Regional quick-service chains began experimenting this year with kiosks equipped with facial recognition software. The tech allows customers to use their face to quickly launch the ordering process at a restaurant. This year, Florida-based BurgerFi expanded its facial recognition software to 23 of its 108 restaurants. CaliBurger, a fast-casual burger concept in Southern California, added facial recognition to in-store kiosks at its flagship Pasadena restaurant. Both chains use the software to recall past orders for customers. CaliBurger takes it one step further by allowing customers to securely use the technology to save customer credit card information for payment.

NRN’s 2019 prediction: While facial recognition is fun, we don't see it taking the industry by storm quite yet. It’s putting the cart before the horse, as we’re still waiting for major players like Taco Bell to roll out kiosks.

The restaurant industry is starting to strategically use apps to earn loyalty — and brand buzz.  McDonald’s and Starbucks pushed app-only promotions this year, including a revamped happy hour program at Starbucks. Panera Bread offered a new LTO, Bacon Mac & Cheese, for only delivery orders. Burger King ended the year with an app-specific stunt tied to its arch-rival, McDonald’s. To promote the revamped app, Burger King gave away a 1-cent Whopper to anyone standing within 600 feet of a McDonald’s while downloading the BK app. The stunt made the BK app the No. 1 most downloaded free app in the Apple App store in the first few days of the Dec. 4-12 promotion.

NRN’s 2019 prediction: Expect brands to use their own apps, as well as third-party apps, to drive visits through loyalty programs and ridesharing incentives.  

A few restaurants began experimenting with drone drops, including Pieology Pizzeria, a fast-casual pizza player based in Southern California. The chain plans to pursue drone delivery in Connecticut.  Flytrex, a Tel Aviv-based logistics company specializing in food drops by drone, also launched a drone delivery program at a golf course in North Dakota.

NRN’s 2019 prediction: With Uber allegedly designing a drone delivery system called UberExpress, a future of flying burgers is certain.  However, the industry faces several aviation regulation hurdles before food drops become mainstream. 

Whenever operators deploy any kind of automated technology in restaurants, the world screams labor replacement. But that’s not the only reason for the rise of burger flipping robots, self-serving bar taps and kiosks. Such technologies are also efficient and convenient.

NRN’s 2019 Prediction: With consumers demanding convenience, we expect to see more technology that simplifies ordering and payment. For example, we expect more full-service restaurants to adopt pay-at-the-table technologies - and it won’t be limited to tablets. Consumers will start to see restaurants experiment with bills delivered directly to their phone — No apps necessary.