Nine High-Tech Trends Reshaping Restaurant Kitchens By Lisa Terry, Contributing Editor

Summary:

Restaurants for decades have been prompt about not having technology invade the kitchen they like the handwritten orders, the comfort of everything they know in the kitchen. With technology on the rise in the Hospitality and Restaurant industry it is becoming much harder for the restaurants to ignore these trends.

Today there are places that you can go where you have made your reservation online, picked out your favorite table, be added to the loyalty file pulling up all your information from the last time that you went to the restaurant.  By doing this the waiter is now able to see that it is your birthday you are celebrating. She is also able to take your order from her handheld POS system and send it directly to the kitchen where they can see the order, watch a short clip to see how it is prepared. After the ingredients have been deducted from the shelf and inventory is automatically updated to the system.

These are the new trends that are taking place in the hospitality industry and restaurant industry today. The top trends include: Integration, visibility, KDS and prep for the bar, web connectivity, nutrition and allergy info, more communication with the front of the house, convergence with food equipment, sustainability and inventory.

Reflection:

This article describes the future of all restaurants to come. These new trends that are going to be adopted by some restaurants and forgotten by others are going to be the future of the industry.  I think that these new kitchen trends are certainly being used in areas all around the globe. I know that in St. Maarten U.S. Virgin Island has many restaurants that have already been using these new technology trends. The handheld devices that transport the order directly from the table to the kitchen are increasingly popular. I think this is one of the technologies that will be adopted more quickly then some of the rest. The idea offers faster service, correct orders, and ultimately equals a more satisfied customer.

I also believe that that these kitchen trends will have to be adopted by kitchens of all types surely. Customers will become more aware of the technology that will be offered throughout the industry and not stand for customer service that is not up to par like the more tech savvy restaurants.  Not only will adding these technology features will help correct many mistakes have with the communication with the front of the house and the back of the house they will also be providing more accurate service for the guest.

I think that it is important for the restaurants to stay current with times and the technology era we are in. 

http://hospitalitytechnology.edgl.com/top-stories/Nine-High-Tech-Trends-Reshaping-Restaurant-Kitchens72036

Drive Loyalty Revenue, Profits at the Point-of-Sale

Summary:

Taco Mac opened its doors in 1979 since it has opened they have realized that they are going to need a loyalty program service. In recent years loyalty programs have helped offer great branding recognition and customer retention. After opening they came up with the idea of the passport club. Which was a loyalty program following the success of that the managers knew they needed a card based program to keep track of all its members. They were using the Radiant POS system.

With the integration of Aloha Loyalty with Taco Mac’s existing Radiant POS system has helped the loyalty program achieve success. Three pieces of advice on the importance of leveraging the POS to drive loyalty revenue and profits include:  integrate the loyalty programs across multiple locations. Utilize your point of sales data to bring your loyalty program online. Let the POS system help you learn your customer.

One thing that is great about the integration of these systems is that Taco Mac also uses its database of member information collected on the POS to alert members of new beers and limited-time offers at specific locations. These campaigns have proven to drive increased traffic to Taco Mac restaurants.

Reflection:

I think the integration of these systems is an amazing and profitable way to boost sales revenue at any restaurant or bar. Looking to see what provides your customer with complete satisfaction is an outstanding way to target your market customer. By using this integrated system you can add a whole additional way to market for your bar or restaurant.

These loyalty programs have a way with people they feel valued and that they are being treated better than the rest of the people in your place. It is a way to build rapport or your business and repeat business and get more foot traffic in the door.

Not only that I think that since our world is in the technology era and everything we do is to focuses on whether we can check out a website before we visit a location or even print off drink coupons. Along with the mobile alerts you, that intrigue a customer to stop by tonight after work just because you may be offering a special on his favorite draft.

Aside from helping you know your customer this integrated system can also help you know what to order for your location what is popular and what is not. This system can be a great tool for your business to succeed to its full potential.            

http://hospitalitytechnology.edgl.com:80/top-stories/Drive-Loyalty-Revenue,-Profits-at-the-Point-of-Sale71971