The Association Weighs In: Data, Research, Trends and Perspectives on Restaurant Tech

Unveiling the true potential of restaurant technology requires a blend of data analysis, research, accounting, and, most importantly, an understanding of the subject matter. From the floor of the 2024 National Restaurant Show, Rob is joined by Chief Information Officer Kevin Steele & Senior Vice President, Research & Knowledge Group, Hudson Riehle of the National Restaurant Association – two experts and perspectives from the association representing our industry.

The trio start their conversation about the state of technology in the restaurant industry. According to an Restaurant Association survey, labor recruitment continues to be the biggest challenge for operators. And on the back of COVID, this continues to propel the use of technology at restaurants. Because technology is still so young in the industry, it’s imperative to for operators to understand what they are purchasing from technology providers – and be able to challenge those suppliers to making sure customer data, for example, Is safe.

At the National Restaurant Show, technology is omnipresent. Where 15 years ago a Technology Pavilion did not exist, now tech can be found throughout the entire show and sessions. As it relates to technology, Kevin mentions the Association is focused on education, bringing practitioners together to find a mutual understanding, and finding solutions for the industry with growing challenges and threats requiring a focus on cybersecurity.

Tune in to this captivating episode of TechBytes, recorded live at the National Restaurant Show 2024, to gain insights into the pivotal role of operators in comprehending technology and to discover the Restaurant Association’s initiatives aimed at facilitating this understanding.