How Handheld Tech is Speeding Up Dining - But at What Cost?
In today’s fast-paced world, dining at restaurants is beginning to resemble a sprint rather than a leisurely stroll. The introduction of handheld tablets in many dining establishments is a double-edged sword, prioritizing speed and efficiency over the personal touch of hospitality.
The Rapid Fire of Orders
It’s not uncommon for a dining experience to feel rushed, with all courses arriving faster than you can pronounce ‘crudo.’ Diners find themselves playing a hasty game of table Tetris as servers juggle dishes with urgency. The leisurely pace that once complemented spirited conversations and rhythmic culinary flow is rapidly fading.
Tech Over Tradition
The handheld point-of-sale (POS) systems are being heralded by many restaurant operators for their efficiency. Introduced widely by companies like Toast, these devices cut table turn times by 15% to 20%, facilitating an economic boost. However, restaurateurs like Colleen Booth and Doug Biederbeck argue that tech efficiency undermines the dining connection. Booth particularly treasures the moments of pause and conversation between courses, a sentiment echoed by diners hanging onto traditional service customs.
Balancing Speed with Hospitality
Not all have succumbed to the soulless efficiency of handheld tech. Restaurateur Tim Stannard’s hybrid model seeks to merge efficiency with traditional hospitality. By training staff in etiquette while using handhelds, Stannard demonstrates that technology doesn’t have to replace care. In his restaurant, service maintains a sense of intentionality, allowing guests those cherished moments to savor and socialize even as efficiency shadows the dining room.
A Culmination of Moments
While technology races to prioritize profit margins, restaurateurs like Booth and Stannard advocate for preserving the integrity and tranquility of dining experiences. When servers subtly ensure dining doesn’t become a fleeting montage of forgotten flavors, guests leave with not just meals but memories.
As stated in The San Francisco Standard, it’s clear the infusion of technology in dining needs to be a balanced act — where efficiency meets empathy, and service transcends speed, all without diminishing the essence of shared meals and cherished moments.
