Over the past 18 years in the point-of-sale (POS) industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the restaurant world has evolved, especially in Destin, Florida, where I opened Gateway Payments in 2016. Since then, I’ve worked closely with hundreds of local businesses and seen the restaurant industry face unique challenges. While we’ve seen some relief in areas like labor shortages and inflation, one persistent issue continues to challenge restaurants: labor costs. Rising minimum wages are adding to the burden, leaving many restaurant owners searching for ways to keep their businesses profitable.
This is where I believe a restaurant correction comes in. As dining prices rise, customers become selective about where and what they spend their money on. Paying $50 for a lunch that doesn’t live up to expectations is becoming less acceptable. To maintain profitability and customer satisfaction, restaurants need a solution that addresses these pressures head-on. One of the most powerful solutions? Automation.
By integrating automation into restaurant operations, businesses can reduce labor costs while maintaining high product quality. This approach ensures profitability and enables restaurants to offer more competitive prices, driving higher sales volume and keeping customers satisfied. The key to success in today’s environment is finding ways to streamline operations and pass those savings on to the consumer.
At Blendz with Benefits, we’ve embraced this very approach. When designing the payment system, we focused on automation from the ground up. Their entire ecosystem runs through kiosks, a mobile app, and online ordering, eliminating the need for front-of-house staff entirely. This strategy has allowed Blendz to reinvest those savings into better-quality food while maintaining affordable prices that compete with other local chains like Starbucks, Panera Bread, and Smoothie King.
However, it’s important to note that setups like the one at Blendz are not suitable for every type of restaurant. Our system was specifically built for the quick-service model, where efficiency and speed are key. The automation model works best in environments where customers order quickly, and meals are prepared with minimal interaction, like smoothie shops or fast-casual eateries. For sit-down restaurants, where guest interaction and personalized service are paramount, a more traditional model may still be the best fit.
This system improves the customer experience. With kiosks and mobile apps, customers can easily place their orders, while the kitchen display system (KDS) ensures their food is prepared efficiently. Once their order is ready, they receive a text notification to pick it up—removing the need for waitstaff and giving customers a more streamlined experience. However, recognizing that not all customers are familiar with technology, especially older clientele, Blendz adopted a hybrid approach. Their expo staff assists with kiosks or ordering issues, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and supported.
Looking ahead, the future of AI and automation in restaurants holds even greater promise. As technology evolves, it can predict labor needs based on sales trends, weather, events, and historical data. This predictive capability will allow restaurant owners to fine-tune staffing levels, cutting down on the guesswork that typically accompanies labor scheduling. With the ability to automatically adjust labor based on demand, restaurants can optimize their staffing and reduce labor costs without sacrificing service or quality.
The movement toward automation is not just about cutting costs; it’s about creating a better, more efficient experience for both customers and restaurant owners. With AI, automation systems will allow for more personalized dining experiences, customizing menus and services based on customer preferences. The possibilities are endless as the restaurant industry adapts to the new technological landscape.
As automation continues to grow in importance, it will become a key tool for restaurants striving to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. By using technology to streamline operations, reduce labor costs, and enhance the overall experience, restaurants can remain profitable and deliver high-quality meals at affordable prices. The future of dining out is evolving, and automation is a big part of that transformation. With the right systems in place, restaurants will be better equipped to handle the challenges of tomorrow while offering exceptional service to their customers today.