The Digital Shift to Modernize Your Restaurant's Daily Systems

In the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, one thing remains constant: the need for adaptability. While the fundamentals of running a restaurant haven't changed since their inception, there's a transformative force that has become indispensable for every successful establishment – technology. Today, we refer to this mixture of digital tools as the restaurant's "Tech Stack." Allow me to present the argument for making a digital shift to modernize your restaurant’s daily systems.

The digital shift: A personal journey

As a seasoned restaurant industry professional, I've witnessed the dramatic shift from traditional paper-based systems to the tech-driven era we find ourselves in today. When I first entered the business in the early 1990s, paper tickets and green bar paper were the norm for order tracking and bookkeeping. Fast forward to the present, and we've transitioned from software to a world dominated by apps that seamlessly integrate into our daily operations.

The must-haves: building your tech stack foundation

1. Point of sale (POS) system: Running a restaurant without a POS system is simply inconceivable in today's landscape. While I don't endorse specific brands, Toast has emerged as a popular choice among eight out of ten restaurant professionals.
2. Spreadsheet apps for financial tracking: Utilizing online apps like Google Sheets or Excel is crucial for tracking your Daily Sales Report (DSR), managing food costs, and monitoring various categories such as bottle beer, draught beer, wine, liquor, and labor costs.
3. Online checklists: For efficient task management, employing apps like Jolt.com for online checklists ensures smooth operations and accountability among your team.
4. Food and beverage controls: MarginEdge.com offers comprehensive solutions for ordering, inventory management, recipe cards, and more, simplifying your food and beverage controls.
5. Scheduling app: Seven Shifts has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and robust reporting capabilities, making it a top choice for scheduling in the restaurant industry.
6. Accounting app: Opt for QuickBooks Online for collaborative accounting that allows seamless sharing of information with your accountant.
7. Website app: Enhance your online presence with a professional website. BentoBox is a favored choice among many restaurant owners for its functionality.
8. Social media posting: Streamline your social media efforts with apps like Hootsuite, offering scheduling capabilities and improved management of your online presence.

The would-be-nice-to-haves: elevating your tech stack

1. Sales forecasting: Fiveout.io boasts an exceptional sales forecasting tool, providing accurate predictions that can significantly impact your business strategy.
2. Tip allocation: TipHaus offers a user-friendly and powerful tip share solution, ensuring transparency and efficiency in distributing tips among your team.
3. Food safety: Jolt.com's time-temperature systems and prep tracking tools enhance food safety protocols, providing real-time warnings and expiration date management.
4. Loyalty program: RepeatReturns.com stands out as a reliable loyalty program, encouraging customer retention and engagement.
5. Catering app: CaterZen has garnered praise from eight out of ten restaurant owners who have embraced catering, proving to be a transformative tool in their operations.
6. Project management: For effective communication and collaboration within your management team, Asana and Monday.com are top contenders, ensuring streamlined project management.
7. Embrace early adoption for success: In an industry that demands efficiency and adaptability, embracing technology is not just an option but a necessity. Becoming an early adopter positions your restaurant to thrive in the face of change, as exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The future is now

As technology continues to reshape the restaurant landscape, staying ahead of the curve is vital. If you haven't explored the potential of AI-driven tools like ChatGPT for marketing, policy writing, and task handling, you might be missing out on a game-changing resource.