The world of catering is constantly evolving. Restaurateurs must constantly adapt to meet consumer expectations and stand out from the competition. In 2024, many new trends are transforming the sector. Augmented reality, AI, robot waiters and connected kitchens: discover 12 innovations that could well profoundly alter the customer experience and the way restaurants operate.
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that adds virtual elements to our real environment. In the restaurant industry, it is used to enrich the customer experience by offering interactive menus. Thanks to a mobile application, customers can visualize dishes in 3D before ordering, facilitating their choice and limiting disappointment.
Contactless payment is becoming the norm in restaurants. Customers can pay their bill directly from their smartphone, without having to handle a bank card or cash. This innovation simplifies the payment process and reduces checkout queues.
Plato is a waiter robot designed in France. This "passe-plat" is capable of accompanying waiters in ordering and delivering dishes. Still not widely used, this type of innovation could well relieve the most intense service, even if it is still not widely accepted by the public.
The connected kitchen is equipped with intelligent appliances that can communicate with each other and adapt to the needs of cooks. This equipment facilitates food preparation, optimizes stock management and reduces food waste.
Faced with the problem of plastic waste, ecological and edible packaging is on the rise. Made from seaweed, cereals or vegetables, they reduce the environmental impact of packaging while offering customers an original taste experience.
Drone delivery is booming, enabling orders to be delivered quickly to customers, even in hard-to-reach areas. This innovation opens up new prospects for restaurants wishing to develop their home delivery service.
Integrated urban vegetable gardens enable restaurants to grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs directly on site. This eco-responsible approach guarantees fresh produce and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport.
3D food printing makes it possible to create dishes with innovative shapes and textures, infinitely customizable. This technology opens up new culinary perspectives and offers customers a unique taste experience.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to analyze customer preferences and offer personalized menus. This innovation improves customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Online reservation systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, enabling optimum management of tables in restaurants. Customers can reserve their table quickly and easily, while restaurateurs benefit from better visibility of their occupancy rate.
Interactive screens are gradually replacing paper menus in restaurants. They enable customers to consult the menu, place orders and even pay directly from their table. This innovation facilitates staff work and enhances the customer experience.
Blockchain is a technology that guarantees the traceability and authenticity of food products. Restaurants can thus prove the provenance and quality of their ingredients, boosting customer confidence and enhancing their ethical approach.
