In some ways, it feels like it's 2019 again. With more and more people now choosing to dine out and once again experience the extravagance of on-premise dining. However, this does not mean that the demand for online delivery options has lessened at the least.
While in-dining reservations have bounced back to 86% of 2019 levels, food delivery services have likewise seen a surge in demand by a staggering 189%. Now, as some may perceive this boom in demand to be a strong positive for the restaurant industry, we also need to take into account the practical standpoint of this event and the challenges that could come to light. It is more than likely that both the front and back house-of-staff are overwhelmed attempting to juggle the requests of in-dining guests while keeping up with the incoming stream of off-premise orders. This is especially proving to be a challenge considering the drastic shortage in labor, leaving the few remaining working struggling to cope with the increasingly busy work environment.
By leveraging tech solutions that are specialized to cater to the needs and demands of the restaurant industry, restaurant owners can succeed in providing enhanced value to their guests, whilst increasing both the on-and-off premise dining experience of their customers.
Create a Seamless and Interactive Dine-in Experience
Restaurants can incorporate tech at every stage of the dining process, helping servers to offer and memorable experience that will encourage dining to return. Entice guests to visit your restaurant by sending automated emails that communicate your digital menu, specials, promotions, and safety guidelines, so customers will be more comfortable dining at your restaurant, even before they enter your doors.
Contactless Dining
Once guests are through your doors, greeted by your hosts, and then seated you can free up your servers by using technology to reduce their interaction with each table, and you may not require as many servers. Simply present the QR code of your digital menu to your guests, print it on a table tent, or paste a sticker on their tables for easy access, all they would need to do is scan the code to browse your menu. They can then proceed to place and pay for the orders via your custom online store, eliminating the need for servers to constantly take orders, collect menus and interact with guests while they pay – this can also reduce human errors, wastage and increase the efficiency of your kitchen staff. It has also become clear that more and more diners opt for this method on on-premise dining, a study recently found that contactless payments would make 82% feel safe dining in, and having contactless ordering options would make 81% feel the same. Whilst 29% of Gen Z consumers report that contactless payment options would be a driving factor in their choice of restaurant, this statement remains constant for 24% of millennials and 18% of Gen X guests.
Takeaways with Contactless Delivery
A whopping 92% of diners plan to continue online ordering for delivery and pickup after the pandemic. This could be owing to health and safety concerns or the simplicity of convenience.
However, restaurants don’t only need to meet the needs of online ordering, you also need to understand your guest’s preferences when ordering online. The results of a survey claimed that 85% of respondents said they will browse the menu on a restaurant's website before deciding to visit or place an order. Whilst 21% claimed that they would prefer to order for delivery directly from the restaurant online, and 20% favored calling the restaurant directly to place an order. The reason for these preferences is largely related to the delivery fees charged by third-party services, where commissions can go as high as 30% per order; this suggests that direct online ordering is preferred for diners, allowing them to wholeheartedly support their favorite dining establishment.
This data shows the increasing importance of offering your guests the convenience of an online ordering platform that is managed and run by your restaurant. Ensuring your profits remain in your business, with the added benefit of leveraging a strong brand presence in your market space. So remember to incorporate the branding and personality of your restaurant into both your digital menu and online ordering platform.
Increase Ticket Sizes with Self-service
Allowing diners to order and pay for their meals without the assistance of a waiter has proven to have a material effect on sales and guest satisfaction, as it takes the pressure off both the employee and the diner, especially when the restaurant is exceptionally busy and your waitstaff is flustered which in turn could result in a rush order by the diner.
Online ordering has led to bigger chick sizes and more repeat business, according to a study, the average ticket size for an online order was 30% higher when compared to on-site ordering, as customers tend to spend more time browsing a well-structured online menu.
Providing diners with the convenience of either tableside ordering or delivery-based online ordering means that customers can take their time in deciding on their meals, they can easily swap out selections, add/remove toppings, upgrade portion sizes, flip through categories and compare billing totals at their discretion, also resulting in improved order accuracy.
One of the primary demands from the customer is the ease of order customization, your waiters may be wasting valuable time having to rattle off a long list of add-ons and options to customers, but online ordering allows you to display all of these options instantly – Additionally, your guests will never have to feel embarrassed about ordering a complex, high-calorie order. With online ordering, you can display an extensive menu, update pricing and pictures of dishes, and instantly mark products out of stock to avoid disappointment.
Finally, your online order platform can also help you reduce labor costs, as the need for a large front-of-house staff can be eliminated, allowing you to redirect labor towards expediting orders and providing enhanced customer service. Ultimately resulting in enhanced guest experience and the opportunity to retain repeat customers.
Looking for a FREE Digital Menu and Cost Efficient Online Ordering Platform?
Applova FREE QR Code Digital Menu offers you a user-friendly interface that allows you to create, customize and update your digital menu in minutes.
Applova Digital Menu also allows you to upload pictures of your dishes, so you don’t just leave it up to your customer’s imagination. Get creative by swapping backgrounds, color themes, and uploading your logo.
Applova also allows you to set up your custom online store that allows you to collect customer data, accept online payments, make instant menu updates, offer promotions and so much more - all for a nominal service fee of only 5% per customer order.
Check out a sample menu here and sign up now!