T echnology is transforming the foodservice industry. From mobile apps and contactless payments to kitchen automation, diners increasingly expect digital experiences. In fact, 59% of consumers say that restaurants that keep up tech are more likely to succeed.1 Embracing functional, guest-friendly tech is key to upholding satisfaction, building stronger brand connections, and future-proofing your business in a competitive landscape.
1. Digital ordering is becoming an expectation.
Two out of five restaurant orders today are placed digitally, and nearly one-third of consumers plan to order this way even more in the next two years.1 Mobile app ordering tops the list of most-wanted features.1 Ensure your system is intuitive, customizable, and offers accurate delivery estimates.1 If you haven’t set up mobile ordering yet, don’t worry—It’s not too late to get started!
2. Put your brand in their pocket.
Apps are more than just ordering tools; they also have the potential to enhance your brand in a powerful way. They can help guests stay connected, get rewarded, and feel recognized. In fact, 40% of consumers have five or more restaurant-related apps on their phones, and 60% say those apps improve their overall experience.1 A well-designed app keeps your brand right on the screen your consumers are looking at all day.
3. Functionality over flash, always.
Operators and guests agree—the best tech is the kind that works every time. Glitchy kiosks, frustrating ordering flows, or confusing interfaces can do more harm than good. Operators should keep their eyes on what diners truly want: the ability to customize orders, see allergen and calorie info, redeem rewards, and check out quickly and securely.1
4. Tech that fits the meal (and the mood).
Automation and digital tools should match the dining occasion. While quick-service restaurants benefit most from efficiency-boosting tech, full-service restaurant guests tend to prefer face-to-face service interactions; particularly for special occasions and social dining experiences.¹ Know your concept, know your guests, and choose tech accordingly.
5. Know who you’re serving (digitally speaking).
Not all guests are equally keen when it comes to tech adoption. Gen Z, Millennials, men, Black consumers, Hispanic consumers, and frequent diners tend to embrace restaurant tech.1 Meanwhile, Boomers, women, and white consumers may prefer traditional ordering and raise more privacy concerns. Cater to your audience when it comes to your tech selections or offer options (kiosks or apps and in-person service) so guests can engage however they prefer.
6. Turn app insights into action.
Apps offer more than convenience—they’re a goldmine of guest insights. But only 32% of operators who collect app data actually put it to use.1 That’s a missed opportunity. Especially when nearly two-thirds of those who do use it are building smarter promotions, crafting better LTOs, and driving higher check averages. Let your data work for you.
7. Execution is everything.
Should you develop your own tech or go with a trusted vendor? It depends. Some brands choose to build proprietary systems for flexibility while others rely on third-party partners for scale and security.2 Red Lobster, for example, recently returned to Olo after experimenting with its own ordering system, citing resource strain and the value of reliability.2 What matters most is seamless execution, not who built it.
8. Beverage sales need digital love, too.
Drinks drive profit, but they’re often left out of the digital spotlight. PepsiCo Partners can help. With expert merchandising strategies, upsell recs, professional food photography through the Local Eats Better with Pepsi Program, and tools like Menu Pro and the Marketing Portal, operators can boost beverage sales and create a more complete digital meal experience. The best part? These resources are fully funded by PepsiCo and can be used in-store, on first-party or third-party digital platforms, and in media. PepsiCo’s is the partner you need to support tech-forward strategies that enhance brand experiences. Interested in this kind of support? Visit the Marketing Hub to get started.
Sources
1 Datassential Restaurant Technology, November 2024
2 Restaurant Business Online, Why Red Lobster switched from building tech to buying it, June 2025
