By Samir Zabeneh

Canadian foodservice operators are navigating a landscape defined by rising costs and changing consumer habits, and they are using technology to bridge the gap. Research shows that technology adoption in the restaurant industry is more than just a modernization effort; it has become a mandatory strategy for protecting profit margins and empowering lean teams to increase efficiency.

But despite economic pressures, technology budgets remain strong. Canadian full-service restaurants spend an average of 195 dollars per month on technology and 68 percent of operators plan to spend more in this category over the next six months. This reveals exactly where the industry is heading.

Why strategic tools matter

The core of this digital shift starts with the point of sale: twenty-eight per cent plan to invest in reservation software, followed closely by marketing software and staff scheduling tools. 95 per cent of Canadian operators use a POS system, and 72 per cent rely on POS-integrated payments. More than half of operators purchased or switched POS systems in the past year, many citing a need for better features and functionality (60 per cent) or technical issues with their previous provider (53 per cent). Operators are not settling for outdated systems; they are actively seeking tools that streamline daily workflows.

Beyond the basic register, strategic automation is taking hold. 62 per cent of operators have automated their online ordering processes, 58 per cent have automated kitchen order routing, and 57 per cent rely on automated invoicing. The benefits of this tech adoption are undeniable, with nearly half of operators using automation saving valuable time and 47 per cent enjoying faster service times. Barriers still exist – high upfront costs hold back 31 per cent of operators from fully embracing automation – but the initial expense often pays for itself by reducing manual labour hours and improving accuracy long-term.

Upscaling with artificial intelligence and digital marketing

Artificial intelligence is also making a quiet but powerful impact, with 79 per cent of operators feeling positive about AI, and 83 per cent already using it in some capacity. Unlike the early hype around AI disrupting front-of-house roles, data shows operators are using it primarily behind the scenes. Currently, 31 per cent use AI for reservations and bookings, 30 per cent for inventory management, and 29 per cent for staff scheduling. Operators are using AI to handle complex back-of-house logistics so human staff can focus on delivering more personal, high-quality guest experiences.

Customer engagement and digital marketing remain critical components of a successful tech strategy. Today, 48 per cent of operators offer a restaurant loyalty program to drive repeat visits. These programs are particularly successful in frequency-driven venues, offered by 68 per cent of brasseries, bistros, and cafes. Additionally, establishing a digital storefront is now mandatory: 80 per cent of operators have a dedicated restaurant website, and nearly all of them ensure their menus are easily viewable online. If a restaurant cannot be found online, it simply does not exist to a large segment of today’s diners.

Creating the best tech stack for your restaurant

Set against rising costs and shifting diner expectations, studies point to a clear pattern: successful operators are not necessarily spending the most on the newest trends; they’re making deliberate technology choices that free them up to focus on strategy. By investing in reliable POS systems, automating routine tasks, and using AI to handle the heavy lifting behind the scenes, restaurants can protect their bottom line while elevating the guest experience. Operators can evaluate their tech stack by focusing on what saves time, discarding what slows staff down, and implementing tools that empower teams to work more efficiently.

Samir Zabaneh is the CEO of TouchBistro, an all-in-one restaurant management system. He has held various executive roles, including CFO and COO in large global fintech companies, including Fiserv Inc. (previously First Data), Global Payments (previously Heartland Payments) and Moneris Solutions, executing various successful strategies related to vertical-specific software solutions integrated with payments processing.

Source:

TouchBistro’s 2026 Canadian State of Restaurants Report