November 2024

Last month, a diverse group of restaurant operators along with Flybuy executives gathered for an insightful forum featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. The event was packed with forward-thinking discussions on the latest industry trends, operational challenges, and game-changing technologies designed to enhance both customer experience and bottom-line results.

Keynote Address: Industry Trends & Economic Outlook

The workshop kicked off with a compelling keynote by Chad Moutray, Ph.D., CBE, Vice President of Research and Knowledge at the National Restaurant Association. Dr. Moutray gave an in-depth analysis of the state of the restaurant industry, offering a detailed overview of the current economic climate and its impact on the foodservice sector. He highlighted key industry challenges, emerging opportunities, and the crucial economic factors shaping the future of dining.

Restaurant Trends & Challenges

The discussions that followed the keynote addressed several critical themes affecting restaurant operators today. Among the key takeaways were:

  1. Technological Adaptationscan loyalty at ordering kiosk
    Integrating new technology without losing sight of brand culture or customer relationships is a delicate balance. Operators need to ensure that tech solutions enhance the guest experience rather than overshadow the personal touch that diners expect.
  2. Loyalty Programs
    Restaurants are shifting away from discount-heavy loyalty programs to ones that deliver real value and deeper engagement. Building meaningful, long-term loyalty initiatives will be key to retaining customers and boosting brand loyalty.
  3. Real-Time Operational Insights
    As the demand for speed and accuracy increases, the need for robust tools to manage and monitor order statuses, potential downtimes, and service disruptions has never been more urgent. Real-time insights are essential for maintaining operational efficiency and meeting customer expectations.
  4. Customer Communication
    Engaging with customers beyond the transaction is increasingly important, especially for off-premise diners. Finding innovative ways to communicate and stay connected with guests after the meal is crucial for driving repeat business.

What's New at Flybuy: Enhancements & Innovations

The second half of the workshop focused on new solutions and product updates from Flybuy:

  1. Lookout
    A new solution aimed at preventing revenue loss by ensuring that all online ordering channels remain active. Lookout consolidates online orders and promptly alerts staff if any order channel is paused or goes offline. Real-time notifications allow teams to quickly reactivate channels and prevent lost revenue. Learn more here.
  2. Auto Order Fire
    This feature automates the firing of orders based on a customer’s proximity to the restaurant and the required prep time for specific items. This ensures that orders are processed at the right time, optimizing kitchen efficiency and order fulfillment.
  3. Dashboard Enhancements
    Flybuy has improved its dashboard to give operators greater visibility into order status. A new option allows for better Canceled Order Visibility, making it easy to track and manage cancellations. Additionally, Order Batching visually groups orders that are picked up by the same driver within a given timeframe, streamlining the pickup process.
  4. Voice & Text Check-In
    This innovative feature caters to customers who may not want to use an app or web interface. When customers call or text upon arrival, they will receive instant confirmation and instructions without disrupting the staff, ensuring swift delivery of their order. Learn more here.
  5. Order Status Trackercourse correct
    Customers can now track the progress of their orders in real time, from placement to fulfillment. This provides transparency and reassurance, especially for off-premise diners who rely on timely updates for their takeout or delivery orders.
  6. Course Correct
    A smart tool that detects when customers arrive at the wrong pickup location and redirects them to the correct one. This feature reduces costly remakes or refunds, enhancing the overall efficiency of the order pickup process. Learn more here.

The workshop was a great success, providing valuable insights and innovative solutions to help restaurants navigate the challenges and opportunities of the ever-evolving foodservice landscape. Attendees left the workshop with practical takeaways and actionable strategies that will help them adapt, grow, and succeed in the fast-paced world of dining.