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How Mobile Applications have Benefitted the Restaurant Business
Food and Beverages Tech Review | Thursday, July 09, 2020
In this extensive competition in the market, it is not possible for a single industry to survive without implementing proper technology. Similarly, in the food and beverage industry, it is equally essential, and restaurants are applying technologies that will not only help them to streamline the entire chain from getting vegetables in the kitchen to delivering it to the customers.
FREMONT, CA: With the support of technology, the food industry is up and booming again. The food industry is up and expanding still with the support of technology. The food sector has successfully managed to emerge as a highly profitable business because of its vast potential and insanely growing demand for restaurants with food
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from various cultures around the world.
Nowadays, there are many hardcore food applications, and several restaurants have made themselves affordable for the customers and ensure that they provide them with a highly convenient experience.
Over the last few years, the restaurant market has attracted many people because technology has started to have a fundamental role in redefining the industry. Almost every restaurant that has been established to offer their customers not only with a highly satisfying but also a convenient experience. The growth of a business also depends on the revenue that has been generated by operating it. In the last few years, various sectors, including the food and restaurant companies, have to make use of the information technology solutions to improve their overall performance, customer satisfaction, and quality. Customers have also developed a fascinating image of the restaurants as far as technological integration is concerned. Therefore, it has become more comfortable for companies to satisfy their customers with menu viewing and ordering activities. Information technology has helped every business owner improve their customer services. Therefore, CIOs are considering new innovations that will help restaurant owners go beyond their limitations and reshape their businesses.
Every business owner in the restaurant sector struggles to have a highly organized mobile application and an equally impressive presence online so that they can attract several people in a short period. According to the CIOs, here are some of the technology solutions that a restaurant can implement to enhance their business.
1. Online slot reservation
Many mobile applications have the capability to connect users with the nearest restaurants and offer them the necessary details for reserving the table. Many participating restaurants cater to such requests as they have online registration.
The restaurants also allow their end-users to book their slots or determine whether they have a free table or not. This system also helps in the reduction of unnecessary traffic congestion in front of the restaurants.
It also becomes easy for the eateries to manage their customer data and keep them updated with relevant information such as special offers, attractive deals, and related information.
2. Digital menu card
Nowadays, many websites allow individuals to place their orders with the help of a digital menu card. With this system, customers can easily place their orders online without any trouble with just a few clicks on their smartphones.
It not only allows the restaurant to serve their customers without any hassle but also can provide them with a highly convenient experience. Many restaurants have the same facility for their mobile applications, but very few have their digital menu cards uploaded on a mobile application.
The customers can choose their favourite food item with just a click of a button. Moreover, it also allows people to choose a restaurant according to their budget and also preferences in terms of food items.
Many applications will provide the customers with recommendations with the most commonly ordered food or the best-selling food item so that it becomes easier for them to choose.
3. Ordering online and online delivery
The fast-food chains are also trying to eradicate the mediator's role while booking orders and help customers place their order with the help of online platforms and mobile applications.
It will become easy for the customers to order food, and they will end up saving the time that a mediator takes to write down the entire order. Tracking the order delivery will also become more manageable over a mobile application.
The customers can also track the location of their delivery once they order their meal online. The GPS technology will not only allow the customers, but it will also help the restaurant owners to keep track on the delivery person, therefore, strengthening the delivery process as well.
4. Location-based deals
CIOs are emphasizing on this technology as it will help the restaurants to increase their sales. There are a few restaurants that are already using this technology. A small device helps them send Push Notification to the customers who are near the restaurant.
The technology helps to tempt and lure the customers by offering them deals that they cannot refuse.
5. Online presence, especially on social media websites
With the present competition in the market, it does not matter the type of industrial sector where a business belongs to. It is essential to have an active online presence on social media sites to continuously grow with the changing trends. The social media sites help attract a large number of customers in a short period, and it is also an active process of online marketing.
Social media enhances brand value, and many people also get to know about new restaurants from online platforms only. Therefore, every restaurant must have an aggressive online presence as it also allows them to interact with their customers directly and provide a response to their feedback.
There are also some restaurants that provide their customers with Wi-Fi connection because they know that it will attract more customers as there are many internet obsessed people who do not like to get off track for a longer period for personal or professional reasons.
6. Loyalty programs
The loyalty programs are such a thing that helps the restaurants to retain the existing customers and also attract the new ones. According to market researchers, most of the customers are likely to download a restaurant's application if they provide them with exclusive offers at regular intervals.
Therefore the restaurants can provide schemes like discounts on some festivals, occasions, or weekends, and this will help them to retain their existing customers.
On the other hand, the introduction of offers like discounts on the first five orders will also help attract new customers. The loyalty programs are more effective than the traditional ones as they have a personal touch to it.
7. Better ROI on specials you offer
Restaurants can effectively offer Push Notifications so that they can let their customers know about the new dishes and combos. The technology will help the eateries to achieve good sales on weekdays and also increase their sale amount during weekends.
To be successful, the restaurants must remember that timing is key as they have to send the notification on time so that the idea about the food and the restaurant are tattooed in the minds of the customers. The chances are high with this that they will visit the restaurant as they have already justified their decision due to the reduction of cost.
The use of technology is not only limited to the restaurants for their business to customer activities, but it is also equally efficient and carries fruitful results for the business to business activities as they can interact more closely with their vendors and customers.
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Society has wholeheartedly embraced the digital age, with technological advancements transforming how industries and businesses operate. A major benefit of these innovations is improved safety and efficiency, leading to better outcomes across the board.
These technological shifts significantly influence the food processing, handling, and manufacturing sectors, including new machinery and processing techniques. Historically, these sectors have been at the forefront of adopting technology, aligning with emerging trends. As we progress, it is essential to examine the future direction of this industry in the upcoming year and beyond.
Perfect Safety:
Ensuring the safety of food before consumption is of utmost importance. Contamination can occur rapidly and often goes unnoticed, highlighting the necessity for technological solutions. A NIR spectrometer is an exceptional instrument for the food industry, requiring only a modest sample size. It can precisely analyze the sample's protein, fat, and nutritional composition with a single measurement. Remarkably, this process takes less than one minute, conserving time and resources in assessing product safety.
Sustainability:
Businesses globally are increasingly recognizing the significance of sustainable practices. Many companies embrace environmentally friendly and ethical methods to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact. The food industry, in particular, is responsible for substantial waste and pollution resulting from agricultural activities. However, eliminating food production is not feasible, as food is a fundamental necessity.
Current research indicates that reducing meat and dairy consumption is essential for achieving sustainability objectives. This implies a need for decreasing livestock populations. Nevertheless, this does not suggest that a sudden transition to a vegan diet is necessary for everyone, as such a shift is both impractical and unrealistic, particularly when considering regional and cultural dietary variations. Instead, it highlights the necessity for significant modifications in the operational practices of food production facilities.
Packaging:
The packaging sector is poised for significant advancements in the coming years. Growing concerns regarding sustainability have become increasingly prominent, prompting numerous companies to allocate resources towards this initiative. The focus goes beyond producing fully recyclable or biodegradable packaging; it also encompasses the importance of reusability. When a container is irreparably damaged or reaches the end of its useful life, it can be entirely recycled, provided it is constructed from 100% polypropylene.
Additionally, various innovative alternatives can enhance packaging solutions. One of the most favored options involves repurposing organic waste, particularly materials derived from coffee husks, oyster shells, and paper. The production of these materials is energy-efficient, and acknowledging these opportunities will pave the way for further innovations.
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Food processing is a critical component of the food supply chain, transforming raw materials into safe, consumable products. Maintaining safety throughout this process is essential to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses and uphold industry standards. By implementing best practices, organizations can ensure high levels of food safety. Proper employee training on safety protocols fosters a secure working environment, while routine equipment inspections help detect potential hazards early. Additionally, preventing cross-contamination is vital to minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Training should cover personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, safe food handling techniques, and proper cleaning and sanitization procedures. Regular refresher courses help reinforce these concepts and keep employees' minds safe. Food processors should monitor and maintain appropriate temperatures throughout the processing, storage, and transportation stages. It includes using calibrated thermometers to ensure that equipment like refrigerators, freezers, and cooking devices operate at safe temperatures. Regular checks of temperature logs help identify potential issues and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are guidelines that outline the minimum requirements for food processing facilities. Training all staff in GMP fosters a culture of safety and accountability within the organization. Regular inspections and audits can help identify areas for improvement. Regular reviews of the plan ensure its effectiveness and relevance. A knowledgeable workforce is critical for implementing and maintaining safe food processing practices. Food processing equipment design helps for easy cleaning and sanitization, with regular maintenance and cleaning schedules established to prevent contaminant buildup.
Color-coded cutting boards and utensils can help visually reinforce the separation of food types. Regular monitoring of food handling practices ensures adherence to cross-contamination prevention measures. Traceability systems allow food processors to track the movement of ingredients throughout the processing chain. By implementing a robust traceability system for contamination or spoilage, organizations can quickly identify and address potential safety issues. Effective traceability helps minimize risks to consumers and maintain the organization's reputation.
Addressing identified deficiencies helps maintain high safety standards and demonstrates a commitment to food safety, an ongoing process requiring constant evaluation and improvement. Regularly reviewing and updating safety protocols, training programs, and equipment can help ensure that food processing practices remain effective and aligned with industry standards. By implementing best practices, food processors can create a secure and sanitary environment. Continuous improvement and regular audits enhance food safety measures, increasing consumer confidence and satisfaction.
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The Canadian catering industry, previously reliant on manual processes and localized management, is now shifting to a cloud-first operational model. Successful catering businesses across Canada are leveraging decentralized digital infrastructure to enhance efficiency and rethink how culinary services are delivered at scale.
This transition represents a fundamental change in how food service businesses operate. Cloud technology connects all aspects of the industry, from client inquiries to event execution. As Canadian consumers seek diverse and experiential dining, the ability to scale without relying on physical hardware is now a key driver of industry growth.
Cloud-Based Production and Inventory Synchronization
The most significant advancement in the Canadian catering landscape is the decoupling of the "kitchen" from a single physical location. Scaling in a country as geographically vast as Canada requires a strategy that transcends local boundaries. Cloud-based production management allows caterers to operate a network of satellite kitchens, commissary hubs, and ghost kitchens that all share a single, synchronized digital core.
When a catering operation scales, maintaining consistency across multiple production sites is paramount. Cloud platforms serve as a centralized repository for standardized digital recipe books. These are not static documents but tools that automatically adjust ingredient quantities based on headcounts, ensuring that a signature dish prepared in a Calgary hub remains identical in flavor and quality to one produced in a Montreal satellite facility. This level of synchronization enables rapid expansion into new regional markets, as the kitchen's "operating system" is instantly accessible to new teams on any internet-connected device.
Inventory management has also evolved into a real-time predictive science. Modern cloud systems integrate directly with suppliers across Canada, providing live visibility into stock levels across all storage sites. As orders are processed, the system automatically decrements ingredient-level inventory, providing a granular view of usage. This transparency enables automated procurement cycles, allowing the system to initiate purchase orders when stock reaches a certain threshold, ensuring that high-volume operations never experience a lapse in production. Furthermore, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors into cloud-monitored refrigeration units ensures that food safety standards are tracked digitally, providing an automated audit trail accessible from anywhere in the country.
Automated Client Lifecycle: From Digital Inquiry to Seamless Execution
In the high-stakes world of corporate and event catering, the administrative burden can often be a bottleneck to growth. Cloud technology has transformed the front-of-house and back-office functions into a streamlined, automated lifecycle. By moving the client journey to the cloud, Canadian caterers can handle a significantly higher volume of inquiries with a lean administrative team.
The process begins with cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems tailored to the catering workflow. These platforms capture inquiries across various digital channels—such as websites, social media, and third-party marketplaces—and centralize them in a single dashboard. Automation tools then take over, generating branded, interactive digital quotes that allow clients to customize their menus and service options in real-time. This self-service capability reflects the modern Canadian consumer's preference for digital autonomy and speed.
Once a menu is selected, the cloud system facilitates the entire contract and payment phase. Integrated e-signature tools and secure cloud-based payment gateways, compliant with Canadian financial standards, allow for instantaneous booking. This eliminates the delays of traditional invoicing and manual bank transfers. Moreover, because these systems are hosted in the cloud, event planners and sales teams can manage their entire portfolio from a tablet while on-site at an event or while traveling between client meetings. The seamless flow of data from the initial quote to the production kitchen ensures that no detail—such as a specific dietary restriction or a nuanced floor plan—is lost in communication. This digital handoff is essential for scaling, as it enables the business to maintain a "boutique" level of personalization even as event volume increases.
Forecasting Demand and Strategic Regional Expansion
The final pillar of scaling with cloud technology is transforming operational data into strategic insight. For Canadian caterers, understanding seasonal demand is essential. Cloud-based analytics guide resource allocation, whether responding to increased summer festivals or the peak of holiday galas in December.
Modern catering platforms utilize data-laden dashboards that aggregate historical sales, seasonal trends, and even local weather patterns to forecast future demand. This predictive capability allows caterers to scale their labor and logistics with surgical precision. For instance, a caterer can use cloud-based workforce management tools to optimize shift schedules across multiple provinces, ensuring staffing levels are perfectly aligned with expected service volume. This not only optimizes labor costs but also ensures consistent quality of service, which is vital for brand reputation during rapid growth.
Furthermore, cloud technology is playing a pivotal role in the industry's commitment to sustainability—a core value for the Canadian public. Cloud-based logistics tools help caterers optimize delivery routes across complex urban grids, such as those in Toronto or Montreal, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of their operations. Advanced analytics also track food waste at the production level, allowing chefs to refine their procurement and portioning strategies based on actual consumption data.
As caterers look to the future, the integration of "Agentic AI" within these cloud platforms is the next frontier. These autonomous digital assistants can handle complex tasks such as re-routing deliveries in response to traffic or suggesting menu adjustments based on real-time ingredient availability from local Canadian farmers. By leveraging this level of intelligence, catering businesses are moving away from reactive management and toward a proactive, scalable model that can adapt to any market condition with agility.
The shift to cloud-based operations is the most significant growth opportunity for Canadian caterers this decade. Centralizing core functions, automating administration, and using data-driven insights have expanded operational potential. As the industry evolves, the cloud will remain the foundation for the next generation of leading Canadian catering brands.
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Galley, a pioneer in foodservice technology, has introduced the innovative culinary resource planning category, set to redefine the industry by seamlessly uniting data intelligence, operational efficiency, and culinary creativity. This milestone reinforces Galley’s position at the forefront of the digital transformation reshaping foodservice. Designed to address the pressing needs of modern operators, culinary resource planning enables greater efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability. Galley’s Culinary Resource Planning (CRP) platform harnesses data-driven technology to streamline operations, inspire innovation, and drive scalable growth.
Benji Koltai, CEO of Galley, emphasized the significance of this launch: "The foodservice industry has reached a pivotal moment. With traditional processes suppressing progress, our CRP Platform will redefine how culinary businesses operate. Galley empowers foodservice professionals to move beyond the chaos created by outdated systems and antiquated processes and embrace a future where data drives decisions and innovation flourishes."
Galley's CRP Platform combines culinary creativity and innovation with the practicalities of kitchen management. Simply said, Galley's platform enables innovation and creativity. The CRP Platform expands operations to identify untapped growth potential by integrating important tasks like recipe management, food cost management, menu planning, and nutritional analysis, all inside a user-friendly interface.
Bridget Quinlan, CRO of Galley, pinpointed the impact on the industry: "Culinary resource planning is not just a technological advancement; it's a paradigm shift. Galley enables operators to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and unleash their creative potential by providing a single source of truth for all food data. This category launch represents a new era of culinary excellence and operational brilliance."
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