The top trends in restaurant technology for 2026 include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, digital ordering and payment systems, and personalized customer experiences. A recent study by Technomic found that 47% of consumers are more likely to order from a restaurant that offers mobile ordering. In comparison, 56% of consumers prefer to use a restaurant's website or app to place an order.

Additionally, 59% of consumers are interested in using AI-powered digital assistants to make their restaurant experience more efficient. That said, more profitable restaurants make use of only the best commercial restaurant equipment and supply.

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How Technology is Changing the Restaurant Industry

The restaurant industry is undergoing a significant transformation due to the adoption of various technological advancements. Automation, AI, and robotics are used to streamline restaurant operations and improve efficiency.

Food delivery tech is also gaining popularity, allowing customers to order food from their favorite restaurants and have it delivered to their doorsteps. Virtual brand marketplaces enable restaurants to expand their reach and offer a broader range of cuisine.

Contactless payment options are becoming increasingly popular, making transactions safer and more convenient.

Digital loyalty programs are being implemented to increase customer retention, while online ordering systems and QR codes are making ordering and payment more streamlined.

Digital kitchen display screens are helping to improve order accuracy and speed up service. Finally, air purification technology ensures a safer and healthier environment for customers and employees.

The Digital Transformation Journey

The restaurant industry's digital transformation has accelerated dramatically, with technology now touching every aspect of operations. According to NetSuite's restaurant industry report, 86% of restaurant operators consider technology adoption "extremely important" to their competitive strategy.

This shift isn't just about adding digital tools-it's about fundamentally rethinking restaurant operations. Modern restaurants now operate as technology platforms that happen to serve food, rather than food businesses that use technology. This mindset shift is critical for success in an increasingly digital-first consumer environment.

The most successful operators are creating integrated technology ecosystems where their POS systems communicate seamlessly with inventory management, customer relationship platforms, kitchen display systems, and online ordering solutions like those offered by Restolabs.

Top 7 Best Technology in the Food and Beverage Industry

The food and beverage industry has seen a significant technological transformation in recent years, with new innovations revolutionizing how businesses operate. The industry is rapidly evolving from alternative proteins to personalized nutrition to meet consumers' changing needs and preferences.

In this article, we will explore the top seven best technologies that are currently shaping the food and beverage industry. From using artificial intelligence and robotics to improve efficiency to adopting sustainable practices and transparent food sourcing, these technologies are set to significantly impact the industry in the coming years.

By adopting these technologies, businesses can gain a competitive edge, improve their operations, and better meet the needs of their customers.

Plant-Based and Cell-Based Proteins

With the growing demand for alternative protein sources, plant-based and cell-based proteins have gained significant attention. Plant-based proteins are derived from sources such as soy, pea, and hemp, while cell-based proteins are grown from animal cells in labs. These proteins are used in a variety of food products, including meat alternatives, dairy-free milk, and egg substitutes.

Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are food-derived products that offer medicinal or health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They include functional foods, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Nutraceuticals are becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek ways to improve their health and prevent chronic diseases.

E-commerce

The rise of e-commerce has revolutionized the food and beverage industry. Consumers can now purchase food products online and have them delivered to their doorstep, eliminating the need to visit physical stores. E-commerce has also enabled small food and beverage businesses to reach a wider audience and compete with larger companies.

Food Safety and Transparency

The food industry is facing increasing pressure to ensure the safety and transparency of its products. Technologies such as blockchain and DNA-based authentication are being used to trace the origin of food products and verify their authenticity. This helps prevent food fraud and ensures that consumers get what they paid for.

Personalized Nutrition

Personalized nutrition involves tailoring a person's diet to their unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and health goals. Advances in technology have made it possible to analyze a person's DNA and provide personalized dietary recommendations. This approach has the potential to improve health outcomes and prevent chronic diseases.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT technology is being used to monitor and control food production and supply chains. Sensors and other devices can be used to track temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors affecting food quality and safety. IoT can also automate tasks such as inventory management and reduce waste.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is used in the food and beverage industry to optimize production processes and improve product quality. AI can be used to analyze data from sensors and other devices to identify patterns and make predictions. It can also be used to develop new food products and improve the taste and texture of existing products.

Top Restaurant Technology Trends for 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, several key technology trends are reshaping how restaurants operate and engage with customers. These innovations aren't just enhancing existing processes-they're enabling entirely new business models and revenue streams.

1. Voice-Activated Ordering Systems

Voice AI technology has evolved dramatically, with natural language processing now sophisticated enough to handle complex food orders with 97% accuracy. Restaurants implementing voice ordering systems report 35% faster order processing and significant labor savings during peak hours. Major chains like Chipotle and McDonald's are already testing voice AI in drive-thrus with plans for full deployment by 2026.

2. Predictive Analytics for Inventory and Staffing

Advanced AI algorithms now analyze historical sales data, weather patterns, local events, and even social media trends to predict demand with remarkable accuracy. Restaurants using these systems report 40% less food waste and 25% lower labor costs through optimized scheduling. The technology is becoming increasingly accessible to independent restaurants through cloud-based subscription models.

3. Robotic Kitchen Assistants

Beyond simple automation, next-generation kitchen robots can now handle complex cooking tasks with precision. These systems learn and improve over time, maintaining perfect consistency while adapting to changing conditions. White Castle's partnership with Miso Robotics demonstrates how even traditional chains are embracing this technology to address labor challenges while improving food quality.

4. Augmented Reality Staff Training

AR training platforms reduce onboarding time by 60% while improving knowledge retention. New employees wear AR glasses that overlay instructions on real-world equipment, guiding them through complex procedures step-by-step. This technology is particularly valuable in an industry with high turnover rates, ensuring consistent operations despite staffing changes.

These emerging technologies represent just the beginning of a fundamental transformation in how restaurants operate. By embracing these innovations strategically, restaurants can not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

👉Also Read: Key Technological Macro Trends in the Restaurant Industry

2026 Trends and Its Early Adopters

As technology continues to evolve rapidly, businesses are constantly looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on emerging trends. The food and beverage industry is no exception; we will discuss some of the latest trends that are set to shape the industry.

Online Ordering

Restaurants have been adopting online ordering systems to provide customers with a convenient way to place orders. This technology helps restaurants streamline their operations and increase sales. Examples of companies that were early adopters include Domino's Pizza, which launched its online ordering system in 2008 and saw a 28% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2016.

Contactless Payments

Contactless payments allow customers to pay for their orders without touching cash or credit cards. This technology has become more popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as it reduces the risk of transmitting the virus. Sweetgreen, for instance, started accepting contactless payments in 2018, and Starbucks, which launched its mobile payment system in 2011.

Self-Service Kiosks

Kiosks allow customers to place their orders and pay without interacting with a cashier. This technology can reduce wait times and improve order accuracy. McDonald's installed self-service kiosks in its restaurants in 2015 and saw a 5-6% increase in sales in those locations.

Delivery Management Systems

These systems help restaurants manage their delivery operations and track drivers. This technology can improve delivery times and reduce errors. Pizza Hut launched its delivery management system in 2017 and saw a 4.4% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2019.

Digital Menu Boards

Digital menu boards allow restaurants to update their menus in real-time and display high-quality images of their food items. This technology can increase sales by highlighting popular or profitable items. Examples of companies that were early adopters include Wendy's, which started using digital menu boards in 2012 and saw a 1-2% increase in sales in those locations.

Inventory Management Software

Inventory management software helps restaurants track their inventory levels and optimize ordering. This technology can reduce waste and improve profit margins. Subway started using inventory management software in 2012 and saw a 25% reduction in food waste.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems

CRM systems help restaurants track customers' preferences and behavior to personalize their marketing and promotions. This technology can increase customer loyalty and retention. Starbucks launched its CRM system in 2010 and saw a 26% increase in revenue from its rewards program in 2015.

Website and Social Media Photography

High-quality food photography on a restaurant's website and social media pages can attract potential customers and increase sales. Shake Shack uses mouth-watering images of its burgers and fries on its website and Instagram page to entice customers.

Automated Inventory Management Software

Inventory management software helps restaurants manage their inventory levels and reduce waste. Automated inventory management software can take this technology to the next level by automatically tracking inventory levels and ordering products when stock levels get low. Toast, for example, offers an automated inventory management system as part of its point-of-sale solution.

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Augmented and Virtual Reality Onboarding

Augmented and virtual reality can train new employees and familiarize them with the restaurant's operations. This technology can help new hires learn faster and reduce training costs. An example is McDonald's, which has used virtual reality to train new employees since 2016.

Virtual Reality Dining Experiences

Virtual reality can also be used to provide customers with unique dining experiences. Companies that have succeeded with this trend include The Arbour, a Pasadena, California restaurant offering a virtual reality dining experience that transports customers to a different location with each course.

Sustainable Practices

Restaurants are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, such as using compostable or reusable packaging, sourcing ingredients locally, and reducing food waste. Examples of companies that have been successful with this trend include Chipotle, which has committed to using only compostable or reusable packaging by 2026.

3D Printing

3D printing can be used to create customized and visually stunning food items. Examples of companies that have been successful with this trend include Food Ink, a pop-up restaurant that uses 3D printing technology to create intricate, edible designs on customers' plates.

Biometrics

Biometric technology, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, can be used to enhance security and improve the customer experience. Companies that have succeeded with this trend include Alibaba's KFC restaurant in Hangzhou, China, which uses facial recognition technology to make personalized meal suggestions to customers based on their previous orders.

Examples of Restaurants and Food Outlets that have adopted New Technology Today

McDonald's: The fast-food giant has invested heavily in technology over the past few years, including implementing self-order kiosks and mobile ordering. The company has reported increased sales and improved customer satisfaction as a result of these technological advancements.

Domino's Pizza: Domino's has embraced technology to improve its delivery and ordering processes. The company has implemented GPS tracking for deliveries and an easy-to-use mobile app, leading to increased sales and a more streamlined ordering process.

Starbucks: Starbucks has adopted mobile ordering and payment options to improve customer convenience and reduce wait times. The company has reported increased sales and improved customer satisfaction as a result of these initiatives.

Sweetgreen: This salad chain has invested in automation and data analytics to improve operations and provide a more personalized customer experience.

Subway: Subway has implemented new technology, such as mobile ordering and delivery partnerships, to improve its customer experience and compete with other fast-food chains.

Innovative Technology Implementation Case Studies

Spyce (Boston): Founded by MIT graduates, Spyce created the world's first restaurant featuring a robotic kitchen that cooks complex bowl-based meals. The system can produce up to 350 meals per hour with remarkable consistency. This technology-first approach attracted investment from renowned chef Daniel Boulud and was eventually acquired by salad chain Sweetgreen to scale the technology.

Chipotle's Digital Kitchen Concept: Chipotle's "Chipotlane Digital Kitchen" locations feature no dining rooms but instead focus entirely on digital order fulfillment through drive-thru lanes and walk-up windows. These smaller-footprint locations process twice the digital orders of traditional Chipotle restaurants while requiring 25% less staff.

CloudKitchens: Founded by former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, CloudKitchens has revolutionized the ghost kitchen model by providing turnkey infrastructure for delivery-only restaurant concepts. Their technology platform integrates multiple delivery services, provides real-time analytics, and enables restaurants to launch with minimal capital investment.

Chick-fil-A's IoT Restaurant: Chick-fil-A has implemented an IoT platform connecting everything from refrigerators to HVAC systems. Their smart restaurants use over 1,000 sensors to monitor food safety, equipment performance, and energy usage in real-time, resulting in 50% fewer equipment failures and significant energy savings.

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What are the Benefits of Adopting New Technology in the Restaurant Industry?

Adopting new technology in the restaurant industry can provide several benefits for businesses. Here are some of the top advantages:

1. Improved Efficiency: Technology can automate time-consuming tasks, such as order-taking and inventory management, freeing up staff to focus on other tasks. This can lead to faster service, reduced wait times, and improved customer satisfaction.

2. Cost Savings: Technology can help reduce labor costs by automating certain tasks and reducing the need for additional staff. Additionally, technology can help reduce food waste by providing more accurate inventory tracking and ordering, which can lead to cost savings on food purchases.
3. Enhanced Customer Experience: Technology can provide customers with a more seamless and personalized experience, such as through mobile ordering or customized recommendations based on past orders.
4. Increased Revenue: Technology can help increase revenue by attracting more customers, increasing order sizes, and reducing order errors

5. Competitive Advantage: Adopting new technology can help restaurants stay ahead of the curve and stand out from competitors who have yet to adopt similar technology.

6. Improved Data Management: Technology can provide valuable data insights, such as customer demographics and popular menu items, to help businesses make informed decisions to improve operations and menu offerings.

Strategic Business Growth Through Technology

Beyond operational improvements, restaurant technology creates strategic growth opportunities that weren't previously possible. Leveraging technology strategically allows restaurants to:

• Develop Multiple Revenue Streams: Technology enables restaurants to simultaneously operate traditional dining, takeout, delivery, meal kits, and virtual brands from a single location.
• Scale Without Physical Expansion: Digital platforms allow restaurants to reach new customers and markets without opening additional physical locations.
• Build Valuable Customer Databases: Owning direct ordering channels creates first-party customer data that can be leveraged for targeted marketing and loyalty programs.
• Optimize Menu Engineering: Data analytics identify high-margin, popular items that should be promoted and low-performing items that should be reconsidered.
• Create Subscription Revenue: Technology enables recurring revenue through meal subscriptions, membership programs, and exclusive digital offerings.

According to DH Hospitality, restaurants that strategically implement integrated technology solutions see an average 22% increase in annual revenue compared to those using disconnected point solutions.

Also Read: Using Online Ordering In Every Inch To Grow Your Restaurant Business

How to Adopt and Implement These Trends

Successfully implementing new restaurant technology requires a strategic approach that balances innovation with practical considerations. Here's a framework for restaurants looking to modernize their technology stack:

1. Assess Your Current State and Define Objectives

Begin by evaluating your existing technology infrastructure and identifying specific business challenges you want to address:

• Conduct a technology audit to document current systems and integration points
• Identify operational bottlenecks and customer experience pain points
• Define clear, measurable objectives for technology implementation (e.g., reduce order errors by 30%, increase online orders by 25%)
• Assess your budget constraints and potential ROI for various technology investments

2. Prioritize Technologies Based on Impact

Not all restaurant technologies deliver equal value. Prioritize investments using this framework:

1. Foundation Systems: Start with core operational technologies like POS systems, online ordering platforms, and kitchen display systems that form the backbone of your digital infrastructure.
2. Customer-Facing Innovations: Implement technologies that directly enhance the customer experience, such as mobile ordering, loyalty programs, and contactless payment options.
3. Operational Efficiency Tools: Add systems that optimize back-of-house operations, including inventory management, staff scheduling, and food cost control.
4. Advanced Technologies: Consider more sophisticated solutions like AI-powered analytics, robotics, or AR/VR applications once foundational systems are in place.

3. Choose the Right Technology Partners

Selecting appropriate vendors is critical for successful implementation:

• Evaluate integration capabilities with your existing systems
• Consider scalability as your business grows
• Assess customer support quality and availability
• Review security practices and compliance certifications
• Check references from similar-sized restaurants in your segment
• Compare total cost of ownership, not just initial pricing

4. Create an Implementation Roadmap

Develop a phased approach to technology adoption:

• Start with pilot programs to test technologies before full-scale deployment
• Schedule implementations during slower business periods when possible
• Create contingency plans for potential disruptions
• Establish clear timelines with specific milestones
• Assign internal champions responsible for each technology initiative

5. Invest in Staff Training and Change Management

Technology implementation often fails due to inadequate training and resistance to change:

• Involve staff early in the selection process to build buy-in
• Develop comprehensive training programs for all affected employees
• Create simple reference guides and troubleshooting resources
• Identify and train "super users" who can support their colleagues
• Recognize and reward successful adoption

6. Measure Results and Continuously Improve

Technology implementation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process:

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with your objectives
• Regularly review performance data and gather user feedback
• Make necessary adjustments to configurations and processes
• Stay informed about new features and updates from your technology partners
• Continuously evaluate new technologies against your evolving business needs

By following this structured approach, restaurants of all sizes can successfully navigate the complex landscape of restaurant technology and realize meaningful business improvements.

Ready to Transform Your Restaurant with Technology?

The restaurant industry is rapidly evolving with technological advancements that are reshaping every aspect of operations. From AI-powered ordering systems and kitchen automation to contactless payments and data analytics, these technologies aren't just enhancing efficiency-they're creating entirely new business models and revenue streams.

While implementing new technology presents challenges, from integration complexities to staff training needs, the competitive advantages are undeniable. Restaurants that strategically adopt these innovations will be positioned to thrive in an increasingly digital-first industry landscape.

Restolabs provides the comprehensive online ordering platform you need to start your digital transformation journey. Our commission-free solution gives you complete control over your customer data while seamlessly integrating with your existing systems. Schedule a demo today to see how Restolabs can help your restaurant stay ahead of technology trends and drive sustainable growth.