As 2025 fast approaches, we’ve been reflecting on how technology has changed the restaurant industry, one trend at a time.
From best-in-class apps and loyalty programs to customized cold brews and new delivery options, 2024 advanced restaurant technology in ways we want to see much more of next year.
So, with a new year on the horizon and digital advancements continuing to grow…
Here are the five restaurant technology trends we’re expecting in 2025.
1. Artifical Intelligience (AI Solutions for Staff Shortages)
AI has been used in the restaurant industry for over a decade, albeit with more humble beginnings; think less “robots-of-the-future” and more automated voice systems.
However, since 2020 — and the unprecedented events that came with it — AI has skyrocketed in popularity. Now, AI remains one of the hottest technology trends the restaurant industry has ever seen… and we don’t see that slowing down in 2025.
Restaurant AI is evolving on an (almost) daily basis, with tech providers constantly upgrading AI’s use cases to better solve industry-wide problems — like the restaurant staffing crisis.
The National Restaurant Association (NRA) reported inconsistent staffing levels across restaurant segments in 2024, with full-service restaurants and buffets being the most impacted. And, despite slight bouncebacks in quick-service restaurant and coffee shop employment, staffing problems persist: 45% of operators need more employees to meet customer demand, and 70% have job openings that are “hard to fill.”
Luckily, that’s exactly where AI can help.
Restaurant owners can now look toward AI-powered solutions to bolster less-than-ideal staffing levels, from automating customer service with AI chatbots to reducing staffing pressure with digital and self-serve ordering options.
In 2025, we expect to see further exploration of how AI can relieve the restaurant industry’s staffing struggle, with new, tech-first solutions that eliminate the need for constant hiring.
2. Hyper-Personalized Ordering Experiences
With country-wide restrictions limiting dine-in abilities over the past few years, it’s no surprise that guest preferences have changed.
And, in 2024, diners told us their preferences loud and clear: they want more out of their restaurant experiences than before (especially Gen Zs).
In their 2024 Dining Report, Square shared that 55% of diners want “new experiences at their local restaurants.” OpenTable also reported new consumer cravings for “novelty,” with the NRA suggesting that “exclusive menu items” are a great way to pique this novelty-based interest.
So, how can you combine new experiences with exclusivity?
Tech-powered customization (like a Craver app).
Leveraging restaurant technology like mobile apps or online ordering puts the power of customization in your guest’s hands. Not only does this make it easier for your guests to upgrade their order with add-ons or edit for allergies and preferences, but it also allows them to enjoy that sense of exclusivity through “secret menu” customizations or “app only” options.
According to Joe Guszkowski of Restaurant Business, guests are looking for two main things from their restaurant visits: “convenience or an experience” — and tech-powered customization gives them both.
In 2025, we expect to see a lot more restaurants jumping on exclusive, technology-powered customization trends with mobile apps and exclusive recommendations.
Discover how Craver can personalize your restaurant's offerings and elevate your guest experience with customized ordering.
3. More Restaurant Automation Trends
Using technology to automate restaurant operations has been on the industry’s radar for years.
But, in 2024, many of those tech-powered automations turned from futuristic ideas to time- and money-saving realities.
Take Chipotle for example.
Earlier this year, the Mexican food brand announced a ton of new tech partnerships, including one with Hyphen. Using Hyphen’s automation software, Chipotle plans to “build a new digital makeline that uses intelligent automation to build bowls and salads,” freeing up employees to handle other tasks and prep work.
We’ve also seen industry-wide shifts toward ordering-focused automation, especially self-service tech like touch-screen kiosks.
Shake Shack, for example, says kiosks are their “largest order channel, enhancing throughout at restaurants and improving sales” by 14.7% in Q1 this year compared to last. The brand’s automated kiosks have also improved the Shake Shack guest experience, making the ordering process easier (and more customizable) than before.
And, the cherry on top of the “automation benefits” cake? Diners have been very vocal about their preference for restaurant automation technology, suggesting it leads to faster service, more accurate orders, and a more efficient process.
Because of automation’s ability to save operators and diners time, money, and effort, we expect to see more innovative restaurant automation solutions in 2025.
4. Coffee Subscription Models Adapted for Restaurants
In January 2024, Recurly reported a 16% in active subscription services, reflecting a 105% growth rate since 2020.
With subscription growth of that caliber — and with 51% of caffeine-seekers reliably visiting coffee shops at least once a week — it wasn’t long before coffee shops connected these dots and launched their own coffee subscription programs.
Throughout the year, we’ve seen a ton of success from “OG” coffee subscriptions like Panera’s “Unlimited Sip Club” or Pret a Manger’s “Club Pret.” But, we’ve also seen newer companies like Blank Street Coffee launch coffee subscription models and absolutely knock it out of the park in 2024.
Blank Street’s subscription program — “Blank Street Regulars” — boasted 5,000 paying members at the beginning of 2024, only four short months after launch. And, while the level of demand for Blank Street’s membership is a win in itself… it’s hardly the best part.
Despite Blank Street Regulars being so successful that membership had to be capped, the program has still led to an increase in weekly visits. “People on the program would normally come to us—without the program—maybe two or three times a week,” says co-founder Vinay Menda. “But [now] they’re coming six times a week.”
In 2025, we’re looking forward to more coffee shop subscriptions as operators explore how effectively this strategy marries customer benefits with guaranteed monthly income.
Unlock recurring revenue for your restaurant with Craver's Memberships & Subscriptions feature that boosts your bottom line.
5. Advanced Delivery Systems
When stay-at-home orders were in full swing, many of us saw delivery cars and bikes dropping off our dinner orders… but what if it was a drone instead?
The development of advanced delivery systems — like drones — has been underway for years, with restaurants like El Pollo Loco testing drone delivery since 2021. However, 2024 saw these delivery systems go from “still in development” to launching and succeeding, with companies like Flytrex even hitting milestones like “100,000 successful food deliveries” (and counting).
And, if you’re a restaurant operator whose jam isn’t drone delivery, don’t worry — this year has seen other, more grounded delivery advancements, too.
For example, Relay Delivery — a company offering courier services for restaurant delivery— has risen in popularity this year, most notably because of its commission-free, money-saving, and power-restoring features.
While Relay might be less “advanced” than drone delivery technologically, the company’s unique take on delivery is advanced in other ways. Unlike other third-party apps, Relay gives you access to all of your customer data, preferences, and order histories. They also pay their couriers ethically and integrate seamlessly into your restaurant’s new (or existing) mobile app!
So, whether you’re testing out drone delivery or just want more advanced ground delivery, we anticipate the adoption and refinement of exciting new delivery systems to continue in 2025.
Looking Ahead to The Future of Restaurant Technology
Since the beginning of 2024, the restaurant industry has undergone massive changes, from better online ordering and new subscription models to AI automation and advanced delivery.
But, despite the ebbs and flows in any given year, the restaurant industry saw a ton of growth in 2024 — especially in the restaurant technology department.
And, if this year’s digital advancements are any indication of what’s to come…
Then we’re extra excited to see what 2025 has in store.
Looking to stay ahead in 2025? See how a custom-branded mobile app from Craver can propel your restaurant into the future.
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