Run a Smarter Restaurant with Restaurant Technology
Are you managing your restaurant like it’s 2005 with spreadsheet schedules and guest checks in a shoebox? Or are you running a restaurant that practically runs itself? Which sounds better? Today I want to share how technology is reshaping restaurants so you can finally work on your business instead of being chained to it. With these tips you can run a smarter restaurant with restaurant technology.
Smarter restaurant scheduling and labor tools
I wouldn’t run a restaurant today without scheduling and food and beverage management tools. Apps like Seven Shifts, Margin Edge and Toast are true game changers. Their built-in features do the heavy lifting — think auto-scheduling based on availability and sales forecasts, instant shift trades with manager approval, labor law compliance alerts and real-time food cost controls so you can stop bleeding dollars in your walk-in.
Add in automatic QuickBooks sync to keep your books up to date without burning the midnight oil plus payroll integration to cut mistakes and speed up the process, and you’ve got yourself a stress reliever.
Accountability without micromanagement
Digital checklists have completely transformed accountability. Apps like Jolt make opening and closing duties, line checks and cleaning timestamped, trackable and enforceable. No more chasing staff down or wondering if something got done — the system tells you.
Training on autopilot
Learning management software (LMS) makes training easier and more consistent than ever. Tools like Expand Share allow you to standardize your systems with video modules covering everything from clocking in and guest greetings to portion controls. You’ll know your team is trained right every time.
Your POS as a command center
Your point-of-sale system is no longer just an expensive cash register. With the right reporting, it becomes your command center. Real-time sales, labor numbers, void alerts and performance metrics for items, servers and day parts give you insight that leads to fast action. No more flying blind — you’ll always know exactly where you stand.
The future of restaurants is already here
Technology isn’t replacing you. It’s freeing you. Embrace it. Train with it. Lead through it. The future of restaurants isn’t coming — it’s already here. And now, you’re ready.
Be sure to visit my YouTube channel for more helpful restaurant management video tips.
