The pandemic changed the restaurant industry. Tableside ordering, QR code menu links, curbside pickup, enhanced safety protocols: these are now part of regular operations for many restaurants. As we look toward the future, what can restaurant owners take from the last few years? What challenges and opportunities can you expect in the coming months and years?
While we certainly can’t predict the future, as a point of sale systems provider for restaurants and retail stores across the country, we know the challenges our customers are facing – and the opportunities they’re finding. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan for the next few years.
Opportunities for Post-Pandemic Restaurant Evolution
Nearly every aspect of restaurant operations was forced to change during the pandemic. Now, restaurateurs must decide which of those changes to adopt permanently.

Flexibility: Restaurants must be able to change operations quickly. A responsive point of sale system will help owners and managers remain nimble through an ever-changing environment.
Contactless Service: Employees and customers became accustomed to a contactless restaurant experience, whether dining in-house or getting takeout. Guests expect a simple way to order, pay for and pick up food seamlessly, while employees expect their employers to take all possible safety measures. Adopting a contactless process satisfies both needs.
Simplicity: Restaurant processes need to be simple and intuitive, both for customers and employees. This will make the dining experience easier and more enjoyable – and will make customers want to come back.
Future-Proof: The pandemic taught us that situations can change in a heartbeat. A custom point of sale solution can help restaurants more easily adapt to change and continue to deliver the best experience to customers.
Retail Tech carries a wide variety of new and refurbished POS hardware and equipment. We offer installation and staging, retail point of sale system repairs, and more. If you need help choosing a hybrid POS solution, contact our POS systems specialists for help finding the perfect point of sale solution for your retail store, restaurant or other small business.
Source: Toshiba Commerce, “The Four Imperatives of the Redefined Restaurant Environment”