The right technology supplier is a game-changer for new restaurants hoping to hit the ground running with sales. Opening a restaurant is no small feat. It takes hard work, dedication, and a passion for food. While crafting a delicious menu and designing an inviting ambiance are essential aspects of starting a new eatery, one more key ingredient can make or break your success – technology. From robust communication systems to smart digital menu boards, the role of technology is pervasive and critical.   

A recent McKinsey & Company study emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong core tech infrastructure, building out advanced data and analytical capabilities, and staying at the forefront of emerging technological trends. (Stevenson, McKinsey & Company) 

Therefore, finding the right technology supplier can determine the ease with which you operate and scale your restaurant to optimize sales and save costs. But with so many technology suppliers, how do you choose the right one for your new restaurant?   

Here are some tips to keep in mind:  

1. Understand Your Needs   

Before diving into the market, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you need.  

• Noise-cancellation headsets: Especially if you have a drive-thru in high-traffic areas, it allows more precise communication between the restaurant staff and customers.   
• Drive-thru timers: Track peak hours, operations speed, and organized reports on how your business is performing  
• POS Systems: They can help with billing, inventory, and customer relationship management.  
• Reservation Systems: A reservation system might be critical if you aim for a more upscale experience.  
• Digital Menus: Enhancing the customer experience, these can change in real-time, showing when items are out of stock or highlighting new menus or daily specials.  

Understanding your needs will narrow down potential suppliers and ensure you aren’t paying for unnecessary features.  

2. Do Your Research   

With a list of requirements, it’s time to do some groundwork. Talk to fellow restaurateurs. Their hands-on experience can provide insights into which suppliers are reliable and which need to be improved. Check websites like Yelp, Google, or industry-specific platforms. However, take extreme reviews with a grain of salt and look for common patterns.  

Trade Shows and exhibitions like the Texas Restaurant Association’s annual trade shows can be gold mines, allowing you to see the tech in action and interact directly with suppliers.  

3. Prioritize Reliability and Support   

Restaurants operate extended hours, and the last thing you need is a system crash during peak dining time. Look for suppliers who can guarantee minimal downtime. It’s also important to know if the tech supplier provides round-the-clock support, predominantly if your restaurant operates beyond traditional hours.  

Your team should be proficient in using the tech tools. Look for suppliers who offer comprehensive training.  

4. Scalability is Key   

Your restaurant might start small, but as you grow, your technological needs will too. A reliable technology resource can help you add modular systems that let you add features as needed. These suppliers can help you choose suitable systems that can easily integrate with other tools you might adopt.  

5. Consider the Costs  

While it might be tempting to opt for budgeted alternatives like pre-owned technology or buying from a local non-licensed supplier, it’s essential to consider the Return on Investment (ROI) in the long run, beyond the initial purchase, factor in installation costs and any necessary infrastructure upgrades to understand the price points better.  

6. Data Security   

Securing your customers’ data is paramount with cyber threats on the rise. Ensure the technology adheres to industry standards and regulations, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).  

Suppliers should offer frequent software updates to combat new security threats. There should be backup solutions to prevent data loss in case of system failures.  

Why Hire a Local Authorized Dealer    

Opting for a local authorized technology dealer offers a unique blend of personalization, accountability, and community connection. For many restaurant owners, these localized benefits can significantly impact their tech solutions’ successful implementation and ongoing management.  

A report from Technomic, a restaurant industry market research and consulting firm, indicates that 75% of independent restaurants plan to adopt new technology in 2023. At a unit level, operators generally expect to invest up to $30K in technology next year. (Technomic, Restaurant Technology Network) 

Here are some of the advantages you should consider:  

1. Face-to-face Interaction: Meeting in person facilitates more transparent communication and understanding of your restaurant’s needs. This hands-on approach ensures you get what you’re looking for.  

2. Quick Response Times: Local authorized dealers can provide prompt services, especially when you require immediate attention or face technical glitches. This speed can be crucial in the fast-paced restaurant industry, where delays can be costly.  

3. Personalized Solutions: Local dealers have a better grasp of the regional market and can tailor solutions that fit your restaurant’s specific demographic and local preferences. The technicians can also offer valuable advice on maintaining the devices, extending their lifespan, and optimizing their performance.   

4. Better After-sales Support: Ongoing support is often more seamless with local dealers. From training your staff, maintenance, and software updates to troubleshooting, having someone nearby can be advantageous.   

5. Understanding Local Compliance and Regulations: Local dealers are more attuned to local regulations and can guide you in ensuring that your tech solutions are compliant, which can be especially important when handling payment systems and customer data.  

6. Manufacturer’s Support: Technicians trained by the manufacturer often have direct lines of communication with the manufacturer’s support teams, ensuring they can consult on complex issues and get insights outside technicians wouldn’t have access to.   

Business Sound & Communication Is a Trusted Local Authorized Technology Provider   

Business Sound and Communications (BSC) is your quintessential local authorized dealer for all your restaurant’s technology requisites. With an impressive track record over three decades, BSC has showcased unmatched proficiency in installing and maintaining drive-thru communication systems from industry leaders such as Panasonic, PAR, and HME.   

Their expertise is not limited to communication equipment; BSC boasts comprehensive knowledge in single-lane drive-thru equipment, encompassing aspects like communication cabling, magnetic loop car sensors, speakers, and cutting-edge digital menu boards and signages. Their commitment to quality is unwavering, as demonstrated by their exclusive use of authentic manufacturer’s parts.  

Serving the bustling metro markets of Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, BSC’s expansive offerings also include popular additions like security and surveillance systems, adding an extra layer of safety and oversight for restaurants. For more information, visit our website or contact us at (281) 590-3400. 

It’s Time to Make the Right Choice  

Investing in a reputable local authorized dealer for your restaurant technology can play a pivotal role in streamlining operations, enhancing customer experience, and ensuring consistent technological support.   

An authorized dealer who is well-versed in the local market ensures a more tailored, efficient, and responsive approach to your restaurant’s unique needs. Over time, such a partnership reduces unforeseen costs related to tech mishaps and fosters growth through reliable and up-to-date technology solutions.    

So, prioritize your tech infrastructure and continuously evaluate and upgrade it to stay ahead of the game. Let your technology be the driving force behind your restaurant business growth! 

Works Cited: 

“Cooking up Extraordinary Growth for Restaurants during a Downturn.” Edited by Seth Stevenson, McKinsey & Company, 12 Jan. 2023, www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/cooking-up-extraordinary-growth-for-restaurants-during-a-downturn. 

Technomic, Study. “Study: 75% of Independent Restaurants Plan to Adopt New Technology in 2023.” Hospitality Technology, 28 Sept. 2022, hospitalitytech.com/study-75-independent-restaurants-plan-adopt-new-technology-2023.