.
1. Booking a table
In previous times, if you wanted to book a table in a restaurant, it was mandatory to be physically present at the restaurant. Sometimes, it may happen that you have to wait for long hours to book your seat.
It may have drained your energy. Before hogging your food at your favourite restaurant, it may have made you tired. Waiting in queues at your favourite restaurant may have given you a bad experience. Also, a lot of time goes into standing in the queue. Many restaurants would book a table, while others may follow the approach of a first come, first serve basis. This could make you go to some other restaurant.
Technology has made huge advancements. It has made it simpler for you to visit your favourite restaurant. It offers an online booking process that helps you to make a reservation and book a table online without being physically present there.
You can just open the website of your favourite restaurant and click on the reservation tab. Or you can download their application on your Smartphone and make use of it.
Along with the reservation service, it also offers 24/7 bookings. There are no specific times to make a booking. You can make a booking at any time you want, including odd hours such as late nights or early mornings.
It depends on the suitability of the customer. This has also helped the restaurants track their reservations online and make use of the available data to grow.
2. Easier food payments
Pre technology era only had cash payment options. Technology has introduced various other payment methods. There are multiple payment options such as credit card payments, online banking, payment applications etc.
With these methods, carrying cash in your pocket is not mandatory. You can just pay for your favourite restaurant in seconds.
This has benefitted the restaurants as it has increased their upselling. Customers need not worry about the amount of cash they carry in their pockets.
According to research, with payment methods than cash, it is observed that the customers are more willing to pay than before. This is true in the case of pampering themselves and impulsive buying.
3. Inventory
From the customer’s point of view, technology has been beneficial to the majority of restaurants. The technology has also helped restaurants maintain their stock and inventory.
The processes are getting digitalized. They are simplifying things for the restaurants. Digital stock maintenance leaves no scope for error and accurately tells the stock required.
It has improved efficiency and accuracy in the functioning of the business.
4. Ratings
Every sector has some good websites that are customer friendly and simple. These websites are a good way to rate the restaurant and give your feedback.
You can review the restaurant on their website and rate them. This will help them increase the TRPs of the restaurant.
Many small restaurants have gained the limelight because of the online rating system. They have gained a lot of appreciation with people’s feedback and positive reviews.
Adopting this latest technology, it requires money. Many restaurants go for a loan option to fund their needs.
They may apply for Doorstep loans. In Ireland, some restaurants opt for these loans as it makes it easy for them to expand. It also helps them to stay aligned with the latest technology.
5. Offers
Internet is a great place to understand your customers and to know their opinions about your restaurant. You can offer various deals and offers to your customers through the internet and attract more people.
Apart from online offers, many restaurants use a physical flyer distribution process. This is done to advertise their restaurant. Many restaurants have adopted a smarter approach.
They offer their customers an online code on their flyers to increase their online footfall. Once this attracts the customers, they can promote the business with word of mouth.
6. Fast food
With the increasing applications and digitalization, along with making a reservation, customers can order food online too.
Restaurants are making use of this technology at an increasing speed. It helps them to connect with customers and increase their sales. This has increased the takeaway concept and helped restaurants to get famous among customers.
Technology is offering many new avenues to the resultants that will facilitate their future growth. It is up to the business to use the technology efficiently for their benefit.
Conclusion
This technology is here to stay, and customers will keep on using this technology. With this, they are getting their favourite food without stepping out. Also, they get many cash-backs and offers online on every order they make. So it is beneficial for the restaurant as well as the customers.
It helps in getting instant customer feedback. This is used by businesses to make an improvement in their business operations. With customer feedback, businesses can work on their image and brand building.
