Food for Thought: New Digital Tools for Restaurants

As restaurants turned more to technology, they need to think through their digital options. There are two new digital technologies available for restaurants to automate the ordering process that owners need to understand. 

The first technology is progressive web apps (PWA). PWAs are web-based experiences that appear like a mobile app but require no user download. A PWA built for restaurants would display a menu and enable the user to select items, place an order and make a payment. Users would scan a QR code or click an online link to open the PWA.

The second technology that restaurants can use is messaging. In this case, users can place their orders through SMS or Whatsapp. The restaurant can make its menu available through messaging apps that enable the user to order and pay. 

It is possible for restaurants to use both technologies together to drive even better results. For example, the restaurant can run marketing campaigns with daily specials to their regular customers through…