technology

How Restaurants Are Regaining Control in an Unpredictable Market

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Despite having access to more data than ever, many restaurant operators in 2026 struggle with acting on real-time information to manage sales, labor, and profitability effectively. Technologies like handheld POS devices and self-service kiosks are helping by capturing real-time operational data, enabling faster decision-making and better control at the point of service—shifting the focus from just generating data to using it proactively to improve restaurant performance and margin forecasting amid an unpredictable market.

https://restauranttechnologynews.com/2026/03/how-restaurants-are-regaining-control-in-an-unpredictable-market/

Why AI Chatbots Are the Next Frontier in Restaurant Technology

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AI-powered chatbots are rapidly advancing as a major innovation in restaurant technology, with major chains like Yum Brands, Burger King, Starbucks, and Papa Johns implementing AI assistants to enhance labor efficiency, back-of-house operations, and customer ordering experiences. Technology vendors such as Olo and Miso Robotics are developing AI tools—like Olo’s AI agent modeled after Shopify’s system and Miso’s AI-powered Zippy platform—to provide accessible, intelligent automation and insights for restaurants of varying sizes, signaling a significant shift toward agentic AI as the next frontier in the industry.

https://www.nrn.com/restaurant-technology/tech-tracker-ai-chatbots-are-the-next-frontier-in-restaurant-technology

How the Pizza Industry Became the Epicenter of Restaurant Technology Innovation

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Pizza industry leads in restaurant tech innovation, employing AI, robotics, and automation for efficiency in ordering and operations. Companies like Jet’s Pizza and Donatos experiment with automated systems, improving workflow and customer engagement. Domino’s and Papa Johns also invest in digital platforms and AI for personalized marketing. Innovations in predictive analytics and delivery automation signal evolving consumer expectations for speed and convenience, positioning pizza restaurants as key testing grounds for future tech in food service.

https://restauranttechnologynews.com/2026/03/how-the-pizza-industry-became-the-epicenter-of-restaurant-technology-innovation/

Restaurants Say Tech Innovation Isn’t Taking Away Jobs

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Tech in restaurants boosts efficiency, improves customer experience, and adds jobs. Operators keen on tech saw minimal job loss, with 80% appreciating its competitive edge. AI usage is growing, especially in marketing. Consumers, especially younger ones, prefer tech for ordering. Sentiment on tech's impact on hospitality varies; many feel it enhances service, although some worry about losing personal touch. Balancing automation and human interaction remains crucial.

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/restaurants-say-tech-innovation-isnt-taking-away-jobs/

Report: Tech Failures Are Hurting Sales for Domino’s, Other QSR Brands, Workers Say

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Tech failures hurt sales in QSRs like Domino's, with employees facing chronic malfunctions in self-service kiosks and mobile orders. A report found nearly 50% of workers witnessed customers abandon orders due to these issues. Challenges include drive-thru payment failures, frequent kiosk troubleshooting, and mobile order errors. These tech problems disrupt service and contribute to employee burnout, necessitating better integration and management of existing tech systems rather than simply adding new ones.

https://www.pmq.com/report-tech-failures-are-hurting-sales-for-dominos-other-qsr-brands-workers-say/

Survey: Tech Problems Mount for QSR Employees

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A Canopy report reveals that quick-serve and fast-casual restaurant employees frequently experience technology issues, which impact customer experience and sales. Drive-thrus, mobile ordering, and self-service kiosks are particularly prone to issues, leading to order abandonment and service disruptions. The report emphasizes the need for comprehensive tech monitoring and automated solutions to address these challenges.

https://chainstoreage.com/survey-tech-problems-mount-qsr-employees

Field Testing in QSR: McDonald’s Leading the Way

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McDonald’s is integrating geofencing technology into its mobile application testing strategy to enhance digital engagement and improve customer experience. Geofencing enables contextual interactions, such as push notifications and order-status updates, validating key digital experiences, such as curbside pickup and drive-thru Ready On Arrival. This approach ensures high-quality deployments, accelerates issue detection, and strengthens confidence in digital experiences.

https://www.ijert.org/field-testing-in-qsr-mcdonalds-leading-the-way-ijertv15is010508

China’s Robot Kitchens Fire Up: Hangzhou’s AI Eatery Cooks 100 Dishes in Minutes

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China's Hangzhou introduces the 24 Solar Terms AI Robot Restaurant, where over 10 robots prepare 100+ dishes, including noodles in three minutes. This automated venue combines traditional wellness concepts with modern robotics, tackling labor shortages and food costs. The robots handle everything from cooking to cleaning, providing consistent quality. The restaurant's unique use of AI for customized meal suggestions furthers the dining experience. As robot dining expands in China, the venue illustrates a shift towards efficient, tech-driven food service, facing challenges while reshaping the culinary landscape.

https://www.webpronews.com/chinas-robot-kitchens-fire-up-hangzhous-ai-eatery-cooks-100-dishes-in-minutes/

Robot Restaurant in China Handles Cooking, Serving, and Cleaning

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China's “AI Robot Restaurant” in Hangzhou features robots cooking, serving, and cleaning, demonstrating a fully automated dining experience. Opening on Jan. 13, it aims to address labor shortages while maintaining traditional flavor. Eight robots handle over 60% of operations, with a focus on consistency and speed. This trend indicates a growing interest in robotics in the dining industry across China.

https://www.eweek.com/news/china-ai-robot-restaurant-hangzhou/

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