Even before you welcome your first customers, you're already thinking about recipes, decor, staff uniforms... but have you thought about the digital arsenal that will accompany you on this new adventure? In a sector as demanding as fast food, not integrating the right digital tools from the outset means risking losing time, money and a major competitive advantage.
If you're about to open a fast-food restaurant, you've come to the right place. Discover the digital tools you need to structure your business model, streamline your operations and avoid unpleasant surprises.
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Even before you serve your first dish, your digital tools can save you time and trouble on the big day.Â
From the moment you open, the pace is fast: orders to take, receipts to manage, dishes to send to the kitchen... Every minute counts. Investing in the right digital tools at this time means avoiding setting up inefficient habits that will have to be corrected later.
Let's take an example: a restaurateur opens his establishment with a manual cash register "to keep things simple". The result? By the second day, queues, cash register errors and time wasted pulling out the day's reports. By opting for a well-configured touch-sensitive cash register from the outset, you start off on a solid footing, and your teams quickly get the hang of it.
Digitalization isn't just about "putting tablets everywhere". It's about making the right software choices to support your business model. For example, if you're counting on a high volume of takeaway orders, it's best to integrate an online ordering module or kiosk right from the opening. This will enable you to absorb the flow without needing more staff.
The first few weeks are crucial and rich in learning. But without data, it's hard to know what's working (or not). With the right tools, you can track your average ticket, your star products or your customers' waiting times, and adjust your strategy on the fly: remove a dish, simplify a combo, revise a timetable, and so on.
👉 To find out more : Outperform your competitors in 2015: digitalization as your secret weapon
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From the dining room to the kitchen, here are the essential digital tools for smooth management from day 1.
The NF525-certified touch-sensitive cash register is a digital terminal installed at the counter, which centralizes all sales and collection operations. Connected to the restaurant's other equipment, it manages orders, keeps an eye on stocks, applies prices and monitors sales activity in real time.
The order terminal is an in-room terminal, often touch-sensitive, that allows customers to select and personalize their dishes directly, without having to go through a waiter. Connected to the checkout system and the kitchen, it automatically transmits orders for fast, accurate processing.
The kiosk is particularly useful if you're opening a fast-food restaurant with few front-of-house staff.
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Online ordering is usually connected to your management system to automatically transmit orders to the kitchen or service, simplifying order-taking and extending your reach.
Please note: According to a study conducted by Afnic, the association in charge of domain name management in France, 52% of restaurant owners report an increase in sales thanks to their online presence.
The production screen, or Kitchen Display System (KDS), is a digital device installed in the kitchen which displays orders to be prepared in real time. It replaces loose scraps of paper, facilitates team coordination and optimizes workflow by centralizing all the information needed to prepare the dishes.
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A monitoring tool gives you a clear view of your business from the very first days: sales, traffic, performance, everything is controlled from a single dashboard thanks to IO Analytics.
👉 To find out more : Digitalising your restaurant: our 6-step guide
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When preparing to open a fast-food restaurant, the question of the digital budget quickly comes to the fore. And that's normal: between the cash register, the kiosk, online ordering and other tools, the envelope can climb quickly.Â
To give you an idea:Â
It's not just an expense, it's an investment. A good digital tool can save your teams precious time, avoid costly mistakes later on, improve the customer experience, and ultimately boost your sales.
Before making up your mind, take the time to compare the different business models offered by solution providers. If you're on a tight budget and want to avoid monthly installments, buying may be a good option. But beware of hidden costs, such as upgrades or maintenance.
Leasing, which is often offered with a commitment, allows you to spread the cost over several months, while keeping your equipment up-to-date. Finally, SaaS (Software as a Service) subscriptions are becoming increasingly common. You pay monthly or annually, but upgrades and support are generally included. It's a flexible, scalable model, particularly suitable if you're planning to develop several sales outlets in the future.
If you're on a tight budget, there are several solutions to help you finance the digitalization of your restaurant. Some regions offer grants or subsidies to support the digital transition of VSEs and SMEs. Don't forget to check out Bpifrance's schemes, or talk to your local chamber of commerce.
Another option is leasing or rental with a purchase option, which gives you access to equipment without putting a strain on your cash flow. Finally, some suppliers (such as Innovorder) offer turnkey opening packages, combining hardware, software and support, at preferential rates.
Don't forget to take these expenses into account as soon as you draw up your business plan. Well-thought-out and well-budgeted digitization can become a real growth lever from the very first weeks of opening.
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Once you've opened your restaurant, it's unlikely that you'll have the time or inclination to grope around for the right digital tools. So it's a good idea to do it before you launch your establishment, to facilitate your day-to-day management, maximize customer satisfaction and boost your sales.Â
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Are you looking for digital solutions that are truly adapted to the fast-food industry? Innovorder offers an all-in-one solution, designed to meet your challenges in the field, and capable of evolving with your business.
