10 Automation Ideas for Restaurants

For local businesses in the restaurant industry, staying ahead of the game isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. One of the key elements in modernizing your restaurant business is implementing automatic processes which can take repetitive tasks off your plate, allowing your team to focus more on providing value to the customers. To help you navigate the plethora of tools available, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best automation tools that can help you elevate your restaurant business to the next level.

1. OpenTable

OpenTable is an innovative platform that reshapes dining experiences for better customer engagement. The tool offers numerous features, including online reservations, customer management, and marketing solutions, making it a comprehensive suite for restaurant automation. A major time-saver, it frees up your staff’s time which can be utilized in enhancing the dining experience for your customers.

OpenTable’s seamless experience and time-saving attributes make it a top choice for restaurateurs looking for software to streamline their restaurant operations.

2. Podium

An essential tool for the restaurant industry, Podium offers some of the best automation features. Integrating Missed Call Follow Up Automation and Webchat Auto-responder Automation, Podium ensures you never lose a potential customer due to a missed call or an unattended webchat.

With Podium, you can efficiently manage your online presence, communicate with customers, and gather reviews, thereby enhancing your customer service and increasing your online visibility. Its powerful automation features make it crucial as a comprehensive tool to manage your restaurant business effectively.

3. Square POS

Square POS is an all-in-one point-of-sale solution for restaurant businesses. It not only supports sales, reporting, and inventory management but also offers comprehensive features like employee management and customer databases. Its automatic features make the transaction process smoother and faster.

We appreciate Square POS for its robust features and its ability to handle high volumes of transactions, essential for busy restaurants.

4. Restaurant365

Restaurant365 is a cloud-based software solution specifically designed for restaurant operations. The software can automate several processes, such as accounting, ordering, scheduling, and reporting.

In our opinion, Restaurant365 outshines several other management software due to its customized features for each restaurant, helping to boost profit margins and reduce costs.

5. GrubHub

GrubHub is a popular food delivery app. By listing your restaurant on GrubHub, you can automate the process of taking online food orders, saving your staff’s time from manually taking phone calls for orders.

GrubHub is our pick on the strength of its vast delivery network which significantly expands the reach of your restaurant, increasing the possibilities for more orders and revenues.

6. xtraCHEF

xtraCHEF helps automate your restaurant’s entire supply chain management. From digitizing invoices to providing detailed reports on your expenditures, xtraCHEF gives you a complete command over your inventory.

At Podium, we stand by xtraCHEF as its detailed analytics help restaurant owners in making informed decisions, leading to cost savings and increased profitability.

7. Trello

Trello is an effective tool for managing collaborative tasks in your restaurant. From daily chores such as scheduling to bigger projects like planning events or menu changes, Trello keeps your team organized and aligned.

Trello’s ability to coordinate all departments makes it an essential tool for the smooth operation of your restaurant.

8. Canva

Canva allows you to create stunning graphics for your restaurant. Keep your brand fresh and relevant with automated templates, making the job of designing significantly easier.

We recommend Canva for its user-friendly features and vast collection of templates, making visually appealing content creation a breeze for restaurant owners.

9. MailChimp

MailChimp helps automate your email marketing campaigns. It allows you to design tailored newsletters and promotional emails, engaging your customers effectively and keeping your restaurant in their minds.

MailChimp is a standout tool, thanks to its in-depth analytics and exceptional emailing features, helping to drive your digital marketing efforts.

10. 7shifts

7shifts is a restaurant employee scheduling software. It automates the time-consuming process of creating and managing employee schedules while considering availability, breaks, and labor law compliance.

With 7shifts, you can rationalize your workforce operations, drive efficiency, and save labor costs, making it a highly beneficial tool for restaurant businesses.

Tap into Restaurant Automation

Getting the hang of automation once might seem daunting, but the results are worth the initial effort. These powerful tools mentioned will ultimately help to streamline your operation, improve efficiency, and enhance your customers’ experience. At Podium, we understand each restaurant is unique with its own specific needs. We’re committed to helping you find the right set of automation tools to make your restaurant thrive, so you can focus on doing what you love – serving delicious food to your patrons!