In the restaurant business, the adage 'show, don't just tell' takes on a new meaning with technology. A guest-facing display is not digital signage; it's more of a silent maître d', the menu that does not have to be handed out, and the narrator of your brand. But when do you know that this silent ambassador needs to be refreshed? Let's chew over five tell-tale signs that scream for an upgrade.
Sign #1: Your Customers Squint More Than They Smile
The Eye Test
If your customers have to squint at your customer-facing display as if trying to decipher an ancient text, it's time to upgrade. If the display is hard to read due to resolution, size, or glare, it's not only inconvenient but also serves as a deterrent. Your guests should be left in awe of what they are seeing, not wondering what they are looking at.
Sign #2: Your Current System Is More Retro Than Classic
Tech That Stands the Test of Time Until It Doesn't
There's old-school, and then there's ancient. If your guest-facing display is sporting the look of a technology museum piece to proudly tell the tales of "good old times" in early digitalization, it's ready for an update. Modern displays come with sleek designs, intuitive touch screens, and vibrant graphics that can keep the dining experience as fresh as the ingredients do.
Sign #3: You Need Speed – and Your Display Lags Behind
Waiting Is for Food, Not for Screens
In the frantic flurry of the busy restaurant, a slow display screen is about as desirable as a delayed order. Your customer-facing display needs to deliver information quickly and smoothly enough to keep pace with your impatient, hungry diners. If delays and loading times are part of the "charm," consider this your cue to hit the upgrade button.
Sign #4: Static Menus Are Your Only Specials
Static is the New Dynamic. Not
Static menus are to a restaurant as silent films are to Hollywood—an artistic expression from another century. Customers today crave engagement and interactivity; they should be able to weigh choices as much as they might on their technology. If your guest-facing display doesn't deliver the dynamic experience that customers demand, it's time to serve up something a little more savory.
Sign #5: The Feedback Is In, and It's Not Flattering
Listening to the Chorus
Perhaps the most powerful indication to upgrade comes directly from the horse's mouth-or rather, in this case, from the feedback of customers. Are visitors complaining about how outdated your display appears to be or how devoid of useful information? When the choir of customer opinion sings a tune of upgrade, it would do well to conduct a tech orchestra that resonates with their expectations.
Overcoming Obsolescence by Oscillation
Flexibility rules in today's market and your customer-facing display should swing with the trends. With an up-to-date system, you may change promotions, menu items, and branding efforts for that fresh look synonymous with the seasonal dishes you serve. After all, stagnation is the business killer in the hospitality business, and a new customer-facing display can be just what you need to become an ally.
Conclusion: Bring the Upgrade to Life and Engage Your Guests
An upgrade to a customer-facing display at your restaurant is not merely about technology; it's more of an investment in the customer experience and, by extension, your brand reputation. With clear, dynamic, responsive displays, your guests can interact with your menu, learn about your story, and participate in what makes your restaurant unique and worth visiting again.
Are you ready for that great guest experience to become an exciting, head-turning guest-facing display? There are enough signals; it's time to elevate. Reach out to us at eatOS to learn more about what's next with the innovative, restaurant-designed technology just for restaurants like yours. Elevate the atmosphere, service flow, and highlight the beauty of culinary presentation all through color. Turn the guest experience one screen at a time!
