Running a restaurant is a costly operation. From always ordering ingredients in bulk to compensating staff members appropriately, there are plenty of unavoidable expenses that come from running a business; you’re probably looking to cut costs wherever you possibly can. More often, restaurants are recognizing the potential in Self-Ordering Kiosks to reduce costs and make more profit at the same time.
How is that possible? The self-service trend rose over the past several years and then exploded into what it is today. What began as a hit among commercialized chain restaurants has grown in popularity to the point where customers consider it almost an expectation more than a perk; at the same time, technology has advanced to a place where Kiosks are much more common than they were at the outset. At eatOS, we’re committed to designing affordable devices with features to handle everything you need to do. From better staff management to a more productive workforce, eatOS Kiosks are designed with your business in mind.
As Kiosks become household names, the decline in exclusivity and commercialized spread should let the financial benefits of incorporating a Self-Order Kiosk into your restaurant operations to speak for themselves.
Streamline Operations
Cost benefits aside, restaurants run smoother when you integrate self-service capabilities. Putting customers in control of their tickets gives them ample time to peruse the menu and a chance to check over their order before they put down a credit card, which ensures more accurate orders. Additionally, eatOS Kiosks integrate into your network and update your sales data in real-time, so orders go directly to your Point of Sale and Kitchen Display Systems.
KDS skip the middleman and send orders straight to a screen set up in the kitchen, where cooks can see everything in the queue, how long orders have been there, and prioritize their tasks accordingly, so every dish goes out promptly. This increases table turn times and naturally raises your profits as a result.
From the customer side of the equation, they appreciate self-service options for many reasons: Getting to cut around lines reduces their wait for food, which aligns well with younger generations’ on-the-go attitude. However, everyone appreciates shorter wait times, greater accuracy, and total control over their dining experience. Kiosks beget happier customers, and that increases the likelihood that they’ll become a loyal patron for life.
Save Money, Make Money
You’ve heard the old saying, “you need to spend money to make money”? With Kiosks, you can save money and make more at the same time. Thanks in large part to the time guests spend with the menu and forced modifiers and automatic upselling features; Kiosks raise the average ticket size by approximately 10%.
They might also be the push someone needs to submit an order in the first place. When you’re very busy, a long line might make new walk-ins turn around and go someplace else. Guest profiles make it easy for returning customers to reorder their usuals quickly as well; Kiosks shorten lines, so you don’t miss out on that customer who’s pressed for time.
Despite all these perks, perhaps you’re worried about the downpayment for an initial investment; it’s only fair to be cautious. This is why demos are beneficial, so you can be sure you’re choosing the right vendor whose product suits your specific needs. However, there is some truth to that popular phrase about spending money: Kiosks will save you many labor costs. The minimum wage has been steadily rising all around the country, and if you can replace even one worker per day, then you’ll make back your investment with eatOS in one or two shifts—not that you’ll need to worry about scheduling. eatOS devices are integrated with 7Shifts, superior workforce management software that makes creating and changing schedules fast and easy.
If you’re thinking about a Self-Ordering Kiosk, don’t hesitate: The return on investment is more than worth it.
Consumer Preferences
The needs and expectations of the typical restaurant patron have evolved a lot in the past year. This pandemic shaped the industry landscape in a push toward contactless service options and creative business models that prioritize health and safety just as much as great food.
Younger generations are spilling en masse into the marketplace now, and their priorities matter. Millennials put trillions of dollars into the industry already, and Gen Z is beginning to graduate college and spend their disposable income on good takeout. Don’t write any of them off; hospitality as a whole is changing trajectories, and self-service is now just as big a part of so many customers’ preferred dining experiences as good staff, and quality service still is. Consumer values now include speed and safety just as much as delicious food and smiling waiters.
Some restaurants saw how much customers enjoy self-sufficiency and decided to take it to the next level: Restaurateurs have begun experimenting with Kiosk-only restaurants that rely entirely on modern technology. However, QSRs, fast-casual concepts, and cafés don’t have a monopoly on self-ordering: Even fine dining establishments see the upsides of incorporating Kiosks into everyday operations.
Don’t underestimate the power of self-service in a modern restaurant. Running a business in today’s world is a balancing act: Speed with convenience, safety with efficiency, taste with healthy living.
Self-Service Kiosks are the answer. Schedule a demo with eatOS, and we’ll show you how our workforce management capabilities, durability, efficiency, and third-party integrations make your operations run better than ever before. 2021 will be the year of self-service. Is your restaurant ready to meet a new day?
