WHY CONTACTLESS DINE-IN IS A WAKEUP CALL FOR RESTAURANTS

COVID-19 is a massive game changer for the entire hospitality industry. It has led to the development of the most amazing ideas and technologies across the world. During the pandemic period, the word ‘contactless’ became popular in the restaurant business. It was used for takeaway and delivery. But, contactless is not limited to it anymore. Now, restaurants are providing facilities for contactless dine-in as well.

What can you expect?

There are some key features that will definitely go with this new page in the world of restaurants. We are all aware of the traditional way of dine-in. But it does not come as a surprise at all that the way dining has been done for years is not very sanitary and efficient.

Some of the particular reasons to say so include,

• A public menu is touched by various customers.
• Frequent errors in order taking, especially during busy hours.
• Stuck payments and no other alternatives available.
• Waiters under a lot of pressure to attend each customer.
• Long lines for takeaway or waiting for table vacancies.

All these issues are being addressed by the modern contactless dine-in options. The existing processes are not changed. Certain features are added to make the process smoother.

The two key factors included are,

Dine-in app- It works like a digital waiter with a digital menu. It allows users to place orders online using their smartphones. The meal requests are forwarded to the kitchen. The customer can track their order and know when it is ready to be served. The option for payment is also available with the option to pay using cash, card, or online mediums.

POS system- A dine-in app can ease the experience of the customers but it cannot do much alone for a restaurant. For managing the crowds and table reservation, a restaurant needs a POS system. It lets restaurant owners control everything. They can keep a record of tables, sales, profits, supplies, and employee attendance etc.

What does this mean for restaurants?

Contactless dine-in is definitely an eye-opener for restaurant owners to take quick actions. This way they will not be forced to shut their doors due to lack of customers. It has come as a silver lining to the dark cloud over the hospitality business. It is making the business owners realize that it is the need of the hour. Also, dine-in apps and POS systems are available at affordable rates than before due to the surge in need.

The wind has decided the direction in which it will flow. The restaurant owners have started digitizing restaurant operations. They are now gaining customers even during difficult times. So, the fate of your restaurant lies completely in your hands. Business owners have two options - get used to the new normal or hope for some miracle to happen.