Future of Foodservice: NRF 2024 Tech Trends Pave the Way for Specialized Speed of Service

This IDC Perspective discusses NRF 2024, which presented an array of technology solutions and trends to address the ever-increasing complexity of the foodservice industry. Diners' expectations and demands are higher than ever as foodservice must be convenient, customized, and quick. Technology providers presented the latest innovations to address operational and guest-facing challenges to increase customer lifetime value and drive loyalty. Chief among the products on display were digital-first, connected, and AI-driven solutions."Restaurants are at a critical juncture where technology solutions must straddle the line between existing challenges and being ready to innovate for the future," says Dorothy Creamer, research manager, Hospitality and Travel Digital Transformation Strategies, IDC. "Foodservice is complex, but also needs to address the basics of diners' expectations - namely, that food is tasty. However, expectations for service have evolved. Diners expect seamless ordering and have a lower threshold of frustration for paying and receiving orders. The future of foodservice will lean into how to blend the physical and digital with data-driven, connected solutions to ease the burden of restaurant staff while still providing contextualized, convenient service to guests."