Tech Transformation in Catering
The catering industry is undergoing significant changes as technology continues to evolve and reshape the restaurant landscape. In a recent discussion, industry experts Earle, Mo, and Christopher shared their insights on the current state and future of catering technology.
One of the main topics addressed was the shift from point-of-sale (POS) systems being the central hub of restaurant operations to a more customer-centric approach. Historically, POS systems were designed to handle in-restaurant transactions and struggled with larger, more complex catering orders. However, as catering and takeout have become increasingly important revenue streams, there's a growing need for systems that can handle these orders efficiently.
The experts emphasized the importance of comprehensive solutions that go beyond simply capturing orders. A truly effective catering system needs to manage customer relationships, handle complex order logistics, communicate effectively with the kitchen, and ensure flawless execution of large-format orders. This level of complexity is often beyond the capabilities of traditional POS systems, which has led to the rise of specialized catering software.
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Looking to the future, the panel discussed the potential impact of AI and marketplaces on the catering industry. They highlighted a recent Salesforce presentation demonstrating AI's ability to process unstructured data from emails and match it to structured order information, potentially revolutionizing the ordering process. As marketplaces continue to grow, restaurants will need systems capable of handling orders from multiple sources while still prioritizing their direct transactions.
The experts offered guidance for both POS companies and online ordering platforms. For POS providers, they suggested that building catering functionality is possible but requires a shift in perspective to include customer relationship management. Online ordering companies were advised to think beyond simple order capture and consider the entire customer journey, from personalized experiences to efficient order fulfillment.
Ultimately, the panel agreed that the future of restaurant technology lies in creating operating systems that can handle the complexities of B2B transactions while providing a seamless, personalized experience for customers across all touchpoints. As Mo succinctly put it, "The customer is now at the center of the plate," and technology providers need to adapt their solutions accordingly to meet the evolving needs of both restaurants and their customers.
Guests: Christopher Sebes & Mo Asgari
