During the pandemic most businesses went to a stop while others took the technology route, one being restaurants. Most restaurants went online with people ordering food online using QR (Quick Response) codes. However, most people still prefer old-fashioned menus over QR codes.
With most technology taking centre stage during the pandemic brands such as Uber Eats, ghost kitchens, artificial intelligence, and virtual brands quickly became popular and most people gravitated to. Even though some of the companies are here to stay, technology is facing a backlash when it comes to restaurants as people still prefer eating out. High tech sometimes was taking the hospitality out of the hospitality industry.
According to Forbes, “Tech, as it turns out, can sometimes be a momentary or a lasting solution. We’re seeing the marketplace sort out which is which. RIP QR codes may be too strong, but they are losing some of their shine. Delivery apps are still big but, on the decline, and ghost kitchens aren’t as hot as they were.”
As the world returns to normal, about 40% of food services operators plan to invest in technology or equipment to boost productivity, according to National Restaurant Association data as quoted by the Food Institute.
The QR Code
High tech is constantly improving as a result can generate revenue if done right. According to a poll on QR codes conducted by Axios one user commented, “Have you ever tried bringing your grandmother to a restaurant and having her order off of an iPhone menu? It is not a pleasant experience.”
“As it turns out, diners dislike the process so much that it was actually costing the restaurants money,” Mashed.com wrote about the quick rise and current decline of QR Code menus. “Perhaps people like the physical interaction with the server,” Mashed mused in a piece about QR code backlash.
As it turns out, most diners still prefer the old print-out menu over the high-technology QR codes.
I, Robot
Robots can take care of many tasks, while there’s so much backlash when it comes to some tech, some options can help with ordering, serving and making food. According to a Forbes report, Automats are making a comeback.
According to Restaurantbusiness.com restaurants are turning to automation. The Food Institute reported at the 2023 National Restaurant Association Show robotic technology was on a roll, or at least available.
Source: Louis Biscotti For Forbes
