Ease Staff Shortages With Digital Kiosks The Future of Ordering Is Already Here
Staffing shortages from the pandemic are still with us and might constitute the new normal. Restaurants have been hit particularly hard, creating customer service problems and headaches for managers and owners, but technological solutions are filling those gaps quickly. The same automation tools observers once worried would cause unemployment are doing jobs that are now nearly impossible to fill. Digital ordering kiosks began popping up in quick-serve restaurants years ago, but their presence has become more common since businesses began opening with reduced staff in 2020. These all-in- one systems allow customers to browse menu options, select their food choices, and pay, all without speaking to an employee. In addition to reducing the need for front-of-house staff, digital kiosks also improve the ordering experience for many customers. Customers are generally less likely to make errors when inputting their own orders, and kiosks make customization simpler for harried staff. Furthermore, loyalty program prompts automatically appear and tend to increase utilization.
phrase, “Do you want fries with that?” an ordering kiosk organically places suggestions next to the customer’s selections. An enticing photo can help your diners realize they might want a side, smoothie, or dessert after all. Not all customers have caught up with the digital revolution; some still prefer to place their orders with a live human. But with fewer cashiers and longer lines, more people gravitate toward kiosks and enjoy their convenience. While most restaurants continue to employ at least one cashier, kiosks allow managers to close all registers in a pinch. Despite the upfront cost and ongoing service fees, most restaurant owners who use kiosks report savings due to reduced payroll. As customers become increasingly comfortable with digital ordering, there may be more savings soon. Of course, we’re nowhere near a fully automated restaurant. Franchise owners will continue to need employees to prepare food and clean, among many other tasks. But digital kiosks allow restaurant management to concentrate their limited staffing on the areas that require a human touch — reducing frustration for customers, employees, and you.
Ordering kiosks also ensure you don’t need to rely on your staff for upselling. While employees and customers alike might cringe at the
GRILLED HALIBUT WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE
TAKE A BREAK
Celebrate the last month of summer with this light and fresh recipe!
Ingredients: •
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
1 16-oz jar roasted red bell peppers, drained
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1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
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5 garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
4 6-oz skin-on halibut fillets
2 tsp honey
Directions: 1.
In a food processor or blender, mix bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer sauce to a bowl; whisk in oil. 2. Into a large plastic zipper bag, pour 1 cup of sauce; add halibut fillets and seal bag; turn to coat fillets. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Reserve remaining sauce for serving. 3. Preheat a grill to medium-high (400–450 F). Remove halibut from marinade; scrape off excess. 4. On oiled grill grates, arrange fillets and grill, covered, until fish flakes easily, 4–5 minutes per side. 5. Transfer fillets to serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Serve alongside preferred veggies and crusty bread.
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