- According to a survey by Square, nearly a third of restaurants have been short-staffed for two years, leading to longer wait times, smaller menus, and restaurant closures. However, the shortage has also presented an opportunity for technology to transform the industry, with close to 2 in 5 restaurateurs planning to automate some operations.
- Restaurants are using technology to streamline their operations, with close to 2 in 5 restaurateurs planning to automate some operations. This includes using robots to bring orders to guests alongside people and using automated kiosks to take orders and payments, online ordering systems, and delivery apps. Some restaurants are also experimenting with robotic waiters.
- While the use of technology in restaurants could help to streamline operations and make up for the shortage of workers, it cannot completely replace human workers. Restaurants will still need to hire and retain employees to provide excellent customer service and maintain high-quality food and beverage offerings.
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry has been hit hard by a staffing shortage crisis, leading restaurants to explore ways to streamline their operations. With many restaurants forced to operate at reduced capacity due to staffing constraints, there’s a need for technology to fill the gap.
Restaurants are increasingly turning to technology for solutions that can improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability. One of the most obvious ways is by offering online ordering and contactless payments, which can reduce the need for cashiers, servers, and other front-of-house staff. Automation of the backend is also possible with apps that allow operators to easily synchronize orders, menus and the kitchen area.
In the kitchen, AI-powered software can assist chefs in measuring portions, which helps to reduce food waste and ensures consistent taste. Also, automated dishwashing machines and automated systems can reduce the need for dishwashers. The implementation of smart scheduling software is also helpful in efficiently scheduling employee hours and keeping track of payroll, which can lead to cost savings.
In the end, technology can help restaurants save time and money, enhance the dining experience for the customer, and support restaurants in many ways during the staffing crisis, which many consider inevitable amid the pandemic’s ongoing impact. As the hospitality sector continues to face severe labor shortages, embracing a technology-driven approach may be the way forward for many restaurants.