Automation Changing the Face of the Restaurant Industry

Rising costs and continuing labor shortages are forcing restaurants to look for ways to improve the way they operate. Automation is increasingly looking like a viable solution. A new Restaurant Automation Survey by Capterra found that more than half of restaurant leaders say robots can easily automate front-of-house restaurant workers with today’s technology, though some jobs remain irreplaceable.

“Restaurant leaders are prioritizing the human touch for roles directly involved in the flow of prepared food to customers, while implementing automation for more peripheral roles,” said Molly Burke, senior retail analyst, Capterra.

Here are some of the key findings from the survey of restaurant business owners:

-Most restaurants are already using automation. Three-quarters of restaurants surveyed are currently using automation in three or more areas of operation.

-Chefs are currently the safest restaurant role. 76% of restaurant leaders say the role of chef/cook cannot be easily automated with today’s technology. 

-Managers matter more at chains. 75% of leaders at chain or franchise restaurants say managerial staff cannot be easily replaced with automation, versus just 58% of independent restaurant leaders who say the same.

-Automation benefits workers and increases profits. Over three-quarters of leaders say their employees find it easy to use their restaurant’s automation tools and more than half say revenue has increased since implementing the tools.

You can view the full report for more information on how restaurant leaders are approaching automation to support operations, improve customer experience, and increase sales.