How to automate restaurant business: 16 ways, tools & more

In the restaurant business, margins are razor-thin—usually hovering between 3% to 5%. Every misstep, inefficiency, or manual error? It’s like leaving money on the table. And in an industry where time is money (even more than most), those seconds add up fast.

That’s why automation is a game-changer. 

76% of restaurants have already adopted at least three automated tools. Why? Because automation eliminates repetitive tasks, cuts down on errors, and gives your team the breathing room to focus on what really matters: creating exceptional dining experiences your customers will remember.

In this article, we’ll explore 16 ways to automate your restaurant operations and improving your restaurant’s efficiency.

Think: smarter inventory systems, streamlined scheduling, and tools that actually save you time. 

Ready to work less, get more done, and grow your business? Let’s get to it…

Key takeaways 

• Automation streamlines operations, reduces errors, and increases efficiency.
• 76% of restaurants use at least three automated tools, highlighting its growing adoption.
• Tools like Operandio’s digital checklists and compliance tracking simplify restaurant management.
• Automation spans ordering, scheduling, inventory, and customer engagement.
• It’s about focusing on great food and service while technology handles the rest.

Why you should adopt restaurant automation 

In an industry where efficiency and consistency can make or break your profit margins, automation helps you stay competitive by streamlining operations, improving customer experiences, and reducing overhead.

• Save time on repetitive tasks: Automating processes like inventory tracking, payroll, and scheduling frees up your staff to focus on delivering excellent service.
• Reduce errors and improve compliance: Automated systems minimize the risk of human mistakes in critical areas like food safety, inventory management, and order accuracy.
• Enhance customer satisfaction: Tools like online ordering and contactless payments make dining more convenient for customers, boosting their overall experience.
• Increase profitability: By cutting waste, improving efficiency, and optimizing labor costs, automation can directly impact your bottom line.

Adopting restaurant automation is about working smarter, not harder. It’s an investment in your restaurant’s future and a proven way to create a more efficient and scalable operation.

16 ways to automate your restaurant business  

Automation can address many of the challenges restaurant owners face daily, from managing high staff turnover to keeping up with customer expectations. Let’s dive into 16 practical ways to integrate automation into your restaurant operations.

1. Implement online ordering systems

Online ordering is no longer optional – it’s essential. With platforms like Toast or Square, customers can place orders directly through your website or app. This not only reduces the workload for staff but also minimizes errors in order-taking. 

Bonus tip: Integrate your system with delivery platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash for a seamless experience.

2. Use self-service kiosks

Self-service kiosks streamline the ordering process in fast-casual settings, giving customers control while reducing wait times. McDonald’s is probably the example we all know best here. 

Pro tip: Don’t put kiosks where your line turns into a mosh pit during the dinner rush—your staff (and customers) will thank you!

3. Automate reservation and waitlist management

Platforms like OpenTable or Resy allow you to manage reservations and waitlists digitally, reducing no-shows and optimizing table turnover. With real-time updates, customers stay informed about their reservation status without constant staff involvement.

4. Streamline inventory tracking

Manual inventory tracking is prone to errors and wastes time. Tools like MarketMan or xtraCHEF provide automated inventory management, helping you track stock levels, reduce food waste, and reorder efficiently.

5. Use automated scheduling software

Staff scheduling can be a logistical nightmare. Tools like 7shifts allow you to automate schedules, handle shift swaps, and communicate with your team in one place. This minimizes scheduling conflicts and reduces time spent on admin work.

6. Integrate customer relationship management (CRM) tools

CRMs like Upserve or BentoBox let you gather and analyze customer data, helping you personalize experiences and boost loyalty. You can take a leaf out of Starbucks’ book and send tailored promotions to customers based on their past visits or favorites.

7. Deploy digital menu boards

Digital menu boards are dynamic and easy to update, saving time and printing costs. Starbucks again shows the way here, using boards to showcase new items and promotions instantly.

8. Use automated feedback collection

Tools like Tattle or Ovation take the hassle out of collecting customer feedback. They automatically gather insights after dining experiences, making it simpler to spot (and fix) issues, before they turn into bad reviews.

9. Set up automated email and SMS marketing

Automated marketing platforms like Mailchimp or HubSpot allow you to send timely messages to customers. Think: reminders about upcoming reservations, birthday discounts, or seasonal promos.

10. Implement kitchen display systems (KDS)

KDS tools like Lightspeed simplify communication between front- and back-of-house staff. Orders appear instantly on digital screens, reducing paper waste and errors. No more lost or smudged tickets in a busy kitchen…

11. Enable contactless payments

Contactless payment systems like Korona POS or Clover speed up transactions and improve customer satisfaction – especially important post-pandemic, as many diners now expect touch-free options.

12. Use automated payroll processing

Payroll is a time-consuming yet essential task. Automation tools like Gusto or ADP handle calculations, tax filings, and payments, so you can focus on managing your team instead of crunching numbers.

13. Implement employee task reminders

Tools like Operandio provide automated task reminders, ensuring that daily / weekly cleaning schedules, food safety checks, daily restaurant checklists, and other critical tasks are completed on time. 

14. Schedule social media posts automatically

Platforms like Hootsuite or Buffer let you automate social media scheduling, giving you a consistent online presence without added stress of the scheduling and posting.

15. Automate customer loyalty programs

Loyalty platforms like Punchh or FiveStars make it easy to reward repeat customers automatically. Customers can earn points for every purchase and redeem them for discounts or freebies—without staff needing to track anything manually.

16. Enable remote temperature monitoring

Tools like Operandio automate temperature monitoring in your kitchen, ensuring compliance and preventing costly spoilage. 

These 16 automation strategies save you time, reduce errors, and improve the overall customer experience.

Automating restaurants: Operandio’s solutions

Operandio is your go-to solution for taking the chaos out of restaurant operations. With its smart restaurant automation tools, you can streamline processes, save time, and focus on growing your business. Here’s how Operandio makes it happen:

1. Digital checklists for food safety and operations

Operandio restaurant management software replaces paper-based systems with customizable digital checklists for consistent execution of tasks across all locations.

• Create and modify checklists to fit your restaurant’s specific needs.
• Assign tasks to team members with clear deadlines.
• Monitor task completion to maintain accountability.

2. Food safety task management

Maintain high food safety standards with Operandio’s task management system, designed to streamline and optimize food safety processes.

• Develop and customize digital checklists for various food safety tasks.
• Receive real-time alerts for overdue tasks or compliance issues.
• Generate automated reports to track performance and compliance.

3. Compliance tracking made easy

Stay audit-ready with Operandio’s compliance software, which centralizes all compliance-related information for easy access and management.

• Store and manage staff certifications and training records.
• Maintain digital logs of completed tasks and inspections.
• Access compliance data across multiple locations from a single platform.

“Operandio has transformed our franchise operations by replacing paper systems with a seamless, automated platform that ensures consistency, enhances communication, and simplifies compliance across 70+ locations.” Kris K. State Manager, Franchised Food Company / Cold Rock

4. Food labeling systems

Automate your food labeling process with Operandio’s integrated system, ensuring accuracy and compliance with food safety regulations.

• Generate labels with correct expiration dates and ingredient information.
• Reduce labor time and eliminate errors associated with manual labeling.
• Enhance food safety and compliance through consistent labeling practices.

5. Remote temperature monitoring

Protect your inventory with Operandio’s remote temperature monitoring, which uses intelligent wireless sensor technology.

• Monitor temperature and humidity levels of equipment.
• Receive instant SMS alerts if temperatures fall outside the appropriate range.
• Access monitoring data remotely to ensure compliance and prevent spoilage.

By integrating these solutions, Operandio helps you build a more efficient, compliant, and scalable restaurant operation.

Automate your restaurant: Other tools

On top of Operandio’s suite of solutions, here are a few other tools you might find useful:

• Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Platforms like Toast and Square simplify the order process, speed up payment, and give you valuable data to optimize operations. Online Ordering Platforms: DoorDash and Grubhub make online ordering easy by integrating directly into your system, saving you the headache of manual order entry. 
• Reservation and Table Management Software: Tools like OpenTable and Resy streamline the booking process, helping you reduce no-shows and maximize table turnover. So: fewer empty tables during prime dinner hours and fewer frustrated walk-ins waiting for a spot.
• Inventory Management Software: Apps like MarketMan and xtraCHEF help track stock levels and automate reordering. 
• Staff Scheduling Software: Platforms like 7shifts take the hassle out of managing shifts. Whether automating weekly schedules, handling last-minute swaps, or keeping your team in the loop, these tools save you time and reduce scheduling conflicts.

Together, these tools can complement systems like Operandio to create an ecosystem that runs efficiently, minimizes stress, and frees you up to focus on what really matters – delivering great food and service.

FAQs

Can fast food restaurants be automated?

Yes, fast food restaurants are already adopting automation extensively- McDonald’s, famously, being first off the blocks. From self-service kiosks and automated fryers to robotic burger assembly lines, automation helps streamline operations, reduce labor costs, and improve order accuracy. 

What restaurants use AI?

Many restaurants use AI for tasks like customer personalization, inventory management, and predictive analytics. Domino’s, for example, leverages AI for order tracking and delivery optimization. 

Automating restaurant businesses: Final thoughts 

By letting technology handle the endless safety checks and compliance management, you get to focus on what you opened your restaurant for in the first place: making customers happy, serving amazing food, and maybe- hey- maybe even getting home before midnight…

As the industry evolves, the question isn’t whether you should adopt automation – it’s how much of your business can you afford not to automate? 

The tools are here, from health safety inspection tools, to food compliance tools, and more.
The benefits are clear, and the choice is yours.

Ready to take the leap? Start automating today and unlock the full potential of your restaurant.

Request a demo of Operandio today.