As we get closer to 2025, our team at EMERGING has spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on how technology is changing the future of how we experience dining, from AI-driven kitchen operations to personalized delivery services. Innovations in technology are revolutionizing how consumers interact with their favorite brands.
But, of course, we know this is just the beginning.
With 2025 on the horizon, we’re excited about the endless potential for even greater advancements in restech.
Now, in the last month of 2024, we want to explore some of the most significant trends poised to define the restaurant industry in 2025. From artificial intelligence to changes in automation, we have no doubt these changes will reshape how businesses operate, how customers engage, and how we think about the future of food and entertainment.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence has been a part of the restaurant industry for years, though it wasn’t always the headline technology it is today. Initially, AI was used in what we now view as “rudimentary” ways (think predictive inventory management or simple customer service chatbots). A decade ago, AI was a tool that largely existed behind the scenes, and its potential was just beginning to be understood.
Before AI became the cultural phenomenon it is now, it was often seen as something ultra-futuristic, or almost sci-fi in nature. People thought of it in terms of robots or far-off, complex algorithms that could maybe, someday, automate kitchens or replace waitstaff. In many ways, it seemed like a distant dream rather than an immediate solution. But the events of 2020, specifically the global pandemic, changed everything.
COVID-19 forced businesses to rapidly pivot, with many adopting technology to address new operational challenges.
At that point, social distancing, labor shortages, and safety concerns all pushed the restaurant industry to embrace AI in ways that were previously unthinkable. Suddenly, AI-powered tools, like touchless ordering systems and AI-driven inventory management became essential for survival.
Fast forward to 2025, and AI has become an integral part of the restaurant technology ecosystem.
One of the main ways AI will continue to help in 2025 is with the restaurant staffing crisis. Even with slight bouncebacks in employment at coffee shops and quick-service restaurants, staffing shortages remain a persistent issue. A staggering 45% of operators report needing more employees to meet customer demand, and 70% of restaurants have job openings that are “hard to fill.”
With AI-driven technologies like self-ordering kiosks, automated kitchens, and chatbots, operators can reduce the strain on both front-of-house and back-of-house staff. For example, self-ordering kiosks not only improve order accuracy and speed up service but also reduce the need for employees to take orders manually, freeing them up for other tasks.
As we look ahead to 2025, we can expect these advancements to go even further.
Advanced Automation
Automation has been on the restaurant industry’s radar for many years, but it is only recently that the technology has evolved to a level where it can significantly impact operations.
One of the most visible and impactful forms of automation in the restaurant industry today is ordering-centric automation, which involves the use of technology to manage the ordering process more efficiently, often through self-service kiosks, mobile apps, or AI-powered ordering systems.
Take Shake Shack, for example. In the first quarter of this year, Shake Shack saw a 14.7% increase in sales after implementing self-ordering kiosks across their locations. Beyond increased efficiency, the company also boasted about this implementation enhancing the customer experience.
With kiosks, customers are empowered to customize their orders, enjoy shorter wait times, and better order accuracy. In addition, the process allows employees to focus on delivering a higher level of service, resulting in a more seamless dining experience.
On the back end, advanced automation is also transforming how food is prepared and delivered in kitchens. One example is Chipotle’s partnership with Hyphen, a foodservice platform designed to automate kitchen operations. Hyphen is reshaping how Chipotle prepares its signature bowls and salads. Through intelligent automation, Hyphen’s digital makeline builds these dishes with precision, allowing Chipotle’s human employees to focus on the more complex tasks, like preparing burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.
Streamlined Delivery
Over the past few years, restaurant delivery has shifted at an astonishing pace. What began as bike and car deliveries has evolved into something we never quite thought would become so integral to restaurant operations, and that is drone delivery.
Companies like Flytrex, a pioneer in drone delivery, are already testing this technology, with the company hitting impressive milestones with over 100,000 successful food deliveries as of this past year. The promise of drones is clear. We’ll begin seeing faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendlier delivery options that reduce the reliance on traditional vehicles and the delivery personnel shortages that continue to challenge the industry.
This technology is especially promising for areas where traditional delivery options may take longer or be costlier due to traffic or distance.
However, we recognize that drone delivery isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Not every restaurant or delivery model will be a good fit for drones, and that’s perfectly okay. For many operators, traditional delivery models, albeit streamlined and optimized, will still play a crucial role in their business strategy.
Fortunately, there are other options for restaurants looking to cut costs, improve efficiency, and better control their delivery operations.
Relay Delivery is a company in this space worth mentioning, which has redefined the delivery service model by focusing solely on “self-delivery.” Unlike traditional third-party services that charge high commissions, Relay operates with a significant cost advantage in that its services can reduce delivery costs by up to 75% or more. This makes it an attractive option for restaurants that want to maintain profitability while keeping delivery prices competitive.
Looking to the Future
The restaurant industry has experienced a remarkable transformation over the past few years.
From the rise of digital ordering to new innovations in delivery, technology has reshaped how businesses operate and how customers experience dining. Of course, these changes are only the beginning.
As we move closer to 2025, we’re getting more and more excited at the possibility of even more exciting developments.
At EMERGING, we know just how important it is to stay on top of these technological shifts. IF you’re a restaurant operator, the path forward is clear: embrace innovation if you want to thrive in this increasingly dynamic industry.
By partnering with EMERGING, you can gain access to an unparalleled network of industry-leading resources, strategic insights, and expert guidance. Whether you’re looking to implement AI solutions or optimize your current operations with automation, we provide the support and mentorship necessary to help you scale your business effectively and sustainably.
As we wrap up this year, we want to wish you happy holidays and a prosperous new year ahead. We look forward to partnering with you in 2025 and beyond. See you next year!
