2024 is poised to be the year of the bounceback for restaurants. QSR operators spent most of 2023 trying to figure out how to adjust and run a successful business in our post-pandemic world… with a considerable amount of trial and error. Questions were answered and problems were beginning to be solved. 2024 is the year to bring it home. To rise above challenges, we’ve highlighted trends that can help you stay on course.
Trend #1
Increased Focus on Consumer Engagement
Consumers have many choices when it comes to eating out. With customization and being the driver for almost everything we do on our phones and online, it makes sense for QSRs to double down on their efforts and push it further.
Rewards points are no longer the differentiator, they’ve become the standard. Brands need to start using the data they’ve collected from app orders and reward members to customize what customers can gain with their points. A gamified approach can empower customers, giving them a sense of achievement when they spend their earnings.
An example of harnessing the power of personalization is Burger King’s “Million-Dollar Whopper” Campaign. They are calling on their customers to create an account through their website app and submit their Whopper concept. All participants can add up to eight toppings, making the personalization and customization an enticing attribute. After they finish, they’ll receive an AI-generated version of their Whopper, a jingle, and a background. Not to mention that three winners will get their sandwich featured on the menu and one winner will win $1M.
A new trend that caught our eyes was the endless aisle. It’s more of a retail solution but the same can apply to QSRs. Adding QR codes to menu items can boost customer engagement. It not only shows the menu online but also suggests meal pairings and provides information about ingredient sources. People want dining out to be an experience. By tailoring their rewards to their preferences, brands can strengthen their relationship with their customers.
Trend #2
Emphasis on Training Staff on Customer Interaction
Our second trend goes back to basics and focuses on staff. Customers now expect great experiences in the digital age, so staff must offer exceptional service to create return customers. 2023 was spent on building up brands and brand loyalty. 2024 must be spent on building up customer relationships. It’s important to listen to customer feedback and suggestions, and then make small fixes and adjustments when they call for them.
When dining in is becoming less frequent and pick-up is increasing in popularity, it’s important to make sure that both lanes are well taken care of and maintained. Adding a separate station for pick-up to reduce wait time is a perfect way to engage customers and make the pick-up process seamless. In terms of in-person dine-in experience, Chik-fil-A does a great job of making guests feel attended to and taken care of. As you eat, they’ll have an employee, dedicated to catering to your needs. If you need any refills, more sauce, etc., they will accommodate. This type of personal experience can differentiate a QSR from competitors.
Trend #3
Adoption of AI in Every Facet of Business
AI shouldn’t be placed into one category of our business. Hauke Feddersen, VP of Operations at PreciTaste, says “AI is the best way to accelerate and optimize your business. Data-driven operations increase labor efficiency so managers can focus more on the customer experience and quality. We’re seeing an uptick in interest in AI and we only expect that to grow as operators are looking for ways to increase their bottom line.”
By incorporating AI-driven kitchen management solutions, like PreciTaste, into your infrastructure, you can use predictive AI and real-time crew guidance to ultimately improve your outputs. Are you interested in transforming your kitchen with the power of AI? Visit our Let’s Connect page to book a demo with our team.