New Technology in the Restaurant
Our VP here at Foodesign, Kris Morphis, recently took part in FCSI’s Serving Up Solutions video series.
Augmented vs Virtual Reality
First let’s talk about the difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.
Augmented reality is a picture of the real space as it exists, with implementation of a computer-generated model that overlays over the top.
Think of Pokémon GO or Snapchat filters.
Virtual reality is a 3D model that you are able to immerse yourself in, and take a look at the space that you are prepping and cooking in, and how it relates to cooking equipment and prep equipment and how much space you actually have.
So the big benefit when we are designing a space is using Virtual Reality and letting the customer or the client use Virtual Reality glasses. We will sit down and look at the same picture or 3D rendering and walk through the space with them.
The way we’ve always done it is we sit down at a table and we look at a 2D drawing or blueprint of the space, and not all the time a chef or end-user understands what they’re looking at.
With Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality, we’re going to be able to walk through the space before the kitchen is actually built.
Mobile App Technology
Mobile App Technology has revolutionized the way a restaurant interacts with the customer.
From the restaurant side, businesses gain access to backend analytics and data to better understand customer behavior and preferences.
The benefits to customers are clear: they can order ahead of time. That’s a huge benefit for speed of service, especially in the fast-food industry.
Starbucks is a great example. Customers order ahead through the mobile app, and their coffee is ready when they arrive to pick it up.
New Technology in the Kitchen
One of the biggest changes in the front of house has been the rise of digital menu boards.
Digital menu boards are no longer just static displays. They create an interactive visual branding experience for restaurants.
Restaurants can update menus instantly, promote daily specials, and use animation to capture customers’ attention.
For example, in a coffee shop you might see steam rising from a cup of coffee on the screen — making the product visually appealing and engaging.
On FCSI
FCSI has been a wonderful association for me personally. I’ve been a member for a few years, and one of the biggest benefits is networking with colleagues and learning from others in the industry.
Over time, I’ve built great relationships with other professionals — even some competitors — and we often share ideas, challenges, and solutions with one another.
Thank you for watching FCSI’s Serving Up Solutions video series.
Watch the full video
If you want to learn more about AR and VR in the Foodservice world, be sure to check out our blog post: