Imagine visiting a new restaurant where you can walk around without being bothered? You don't have to wait for a server to hand you a menu. You can just grab one. See the perfect spot to sit down. Choose the best seats in the house.
You can do all this without leaving your home. Augmented reality makes it possible. This is the latest technology some restaurants are trying out. You can still enjoy that restaurant's food in real life. Restaurant owners are trying to kickstart the post-pandemic recovery efforts by developing new and innovative ways to use technology. Augmented reality is one of those options
Here are some ways the industry uses tech to improve the dining experience:
1. Augmented Reality: (AR) is one of the latest technologies restaurants are experimenting with to provide a unique dining experience. Using AR, customers can visualize the dishes they want to order before seeing them in person. Some restaurants even offer virtual reality tours to showcase their decor and ambience, allowing customers to explore and select the perfect table before arriving. Many of these virtual restaurants allow customers to order food that is then delivered to their homes.
2. QR Codes: Quick response codes, or QR codes, are making a comeback, with the restaurant industry leading the charge. These apps offer customers a touchless experience. Scanning a QR code allows customers to view the menu, place orders, and pay for their meals without interacting with a server.
3. Data-driven Decisions: Restaurants use analytics and forecasting tools to understand customers' preferences better. Some restaurant QR code apps help businesses track customer orders and preferences, allowing them to tailor their menu offerings and promotions. Others provide insights into peak hours and traffic patterns, assisting restaurants in managing their staff and inventory better.
4. Mobile Ordering and Delivery Apps: This has exploded in popularity, with the growth primarily fuelled by the global pandemic. It allows customers to order food from their favourite restaurants without leaving their homes. These apps offer a seamless ordering and payment experience. Some even have real-time order tracking and status updates.
5. Voice-activated: Some restaurants use voice-activated ordering systems allowing diners to place their orders by speaking directly to a digital assistant.
6. Self-service Kiosks: You are seeing lines at self-serve kiosks instead of in front of a cashier. This is generally seen as a quick, easy and convenient way to order at fast-casual restaurants. This “touchless” experience also reduces lines and sometimes wait times.
7. Digital Menu Boards: Restaurants can quickly update their menus, specials and promotions. They can even change prices based on time of day or traffic patterns. Many restaurants love them because they are also great ways to showcase high-quality photos of the food and beverages.
8. Social Media: Restaurants already use social media platforms for announcements and to engage with their followers and promote specials. Don't have a huge marketing staff to handle those social accounts? No issues. Some restaurants use chatbots to answer customer questions and provide recommendations based on their preferences.
9. Contactless Payment Options: These options include QR codes, mobile wallets and contactless cards. All of them are becoming increasingly popular as customers move further away from paper transactions.
10. Virtual Assistants: Some restaurants use Alexa and Google Assistant to inform customers about their food and beverage offerings. You can even set up these virtual assistants with some restaurants to place orders and process payments through them.
