WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY - CHANGES IN 2023

The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, and 2023 is no exception. With technology advancing at a rapid pace and customer preferences shifting, restaurants need to be prepared for some major changes in the year ahead. Here are a few key changes to expect in the restaurant industry in 2023, and how they will impact restaurant management and inventory control.?

Restaurant Management Software are to Rule 2023?

One major change that is already beginning to take shape in the industry is the rise of StockTake Online, an innovative restaurant management software that is revolutionising the way restaurants handle inventory control. Our innovative software is designed to help restaurants streamline their inventory processes, making it easier than ever to keep track of stock levels, manage food costs, and make data-driven decisions about purchasing and menu planning.?

StockTake Online is especially useful for restaurants that are looking to improve their bottom line. By automating many of the tedious and time-consuming tasks associated with inventory management, this software allows restaurant operators to focus on more strategic areas of their business. With StockTake Online, restaurants can easily track stock levels, monitor food costs, and make data-driven decisions about purchasing and menu planning. It also provides real-time data and analytics to help identify trends and patterns in the restaurant's inventory. This allows restaurants to be more proactive in managing their inventory and make more informed decisions about ordering and stocking.?

A rise in Online Orders and Deliveries?

Another change to expect in the restaurant industry in 2023 is the continued growth of online ordering and delivery. With more customers opting to order food online, restaurants will need to invest in software and technology that can handle this increased demand. This could include online ordering platforms, mobile apps, and delivery management software. These tools will help restaurants to accept orders from multiple platforms, manage deliveries, and track the status of the order in real-time. This will enable restaurants to be more efficient and responsive to customer needs, leading to increased customer satisfaction. Stocktake Online is one such restaurant management software solution.?

The Era of Sustainability and Eco-friendliness?

In addition to technological advancements, there will be a greater emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness in the restaurant industry in 2023. Restaurants will be expected to make changes to their operations, such as reducing food waste, using environmentally friendly products, and sourcing ingredients from local and sustainable farms.??

This shift towards sustainability will require restaurants to rethink their inventory management strategies and make changes to their purchasing processes. For example, restaurants may choose to purchase products in bulk to reduce packaging waste or invest in composting and recycling programs to minimise the environmental impact of their operations. Restaurants that adopt sustainable practices will see an increase in customer loyalty, as consumers are becoming more conscious of the impact their purchasing decisions have on the environment.?

Health Will Become a Priority?

Another trend that is expected to continue to grow in the restaurant industry in 2023 is the focus on health and wellness. Customers are becoming increasingly conscious of the food they eat and are looking for healthier options when dining out. This is leading to a greater demand for plant-based, gluten-free, and low-calorie options on menus. Restaurants will need to be responsive to this trend, and adjust their inventory management accordingly. This may include ordering more plant-based products or gluten-free options, as well as investing in new equipment or training staff to handle special requests.?

Tech will continue to evolve?

The use of technology in the restaurant industry will also continue to grow in 2023. Restaurants will begin to invest more in automation technology such as self-service kiosks, digital menu boards and mobile ordering systems. These technologies will not only make the dining experience more convenient for customers but also help restaurants to save on labour costs. Automation technology can also help restaurants to improve the efficiency of their operations by reducing the need for manual processes such as taking orders, making payments and tracking inventory.?

Personalisation and Customisation??

In addition to these technological advancements, 2023 will also see a continued focus on personalization and customization in the restaurant industry. With customers expecting more tailored and unique dining experiences, restaurants will need to invest in technology that can help them create personalised menus and offer customisations at the point of sale. This will require an increased focus on data collection and analysis, as well as more advanced inventory management systems that can handle the increased demand for customization.?

Restaurants will also need to focus on creating unique and memorable customer experiences. This can be achieved using virtual reality, augmented reality, and other interactive technologies. These technologies will enable restaurants to create immersive dining experiences that transport customers to various places and cultures, and create a more engaging and memorable dining experience.?

AI will Take Charge?

Another trend that is expected to continue to grow in 2023 is the use of artificial intelligence in the restaurant industry. AI-powered chatbots, for example, can be used to assist customers with menu recommendations and reservations. AI-powered systems can also be used to analyse customer data and predict future trends, which can help restaurants make more informed decisions about inventory management, purchasing and menu planning.?

Seamless Customer Experience?

Finally, restaurants will need to focus on creating a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints. This means that restaurants will need to invest in technology that allows them to integrate their online and offline systems, such as online ordering platforms, mobile apps and in-store point-of-sale systems. This will enable restaurants to provide a consistent and seamless experience for customers, regardless of where they interact with the restaurant.?

In conclusion, the restaurant industry is set to undergo major changes in 2023, with technology playing a key role in shaping the industry's future. Restaurants will need to invest in innovative software and technology to stay competitive, including StockTake Online, online ordering platforms, and delivery management software. In addition, there will be a greater emphasis on sustainability, personalization, health and wellness, and technology-based experiences. By staying ahead of these changes and adapting to the shifting landscape of the restaurant industry, operators can ensure their success in the year ahead. It is important to note that while these changes can be challenging, they also present a terrific opportunity for restaurants to innovate and stand out in a crowded market. By embracing the technology and trends of the future, restaurants can stay relevant and continue to thrive in the competitive industry.?

Keywords: StockTake Online, restaurant management software, and inventory control/management.?