QSR magazine is pleased to announce the return of its Applied Technology Awards, designed to encourage, support, and reward unique technological innovations in the quick-serve industry.

Rather than recognizing technology for technology’s sake, QSR seeks to award technologies that are making significant contributions to efficiency and customer service at the store level. These innovations must be unique to a specific chain or supplier or serve an exclusive function within a chain’s operations.

Entries due: March, 31, 2008

Download the entry form in PDF format

Enter Online

Questions? Contact Sherri Daye Scott at 919-489-1916, ext. 132

There are three methods for submitting an entry for the 2008 QSR Editor’s Choice Technology Awards—online entry, fax, or through mail.

Who may submit entries?

Entries can be submitted by any restaurant chain of five or more units, at least half of which must be actively using the product, or any supplier/manufacturer that serves at least half of a chain of five or more units.

What technologies are eligible?

The awards are open to both proprietary and universally available technological products and systems that are fully integrated and adapted to proprietary operations. In the case of universally available products and systems, use must be uniquely identifiable and profitable.

What are the categories for entry?

• Operations Innovations—Entries for operations innovations should be technological innovations implemented in store(s) after January 1, 2006 which have had a positive effect on productivity and efficiency in normal operations on the store level. These innovations can be in any area of operations (e.g. drive-thru, front-line, kitchen, and back office).
• Consumer Convenience—Entries for consumer convenience should be specifically intended to increase customer convenience/service, both in-store and in the public domain (e.g. telecommunications/Internet technologies). Technology entries in this category must be in direct contact with consumers and must have been actively in use at the store level or accessible in the public domain after January 1, 2006.
• Endurance Award—Entries for the endurance award have been found to be irreplaceable over the time, "oldies-but-goodies." Entries must be products/systems which have been in active, continuous use for more than 36 months.

What are the criteria for judging?

Judging criteria will take into account:

• Quantifiable increases in efficiency (time/space savings, etc.), customer satisfaction, and traffic flow
• Integration into existing systems/operations
• Ease and frequency of use
• Degree of innovation: New, unique, updated, customized application

When are entries due?

Entries will be accepted through March 31, 2008.

When will the Applied Technology Awards be published?

July 2008 issue of QSR.

How do I nominate my technology?

Print out the entry form and include as much information as possible.

For further information contact: