Simple Tech Every Restaurant or Small Business Didn’t Know It Needed

Do You Know Your Tech Stack?

Technology can feel overwhelming—some of us think we’re “techy,” others are sure we’re not. But here’s the truth: it’s not about how tech-savvy you are; it’s about what your tech can do for your business. The right tech stack can make your operations more effective, efficient, and ultimately, more profitable.

What Is a Tech Stack?

Every business has a tech stack—or should. It’s the combination of systems that help your business run smoothly. Your tech stack answers basic questions like:

? How do I get paid?

? How do I invoice?

? How do I connect with my customers?

? How do my employees clock in?

Sure, you can do it all with pen and paper, but that can lead to missed opportunities, inefficiencies, and human error. Leaning into the right tools can save you time and money—and, more importantly, help you spot losses you didn’t even know you had. That’s real savings.

Here are a few tools I think every business (especially restaurants, based on my experience) should consider:

1. Professional Answering Services

Is your business phone stuck in the past? Maybe you’re using an old-school VoIP system—or worse, your personal cell phone. Today’s technology offers solutions like automated answering systems and even AI-powered call assistants.

At the very least, a calling system should help direct calls efficiently. Think:

“Press 1 for store hours and location. Press 2 to order catering.”

This ensures your first touchpoint with customers is professional and positive—24/7.

But let’s take it further. A digital call answering system means you never miss a call—even when you’re sleeping. For example, you can set up a missed call text feature:

? “Hi, this is Tony from [Your Business]. If you’d like to place an order, click here [link].”

? “Out of respect for the client I’m with, I can’t answer right now, but schedule a time, and I’ll give you my undivided attention.”

2. Own Your Customers, Don’t Rent Them

As marketing legend Dan Kennedy says, there’s a big difference between owning your customers and renting them. Owning them means having a direct way to connect—like email addresses or phone numbers.

In restaurants, this can be tricky, but with the right systems, you can collect customer data and use it for campaigns like:

? “Winter is around the corner! Get your winter tires before Oct. 15 and save 15%.”

? “We just got a batch of jumbo lobster tails with spicy garlic butter—available until we sell out!”

Unlike social media, direct communication lets you control when and how you reach your audience, creating opportunities to drive sales on demand.

3. Add Web Chat to Your Website

Make it easy for customers to spend money with you. A simple web chat feature allows visitors to your website to instantly reach out, ask questions, and place orders. Even better, this integrates with your multi-channel system, so you can respond quickly and close the sale.

4. Multi-Channel Communication

Customers want to connect on their terms—whether that’s Instagram, Facebook Messenger, your website, or Google. Missing a message (especially an order!) can be costly.

With the right system, you can centralize all communication channels in one place. That means you’ll never miss a message—or worse, a sale—again.

5. Automate the Follow-Up

Take the awkwardness out of asking for reviews or referrals. The best time to make these requests is when a customer says, “Thank you!”—they’re at their most engaged and likely to respond.

By automating follow-ups, you can easily ask for:

? Google reviews: “We’d love your feedback! Click here to leave a review.”

? Referrals: “Know someone who’d love our service? Share this link!”

This simple automation not only saves you time but also ensures you never miss an opportunity to grow your reputation and customer base.

Need a tech overhaul?

Your tech stack doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to work. Whether you’re running a restaurant, a retail shop, or a service-based business, the right tools can help you streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and grow your revenue.

PS If you are missing calls or realizing how important owning your customer can be I am here to help.