Our insights from FSTEC 2024 are not terribly innovative, but they are powerful. Attending FSTEC 2024 was a powerful reminder that while technology continues to shape the future of the restaurant industry, the real value lies in how we use that technology.
The most meaningful insights weren’t about the latest innovations, but about the underlying principles that make these technologies work. The event highlighted three critical lessons for navigating the road ahead:
- the importance of partnerships that focus on solving business problems,
- the need to keep the guest experience front and center, and
- the foundational role of good data in leveraging AI for smarter decision-making.
These lessons are our insights from FSTEC 2024 and the keys to future success in an industry where tech is only part of the solution.
Reinforcing the Value of Partnerships
One of the strongest themes at FSTEC 2024 was the emphasis on partnerships that go beyond selling technology—the technology must solve real business problems. Rather than being a platform for endless product pitches, the event showcased how meaningful, business-focused conversations are reshaping the relationship between tech partners and restaurant operators. The dialogue centered around how technology can be a tool for improving efficiency, enhancing guest experiences, and solving operational challenges, rather than technology for its own sake.
Throughout the event, there were numerous examples where strategic partnerships led to tangible results for restaurants. One case highlighted how a collaboration between a major POS provider and a restaurant chain addressed a recurring issue with slow service during peak hours. Instead of merely upgrading the hardware, the tech partner worked closely with the restaurant to analyze the root causes—ultimately designing a customized solution that streamlined the ordering process and reduced wait times.
These partnerships are successful because they focus on long-term, solution-oriented outcomes rather than transactions. By working together to solve operational challenges, restaurant operators and tech partners can create more effective solutions that not only improve day-to-day performance but also support strategic growth.
This is a great reminder that the future of any business relationship will be built on partnerships that are focused on addressing real-world needs, not just selling the latest technology.
Guest Experience Over Technology
No one goes to a restaurant for its technology. While tech can play a supporting role, it should never overshadow the core elements of hospitality. The ultimate goal of any technology implementation should be to enhance the guest experience and not create friction.
Whether it’s ordering, paying, or interacting with staff, technology should be invisible to the guest, seamlessly working in the background to make the experience smoother, more enjoyable, and more efficient.
One of the key ways technology can improve the guest experience is by simplifying the working life of team members. When employees have tools that make their jobs easier, they can spend more time engaging with guests and resolving issues. For example, advanced POS systems can quickly alert staff to common service problems, such as a backup in the kitchen or delays at the grill, allowing them to proactively address these challenges before they impact the guest. By automating mundane tasks and streamlining operations, technology frees up employees to focus on what really matters—delivering excellent service.
Maintaining empathy for the guest experience at every stage of tech implementation is essential. Restaurant operators need to consistently ask themselves, “What does this feel like for the guest?” This mindset ensures that any new technology is used to empower staff to enhance the guest experience.
Strategies like user-friendly employee training programs and seamless integration of systems are key to making sure technology is a tool used for improving service, not an additional burden. Ultimately, when technology empowers staff to perform better, guests feel the positive impact, resulting in a better overall dining experience.
Building a Solid Foundation for AI and Data-Driven Decisions
One of the most forward-looking discussions at FSTEC 2024 centered around the importance of good data. Good data is the foundation for the next era of AI advancements in the restaurant industry.
As AI continues to evolve, it’s becoming clear that its benefits depend on the quality of the data it’s built upon. Panelists in a few sessions emphasized that restaurants with accurate, well-structured data are better positioned to leverage AI to make smarter, faster decisions that enhance both operations and guest experiences.
To prepare for AI’s growing role, restaurants must first ensure that their data is clean, consistent, and organized. Without a strong data foundation, AI-powered tools will struggle to provide reliable insights or meaningful predictions.
Restaurants will need to collect and integrate data from multiple sources, whether it’s POS transactions, inventory systems, or customer feedback. This consolidated data can then be used to optimize operations, from reducing food waste to streamlining labor management, and to personalize guest interactions based on preferences and past behaviors.
There are examples of real-world applications of data-driven decision-making already transforming the industry. For instance, large chains like Domino’s are leveraging data to predict demand and adjust staffing levels in real-time. By analyzing past sales, weather patterns, and local events, AI helps the brand optimize operations to better meet customer needs while minimizing waste. Similarly, Starbucks is using data to personalize marketing and recommend products to individual customers based on their purchase history, driving higher engagement and loyalty.
Several sessions also explored the potential future applications of AI, all of which rely heavily on quality data. From predictive maintenance of kitchen equipment to AI-driven menu recommendations tailored to individual guests, the options are endless. However, the success of these innovations depends on the restaurant’s ability to gather, store, and analyze data effectively. As AI continues to shape the future of restaurant operations, those who have invested in building a solid data foundation will be the ones leading the way in terms of outcomes.
Next Steps
Our insights from FSTEC 2024 don’t focus specifically on technology. While it’s an essential tool, its real value lies in how it supports the broader goals of the business and enhances human interaction.
Restaurants and tech solution partners that prioritize these lessons will be better equipped to thrive in the future. Technology has to have a purpose and drive targeted business outcomes.
At Worldlink, we have always engaged as partners because we’re focused on long-term relationships and delivering value well beyond the task at hand so our partners can focus on their core business. If this sounds like the kind of business partnership your organization is looking for, please contact us to learn more.