The hottest trends suggest that payments, digital engagement, and omnichannel experiences are the new growth drivers in restaurants.
The Future of Restaurant Tech Is Frictionless
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Digital Engagement Comes First
of restaurants report their top goal is improving digital customer engagement.
61%
Data & analytics
Digital strategy
Data security
Sustainability
Artificial intelligence
64%
39%
33%
56%
47%
L’Oreal is just one brand using generative AI as a bridge to the future — or at least as a way to get there faster. The beauty leader recently revealed it is using generative AI models to fuel discoveries in particular chemical formulations, run tests on how to best use renewable ingredients, and train the models with a view to personalizing products and tailoring them closer to consumers’ needs and wants.
“As part of our digital transformation program, this [generative AI] partnership will extend the speed and scale of our innovation and reformulation pipeline, with products always reaching higher standards of inclusivity, sustainability, and personalization.” — Stéphane Ortiz, Head of Innovation Métiers and Product Development, L'Oreal Research and Innovation
31%
57%
of restaurants are already using or plan to add biometric payments (face pay, palm pay) in 2025, reflecting an upward trajectory over the past three years.
of guests now prefer alternative payment methods — tap-to-pay, digital wallet, biometrics, QR code — over traditional bank cards, a rising trend over the past five years.
Trend #1:
Payments Power More Than Checkout
Trend #2:
Restaurants that implement a frictionless, secure checkout (like Apple’s one-tap solution) have seen up to a 70% increase in loyalty sign-ups.
100% of restaurants in HT’s 2025 POS Software Trends Study said supporting omnichannel ordering — in-store, online, and mobile — is a top priority.
Consistency, convenience, and flexibility are non-negotiable.
The Rise of Frictionless Payments
Trend #3:
Reality Check:
Few Restaurants Are Leading the Pack
Restaurants identifying as “leaders” or “early adopters” in key tech areas:
Conclusion
Data points are from Hospitality Technology's 2025 Restaurant Technology Study & 2025 POS Software Trends Study.
Restaurants need a true technology partner to deliver:
Frictionless payments
Seamless omnichannel experiences
Stronger digital engagement
Loyalty growth
