But we\u2019ll look at a mini case study instead, because \u2013 as they say \u2013 the proof is in the pudding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Or in this case, the Biscuits.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chad and Lauren Coulter, CEOs of Biscuit Belly, opened their first biscuit-filled location in 2018<\/span><\/a>, launching the franchising process not long after in 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fast forward to 2023 \u2014 only 5 years after the first Biscuit Belly opened \u2014 and the brand has grown<\/span><\/a> to 4 corporate locations and over 20 franchised units, with more franchises on the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When Chad Coulter was asked about his rapid success and growth, his secret wasn\u2019t a stellar biscuit recipe or frying chicken crispier than the colonel\u2019s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It was investing<\/span><\/a> in restaurant technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, now you know why<\/em> you should invest in restaurant technology\u2026 but you need to know when<\/em> to do it, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, the answer to this question is straightforward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should be investing in new restaurant technology if: <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Your current restaurant technology is outdated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Your current restaurant technology isn\u2019t meeting your needs anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. You don\u2019t have <\/em>any restaurant technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you fit these criteria, the \u201cwhen\u201d will vary from restaurant to restaurant and depends on a range of factors like your needs and your budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter where you fall on the tech spectrum, remember: <\/p>\n\n\n\n While things like food-making robots are incredibly <\/em>cool, you don\u2019t need the shiniest, fanciest, or most expensive restaurant tech to start seeing results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re updating your old restaurant technology or starting from scratch, the number of restaurant tech options out there can be overwhelming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why we recommend narrowing your focus to a few types of restaurant technology that we know<\/em> guests love, and restaurateurs see success with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From 2017 to 2021<\/span><\/a>, the market for food delivery almost tripled in the United States, with no signs of slowing down in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But for restaurants, that skyrocketing delivery rate isn\u2019t all good news. The use of third-party apps for online ordering increased by 10%<\/span><\/a> from 2022 to 2023\u2026 which means that third-party fees, commissions, and additional costs for restaurant owners increased, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, how do you get the best of both worlds?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You lean on the capabilities of restaurant technology and create a direct ordering system<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Direct ordering systems are a great way to reduce third-party fees and retain ownership of guest data and information by allowing your guests to order straight from your restaurant through your website \u2013 but the benefits don\u2019t end there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adopting this type of restaurant technology can also free up staff from order-taking, automate upsells and extras, and offer personalized suggestions that make your guests feel seen. A win on literally every front (of-house). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Considering over 300 million<\/span><\/a> Americans have a smartphone in their hand at any given time, if apps aren\u2019t your next restaurant technology investment, they should be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Creating a dedicated mobile app<\/span><\/a> is one of the best (and easiest) ways to meet your guests where they\u2019re already at. As your future <\/em>guest is doomscrolling through TikTok, it only takes a few swipes to switch apps, place an order, and head out the door\u2026 and they barely need to lift a thumb. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another great benefit of investing in a custom-branded app<\/span><\/a> is that the restaurant tech offers more than one solution. It enables easy, mobile-first ordering, and <\/em>it opens up the possibility of creating a loyalty program for your restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Loyalty programs<\/span><\/a> can keep guests engaged by offering rewards and incentives that keep them happy and, well\u2026 loyal.<\/em> Plus, if we\u2019ve learned anything from Domino\u2019s or Starbucks’<\/span><\/a> loyal fan bases, it\u2019s that a mobile app can make a world<\/em> of financial difference for restaurants, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for restaurant technology that streamlines operations while upgrading ordering capabilities, a self-serve kiosk<\/span><\/a> is a top-tier option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Installing self-serve kiosks is a solid option for restaurateurs trying to reallocate labor. By letting guests place their own orders, you can free up staff from standing at a POS system, allowing them to do more important tasks like customer service (things a kiosk could never<\/em> replace). <\/p>\n\n\n\n And, when you remove the \u201cmiddle person\u201d from the order-taking process, guests actually get their food much faster, since the kiosk sends their orders directly to the kitchen to start prepping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Restaurant tech like kiosks are great for freeing up time\u2026 but they\u2019re also exactly what guests want, anyway! 64% of in-person diners<\/span><\/a> prefer<\/em> digital ordering options like kiosks, so choosing this restaurant tech shows your guests that you hear them and want their experience to be a good one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Biscuit](\"https:\/\/www.getcraver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/biscuit-belly.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen Should I Invest In New Restaurant Technology? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What Types of Restaurant Technology Should I Be Looking At? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Online Ordering Systems <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Craver's](\"https:\/\/www.getcraver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/online-ordering-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. Mobile Apps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Craver's](\"https:\/\/www.getcraver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/craver-apps-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Self-Serve Kiosks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Craver's](\"https:\/\/www.getcraver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/craver-kiosk.png\")
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