Restaurants Reach a Technology 'Turning Point' Rooted in Simplicity Editor’s note: This is the sixth, and final, story in a multi-part series that looked into the state of full-service restaurants for the coming year. The first part explored finances. The second, labor. The third, inventory and menus. The fourth, delivery and takeout. And the fifth, marketing and loyalty platforms. As we move on to broader technology trends, it’s […]

#Restaurants Reach a #Tech 'Turning Point' Rooted in Simplicity | #FSRMagazine
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11 Top Restaurant Leaders on the Trends That Will Define 2026 In our 2026 lookahead pieces so far, we’ve explored tech trends, more trends (a lot of tech), and examined why investor sentiment remains shaky as the calendar prepares to turn, as well as tap the insight of two former Sonic Drive-In executives on AI and transformation. Now, we’ll open the floor to a host of […]

11 Top #Restaurant Leaders on the Trends That Will Define 2026 | #FSRMagazine zurl.co/oimA3

The 2026 Tech Forecast: Why Voice AI Will Become Mission-Critical for Independent Restaurants There’s little doubt AI and tech are top-of-mind headed into 2026. Here are some predictions on what to expect. Prediction 1: Voice AI Becomes Mission-Critical Infrastructure for Independent Restaurants Over the next 12 months, voice AI will shift from “nice-to-have” to essential infrastructure for independent and small multi-unit restaurants. We’re seeing independents and operators with […]

Why #Voice #AI Will Become Mission-Critical for Independent #Restaurants | #FSRMagazine zurl.co/9qvtJ

How Barcelona Wine Bar is Bringing Back Old-School Hospitality While QR codes and AI-powered efficiency dominate headlines, the CEO of Barcelona Wine Bar is doing something radically countercultural: bringing restaurants back to their roots by prioritizing warmth, conversation, and community over convenience. Adam Halberg wants guests to understand that at its core, Barcelona Wine Bar is an immersive gathering spot for folks to eat, […]

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How to Find Red Flags in Restaurant Tech Adoption Restaurant technology is quickly evolving. What was once a competitive advantage has become a basic necessity. Operators recognize the need for digital tools to attract guests, streamline operations, and maintain profitability, but the path to selecting the right partner isn’t always clear. With so many platforms making bold promises and offering tempting discounts, it’s easy […]

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Pros and Cons of Working in the Gig Economy The Pew Research Group found that in 2021, 16 percent of American adults worked through an online gig platform, such as Uber, TaskRabbit, or Instacart.

Pros and Cons of Working in the #GigEconomy #Restaurants | #FSRMagazine zurl.co/zIx4n

Unlocking Restaurant Potential: What Your Team Needs from Tech to Thrive Toast’s 2025 Restaurant Employee Survey (based on a blind national survey of 624 restaurant workers) offers a clear roadmap for operators: your team isn’t seeking fleeting gimmicks. They want stability, respect, and technology that genuinely simplifies their work and enhances their earnings. While restaurant staff love the camaraderie and flexible hours, they are still frustrated […]

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Why PopStroke is Poised for a Tech-Fueled Growth Push Greg Bartoli’s PopStroke might just be the fastest-growing concept among its peer set, having hit 240 percent unit expansion since January 2023. The 2018-founded brand, which received an equity investment from Tiger Woods’ TGR Ventures in late 2019, is up to 17 stores, with Nos. 18, 19, and 20 on deck. Markets from central Orlando […]

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Roberta Frierson on Using AI and Empathy to Steer Bar Louie Forward After working for Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) for nearly 15 years and building up her chops in information technology, Roberta Frierson joined the Bar Louie team in late 2021 at senior vice president of technology and digital strategy, taking the reins of tech strategy and operations impacting 48 restaurants (31 corporate and 17 […]

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