Commentary

Technology and other foodservice trends to watch in 2019

Foodservice operators have more business tools than ever thanks to the smartphone. A veteran industry observer offers his insights about helpful technologies for operators in 2019.

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February 4, 2019 by Richard Traylor — Writer, WebstaurantStore

It's no secret that the smartphone has changed the way we live, as well as the way we cook, order and even pay for food. It seems like there's an app for everything now, and foodservice technology is following suit. At the start of a new year, now's a good time to take stock of some of the technology tools that can make foodservice operators more successful, as well as some other trends we've noticed of late.

Mobile POS

Mobile POS systems use mobile devices like phones and tablets to act as a cash register, and they've been popular in food trucks and concession stands for years. In 2019, more foodservice establishments are expected to adopt mPOS systems because they offer security, convenience and useful features like built-in accounting software.

Touchscreen kiosks and tablets

Anticipating a change in the minimum wage, many fast foodservice establishments are installing easy-to-use kiosks and tablets. Tablets and kiosks help streamline the ordering process and can speed up your service. As an added bonus, these new ways to order can reduce your labor costs over time.

Text-based notifications

Long lines can clog up your waiting area and scare off potential customers. To combat this, some establishments are implementing text-based notifications, which send text alerts to customers when their order is ready, allowing them to shop and run errands nearby while they wait rather than just standing around the delivery area.

Delivery to public places

Delivery is becoming much more popular, especially in metropolitan areas, but driving to each individual location is time consuming, which can cost money. Some chains like Dominos are choosing instead to deliver to a central location, such as a public park, where multiple customers can pick up their orders.

Paying with cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin exploded in popularity in 2018, and while the cryptocurrency market is still very volatile, expect to see more customers in 2019 who want to pay with these options. Some mobile POS and mobile payment systems may look to integrate cryptocurrency into their existing service, making it more accessible in the coming year.

In all of these trends emerging in 2019, there are a few general themes that we found. Here are a couple major foodservice trends that you should watch out for in 2019.

A rough year for foodservice

Rent, labor and food prices are rising, but customers are choosing to eat out less, which signals that 2019 might be a difficult year for commercial foodservice. Foodservice operators will have to compete with each other for the limited supply of customers and implement tactics that will make their business stand out. Additionally, some establishments may turn to alternative revenue streams, such as offering meal prep services or using their dining area as a co-working space.

Potential food production issues

The increasing frequency of natural disasters like forest fires, hurricanes and droughts has the potential to interrupt food production and the supply chain. Additionally, the potential of tariffs and sanctions on countries like Mexico and China might result in rising food and equipment prices, which can affect restaurants' bottom lines.

Competition from non-traditional outlets

In addition to competing with other establishments, many foodservice operators now have to compete with non-traditional operations, like grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stations that are now choosing to offer more robust meals and beverages. Many of these types of outlets are starting to offer high-quality pre-made and ready-to-order meals that appeal to busy customers. Additionally, these businesses are usually well established, so they have the capital and connections to offer these meals at low prices that are hard for independent operators to compete with.

The best foodservice operators are the ones that pick up on industry trends and make them their own. They find ways of giving people something new and exciting with a twist to stand the test of time. Of course, not every establishment can adopt all of the most recent food trends. The best approach is to identify one or two trends that can easily be translated to suit your brand. It could be as simple as offering a limited-time menu item or as involved as rolling out a whole new concept. The most important thing is to stay true to your vision and cook great food.

About Richard Traylor

Richard Traylor graduated from Temple University in the winter of 2014 with a degree in Strategic Communications. After graduating, he taught English in South Korea for two years, during which he was fortunate enough to travel and see the world. In October 2016, he returned home and started to work in SEO Content at Webstaurant Store. This blog previously ran on Webstaurant Store.

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