The distinction between physical and digital retail is increasingly blurring, particularly within the food service and hospitality industries. To remain competitive, restaurants are implementing significant operational changes, including a wider variety of payment options, optimizing service methods through technology, and enhancing overall customer experiences. As retail continues to evolve, operators must navigate ongoing challenges related to fluctuating consumer demand, labor dynamics, and shifting market trends. The State of the Industry: Future of In-Restaurant Dining report by Incisiv, in collaboration with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, highlights how restaurants must go beyond basic convenience to accelerate operations and meet evolving expectations of diners. According to the study, 38 percent of restaurants have implemented POS systems that can handle both in-store and online orders to streamline operations and ensure a smooth guest experience across channels. The industry is moving toward more integrated operations, with 57 percent of restaurants now managing multiple order types.
The key question remains: how can restaurants adapt to rapid change and deliver seamless experiences in both a cost effective and efficient manner?
Restaurants continue to evolve in response to shifting consumer preferences and buying behaviors. Businesses must remain aware of these changing expectations and deliver experiences that align with diverse customer needs. While some guests seek the full-service experience of dining in, others prioritize the convenience and efficiency of takeout or contactless transactions. To enhance customer satisfaction, businesses should focus on minimizing friction throughout the shopping experience by leveraging advanced technology solutions and retail-hardened POS platforms. Seamless, integrated systems ensure a consistent and engaging experience across all channels.
Rising wages and labor shortages are compelling restaurants to make significant adjustments to staffing strategies and employee engagement. Employees are being reallocated to roles with expanded responsibilities, including curbside pickup and delivery. Implementing flexible technology solutions allows smooth transitions between associate-led POS systems or self-service kiosks. Intuitive and user-friendly restaurant technology can also streamline employee training and improve retention, ultimately enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Investing in a future-ready POS solution is a strategic decision for long-term operational success. The restaurant industry requires POS technology that is durable, engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, vibrations, impacts, and frequent cleaning. Beyond physical resilience, retail-hardened technology must also deliver the processing power and flexibility needed to integrate with emerging digital applications and future peripherals. Implementing robust, retail-hardened solutions can minimize downtime, optimize service efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience.
Toshiba delivers retail-hardened technology, specialized services, and expertise to help restaurants adapt to changing customer preferences, maximize profit, and enhance operations. With a broad hardware, software, and services portfolio, along with an extensive network of partners, we take a collaborative approach to make sure businesses have the tools they need to meet their goals.
Learn more about creating experiences that resonate and delight at every touchpoint, visit createyourtomorrow.us.
