Technology has redefined the dining experience, especially in terms of restaurant technology. Whether it’s streamlining operations or enhancing guest satisfaction, the right tech can do more than just support your team—it can help bring customers through the door and keep them coming back.
Energy, efficiency, and entertainment are key drivers in hospitality, and customers today expect tech-savvy environments. Below are some of the most impactful technology upgrades for restaurants and bars that can boost efficiency, improve service, and enhance customer experience.
Can Technology Really Boost Customer Interest?
Absolutely. From self-service kiosks to connected TV systems, today’s guests expect interactive, efficient, and personalized experiences. Many consumers—especially millennials and Gen Z—are drawn to environments where they can control aspects of their visit, from ordering to entertainment.
Technology not only improves service but also helps drive positive online reviews, reduces wait times, and increases operational agility—all factors that influence return visits and word-of-mouth marketing.
Touchscreen Technology: Enhancing Interaction & Efficiency
Touchscreens are a popular way to empower guests and relieve staff. Whether through tabletop ordering tablets or front-of-house kiosks, these systems:
- Improve order accuracy
- Reduce staffing strain
- Shorten wait times
- Create a more hygienic dining experience
Touchscreen tech also integrates easily with POS systems, letting guests place orders and pay independently. Digital display menus can further streamline the process and boost upsells with engaging visuals.
Seated Ordering & Self-Service Kiosks
Giving customers control over the ordering process can improve satisfaction and increase average ticket size. Self-ordering kiosks at the entrance or touchscreen tablets at tables are both viable setups, depending on your layout and flow.
Studies show that digital ordering systems appeal particularly to millennials. According to Toasttab, 54% of millennials believe these systems improve their dining experience.
Server Tablets for Menu & POS
Modern point-of-sale (POS) systems have evolved well beyond the cash register. Integrated with touchscreens, kiosks, and online ordering, they allow guests to pay quickly and even leave reviews directly after dining.
Upgrading your POS can streamline service and provide backend insights to better manage inventory, track orders, and assess performance.
TVs & Display Screens: More Than Just Background Noise
Think TVs are just for sports bars? Think again.
35% of restaurant owners say that TVs help create a more energetic atmosphere. With the right setup, TVs can encourage guests to stay longer, order more, and return for specific viewing experiences.
- Learn how many TVs your sports bar really needs
- See how to sync TVs together for seamless viewing
- Explore TV and display screen options
Today’s setups allow bars and restaurants to create custom viewing zones or sync screens for big games and events—keeping customers engaged and inside your venue instead of watching at home.
Digital Signage: Sell More, Communicate Better
Digital signage is more than a modern menu board. It’s a branding and communication tool that improves sales and creates a more dynamic customer experience.
Restaurants and bars use digital signage to:
- Promote daily specials and events
- Showcase branded content
- Display local advertising partnerships
With the right setup, you can even generate new revenue by renting ad space to local businesses. Need proof it’s worth it? Check out these 19 reasons digital signage is effective.
Wi-Fi: A Must-Have for Modern Diners
The world runs on Wi-Fi nowadays. It has become such an integral part of our lives that people expect to find it everywhere and actively look for restaurants that have it. When choosing between restaurants, 41% of diners say that a deciding factor is free Wi-Fi. Why do diners need internet ability while eating?
For some of them, it’s the entertainment value. Posting on social media or checking up on their favorite subjects while waiting to eat can actually distract them from the wait, giving them a better dining experience. For many, during the current climate, it may be to find a way to work while eating.
Reliable internet isn’t just a bonus—it’s a key part of your restaurant’s perceived value. If you’re adding this amenity, be sure to invest in secure, high-performance connectivity that meets modern expectations.
Final Thoughts
From self-ordering kiosks and server tablets to synced TVs and dynamic digital signage, technology is changing how restaurants and bars operate. The right mix of tech can increase efficiency, raise customer satisfaction, and help your business stand out in a crowded market.
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