2022
TREND TO RESTART:
MORE DIGITAL

Digital menus, accessible via QR code, were one of the aspects in which restaurant owners have invested the most. The pandemic has certainly given a push towards the digital revolution, which will not stop even in 2022. 

Social distancing due to the pandemic has led to several restrictions on the restaurant service.Thus, in particular in 2021, online ordering systems have undergone an important development thanks to the increase of apps and digital activities that have helped restaurants to stay in touch with customers, offering them the possibility to order with greater security, even online.

Along with the increase in digitisation, contactless payment, which before the pandemic was a taboo more than a need, has also now become an almost normal aspect of our daily life as it can be done with just one click, in a safe and hygienic way. It is estimated that in 2022, contactless payment will increase three times compared to current figures.

Increased reality and virtual reality are also two aspects that will be developed and applied to catering in 2022. What is it about?
Increased reality allows enhancing an activity, a dish or product with exclusive content. Not only that: increased reality can also be used to discover the ingredients used by the restaurant or obtain information on their origin. The operation is very simple: by framing an object with the camera of your phone one can access descriptions and narrations to facilitate the customer's interaction with the space that surrounds it.

Virtual reality, on the other hand, consists of an immersive experience, which uses sight and hearing and can also be interactive. For this type of experience virtual reality viewers (such as those of the cinema) are used. How can all this be adapted to restaurants? Some time ago, an Australian company had devised an application capable of making its products “talk” to listen to details and information of the chosen product on the mobile phone. A courageous idea, a creative system to offer a different gastronomic experience in your own restaurant.

It has been talked about for years, but 2022 finally seems to be its time: the robotisation boom.

The first 'robot-run' restaurant has opened in Illinois and looks to be expanding quickly, opening another 100 stores within a couple of years. Could this trend solve the staff shortage in catering? It is still too early to tell, but a collaboration system between human and robotic personnel thatwork together in perfect harmony could be the right compromise to respond to the emergency. Quality and waiting service are very important aspects, tasks that machines cannot perform. Machines can make up for a shortage of staff for some less skilled and more repetitive tasks.

BACK TO 2022: TREND TO RESTART