Technology Takes Center Stage: 2024 Restaurant Technology Landscape Report Reveals Competitive Advantage, Consumer Expectations and Generational Differences

Restaurant Technology Landscape Report 2024 by the National Restaurant Association shows that technology is becoming an integral part of the restaurant industry. The report highlights how consumer expectations vary when dining in a full-service restaurant or ordering delivery to their homes, as well as generational differences in preferences.

Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, emphasizes that restaurant operators are constantly innovating to stay competitive. The report reveals that over three-quarters of operators believe that technology gives them a competitive edge and helps them find the right technology solutions for their restaurants and customers.

Some key takeaways from the report include a strong interest from operators to invest in technology to improve service areas and enhance the customer experience. Additionally, there is a growing interest in artificial intelligence integration, with 16% of operators planning investments in this area in 2024. The report also notes that a large percentage of Gen Z adults and all adult consumers are comfortable using technology to place orders or pay for their meals.

Restaurant operators are finding creative ways to incorporate technology into their offerings while taking into account consumer preferences. However, there are still generational differences in how customers interact with technology, with younger generations being more likely to embrace technological options. In the delivery segment, consumers expect technology to be seamlessly integrated into the ordering process, and if it’s not, they may choose to order from another restaurant.