Our key takeaways from NRA 2025 include seeing how the restaurant industry is moving beyond the first phase of digital transformation. In this next phase, technology is not just a support function but a strategic differentiator. Conversations on the show floor were centered around cohesion, cost-efficiency, and guest-centricity. From AI adoption in kitchen operations to automation at every stage of service, it’s clear that successful brands are thinking more holistically about how technology powers their entire ecosystem.
Building the Perfect Tech Stack
The most successful operators are moving away from bolt-on tools and instead are designing connected ecosystems. The goal: a streamlined tech stack that communicates seamlessly, reduces friction, and scales with the business. A key takeaway from NRA 2025, we heard repeatedly that restaurants no longer want dozens of disconnected tools—they want unified solutions with modularity and flexibility.
This means prioritizing platforms that support open APIs, clean data sharing, and real-time updates across systems. Whether it’s a POS that communicates with kitchen screens or a loyalty program tied to mobile ordering, interoperability is no longer optional. Tech leaders emphasized the importance of building a stack that evolves alongside your business, not one that limits it.
Are You Paying for Too Many Platforms?
One of the questions that came out of the session on Building the Perfect Tech Stack was regarding operators are coming to terms with the fact that they’ve been over-purchasing technology. Emma Blecker, Director of Process and Associate Consultant at Figure 8 discussed buying overlapping tools or underutilizing some of the tools already in your stack. A recurring theme from NRA was “tech bloat,” the accumulation of solutions that don’t speak to each other or deliver clear ROI.
Smart operators are conducting internal audits to identify redundancies, measure actual usage, and assess value. Questions like “How many of our platforms are solving the same problem?” and “What percentage of functionality are we actually using?” are driving these conversations. Reducing unnecessary spend and optimizing for usability—not just features—is becoming a priority.
AI Moves from Trend to Tool—Especially in the Kitchen
Another key takeaway from NRA 2025–AI has made the leap from buzzword to business driver. Across both front and back-of-house operations, we saw practical, scalable applications of AI that are being embraced not just by innovators—but by mainstream operators.
In the front of house, AI is enabling smarter interactions. From personalized menu suggestions based on previous orders to voice-activated ordering systems, restaurants are finding new ways to drive upsell, accuracy, and speed.
In the kitchen, AI is helping with prep timing, inventory forecasting, and quality control. Tools like predictive cooking software and intelligent food safety alerts are reducing waste and improving consistency. One standout example from NRA featured a platform that predicts order volume by daypart and dynamically adjusts prep tasks—ensuring the kitchen is always one step ahead.
Automation from Back to Front of House
Automation from Back to Front of HouseAutomation was another dominant theme. While some solutions are designed to replace labor, the most compelling applications were those that augment teams—improving speed, safety, and efficiency.
Back-of-house examples included robotic fry stations, automated inventory management systems, and temperature monitoring sensors that log compliance data automatically. One standout product in this space is Connected Fresh, Their platform not only provides real-time temperature monitoring across restaurant environments, but also turns that data into actionable insights—helping operators reduce food waste, improve food safety compliance, and respond proactively to potential equipment issues. Their approach blends automation with visibility, empowering teams to prevent problems before they impact operations.
In the front of house, automation is taking the form of self-service kiosks, robotic runners, and digital waitlists that improve table turn times. Many brands are focusing on tech that frees up human staff to engage more meaningfully with guests, rather than tech that removes them from the equation entirely.
One NRA session that brought this concept to life came from WDPartners, who offered a first look at White Castle’s new prototype restaurant. The redesigned space reimagines workflows and physical layout to meet shifting customer expectations. Key takeaways included redeploying labor to enhance the customer experience—rather than just managing throughput—and designing operations that deliver the same level of service whether it’s peak hours or a quiet afternoon. It was a strong example of how restaurant design and automation are converging to create more agile, guest-centric operations.
Enhancing Guest Experience Through Streamlined Technology
Ultimately, all this innovation points to one thing: a better guest experience. Every piece of technology should reduce friction and increase satisfaction for guests. That means eliminating silos so that every touchpoint—ordering, payment, fulfillment, and feedback—feels seamless and intuitive.
Mobile-first ordering continues to dominate, with integrated loyalty programs and personalized offers baked in. Real-time updates, customized suggestions, and proactive service alerts are creating a more responsive and enjoyable experience.
Technology that benefits the guest also often benefits the team. A well-designed platform can reduce training time, minimize mistakes, and empower staff to deliver consistent service—even in high-volume environments.
Final Thoughts: Tech That Serves Both Guests and Teams
NRA reinforced what forward-thinking operators already know: technology should serve the business—not the other way around. The focus now is on intentional investment, simplified integrations, and platforms that enhance—not complicate—operations.
As AI and automation continue to mature, the winners will be those who adopt tech not just for novelty, but for impact. Whether it’s streamlining a kitchen process or improving the mobile checkout experience, each solution must help build a smarter, more guest-centric operation.