Recommendation

In addition to increasing staffing and inventory orders, the biggest preparation tactic leaders are taking is increasing their investment in technology. Sixty percent said they are investing in more technology to handle increased business and avoid operational challenges this summer. How you can do the same:

Consider reorganizing your floor plan and adding outdoor seating to accommodate more guests. With the Square for Restaurants POS, you can use your Square Dashboard to create multiple floor plan layouts for different service periods, like lunch or dinner.

Streamline operations between your front- and back-of-house staff by incorporating a kitchen display system. The Square Kitchen Display System automatically sends tickets to your food prep staff as orders come through in person or online.

Offer guests the option to order via QR codes or kiosks to help lines move quicker. Plus, handheld POS systems like Square Terminal can help your team take payments and turn over tables faster.

Mat Pond, co-owner of The Epicurean Trader, a multi-location grocer and cafe in San Francisco, explained how his restaurant relies on technology to speed up processes during busy times. “When we have long physical lines, customers like the ability to skip the line, scan a QR code, and place their orders. Then we communicate via text that the order's ready for pickup.”