By David Hopkins

In the current climate, it is incredibly difficult to be profitable and operate efficiently as a restaurant operator. Inflation is omnipresent, skilled labour is hard to come by, and consumer expectations are high. Fortunately, many technology platforms on the market can help restaurants thrive. Leveraging technology is critical, and here are some of the tools operators can use to get head:

Implement an inventory control platform

Inventory waste is expensive and by saving just one dollar of food an additional $14 in revenue is created. Counting inventory is a critical yet time-consuming aspect of running a restaurant. 75 per cent of all restaurant expenses are variable, making staying on top of your costs and inventory difficult in this industry. Excel spreadsheets are archaic, time-consuming and prone to errors, and for most restaurants, using one of the complicated app solutions is cumbersome and challenging to implement. What operators need is a simple platform providing meaningful insights. There are great mobile apps available with barcode scanning to input inventory directly and allow for as many “counters” as you want to get your cost information quickly. This technology means fewer office days for your team and more meaningful data that makes you money.

Improve efficiency with staff scheduling software

Managing staff schedules is often a logistical challenge, especially in a busy restaurant environment. Scheduling software will streamline this process, allowing managers to create, modify, and communicate shifts effortlessly. Today’s technology includes features for tracking employee availability, managing time-off requests, and more. Using this type of platform can save up to 12 hours on average per week and up to 3 per cent on labour costs. Efficient scheduling improves staff morale and ensures the restaurant is adequately staffed during peak hours.

Digital bookkeeping

Proper financial reporting is critical to running a restaurant successfully and maximizing profitability. And yet, restaurant owners often don’t have the time or energy to dedicate to bookkeeping. Outsourcing your bookkeeping with a digital solution is highly efficient and typically costs less than traditional, paper-based bookkeeping services, also allowing information to be transferred faster and more seamlessly – making things easier on your end. It’s also great for the environment: less paper, less waste.

Staff training

Providing a ten-out-of-ten guest experience is critical to winning in the restaurant business, and a lot of that comes down to staff training. While this can be labour-intensive, numerous digital platforms do much of the heavy lifting, allowing you to assign training tasks to new hires, notify staff of process changes, cross-train to manage staff shortages, and more. Implementing proper training can also help your bottom line, as just a 15 per cent over-portion could result in a $99,000 loss for a restaurant with $2 million in revenues. Seemingly insignificant operational practices can add up quickly.

Enhancing customer experience with digital ordering

The rise of digital ordering platforms has revolutionized how customers interact with restaurants. 71 per cent of diners say that they are more likely to recommend a restaurant with a convenient ordering system. Online ordering systems, mobile apps, and self-service kiosks offer convenience and speed, reducing wait times and helping restaurants manage order volumes more effectively. Additionally, integrating loyalty programs and personalized recommendations into these platforms can drive repeat business and increase customer satisfaction.

Utilizing social media and online reviews

50 per cent of diners confirm that social media can influence their restaurant choices and 88 per cent of patrons trust online reviews more than personal recommendations; social media platforms and online review sites are crucial in shaping a restaurant’s reputation. Restaurants can use these platforms to showcase their menu items, share behind-the-scenes content, and interact with their audience. Similarly, monitoring and responding to online reviews allows restaurants to address customer feedback promptly and demonstrate their commitment to service quality.

Embracing technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for restaurants aiming to stay competitive in today’s dining landscape. By investing in the right tools and staying abreast of technological advancements, restaurants can meet and exceed customer expectations, paving the way for long-term success in an ever-evolving industry.

David Hopkins, President of The Fifteen Group, has over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. With offices in Toronto and Vancouver, they have over 30 industry experts who cover all aspects of restaurant operations, from developing new restaurant concepts to maximizing restaurant profits through effective sales generation and disciplined cost control management. The Fifteen Group’s clients range from owner/operated establishments to multi-unit restaurant corporations.