The Digital Transformation In Fast Casual and QSR Summit recently concluded in Chicago. They describe it as “This 2-day summit will connect you with both emerging and nationwide restaurant leaders. Discuss, debate, identify, and utilize this ongoing change within the industry while gaining the best technological insights to adopt and implement within your organization.”
The Digital Transformation In Fast Casual and QSR Summit was a small but impactful event with good content, good people and good networking. I also REALLY enjoyed the cocktail hour and smashed burger cooking contest… even if I didn’t win!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- THE OLD MODEL IS OVER
There is no going backwards. We are not returning to any state pre-pandemic or even mid pandemic. Customer expectations have changed and restaurants need to rethink, reinvent and reinvigorate their service model and menus by implementing meaningful digital transformation in their restaurants.
- EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE IS THE NEW LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
It doesn’t matter where you are, what you do or what you serve, if the experience isn’t an awesome you missed the mark. People aren’t buying food, they’re buying an experience. My advice: determine if you’re a convenience brand, an experiential brand or both and then adjust everything you do to be more convenient or a better experience.
- LISTEN TO THE COMMODORES
Making a reservation, placing an order, getting another drink, resolving an issue, giving you feedback … if it ain’t easy like Sunday morning, it needs revision. Did you know that you can add a Tesla into a cart in just two clicks? You can buy almost anything on Amazon in just three actions. Make it super easy.
- THE CUSTOMER JOURNEY > OPERATIONS
Most restaurants prioritize operations, costs, their four walls, etc. That’s all important but if it doesn’t enhance the experience or the ease of transacting with you, it’s a lower priority.
- TIKTOK
Does your Instagram engagement suck? That’s because your guests are on TikTok and if they are on Instagram, they’re consuming TikTok style content. Grab my ebook, TikTok for Restaurants: https://bit.ly/tiktok4r
- WEB3
If you’re not already thinking about web3 for your brand, you’re already behind what your guests are interested in. Start doing your research.
- TECHNOLOGY IS NOT INNOVATION
Technology is not innovation. Innovation is how you develop your culture and guest experience. Technology is how you execute your culture in a better, faster and more efficient way.
One of my favorite quotes from the entire event comes from Andy Hooper from &pizza, “Build by design, not by default.”
WHAT TOOLS DO YOU NEED?
Here are some incredible tools that can help you with accomplishing digital transformation in your restaurant:
- Bikky – guest behavior insights, segmentation and personalize email automations
- Devour – NFTs for restaurants
- Marqii – Listings and reputation management with a result of higher search rankings on sites like google, Yelp, Facebook, TripAdvisor, foursquare, Bing, Yahoo, Alexa, Siri, Apple Maps … and more
- Ovation – frictionless guest feedback, 3rd party conversion and sms marketing
- Targetable – software based, done for you digital marketing including paid ads, email, reputation management, organic social media, WiFi, local SEO and more
- Spendgo – easy to implement loyalty with high redemption rates
Want to know my exact thoughts about the event?
If you were at the QSR Summit, what did you take away?
P.S. If you want to make friends at tradeshows, bring several dozen donuts from Firecakes donuts to hand out!
Thanks for reading to the bottom. You are my favorite and that’s why I take the time to write and share this kind of info … I’m here to help you. Connect with me on Instagram or LinkedIn if you have any questions about these trends for digital transformation in the restaurant industry!
