ASK A QSR SPEAKER: WHAT ARE QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS?

QSR futurists, quick service keynote speakers and fast casual restaurant consultants have their work cut out for them lately. Blame an onslaught of long overdue (but equally welcome) new future trends and technology innovations that have been much anticipated by the industry. Needless to say, there’s a lot of digital transformation in the air, and QSR futurists, quick service keynote speakers are working overtime to help organizations keep up with it all. What say we look at some recent trends and evolutions that we’re seeing in the field?

For instance…

• Increased technology – More self-service kiosks, digital menus, mobile apps, and conveyor belts to facilitate ordering and pickup or so QSR futurists tell us. Think McDonald’s, Panera Bread.
• Contactless/cashierless payments – Customers can order and pay via apps to minimize contact and queues. Some locations are experimenting with cashierless stores.
• Drive-through enhancements – Double drive-through lanes, express pickup windows, and technology like sensors and digital menus to speed drive-through service.
• Delivery and takeout growth – Rising demand for convenient takeout and delivery facilitated through partnerships with third-party apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash, as we hear from the top QSR futurists, quick service keynote speakers.
• Menu innovation – New cuisine styles like Indian, Thai, Mediterranean. More fresh, healthy, customizable, and local food options. Focus on dietary preferences like vegan and gluten-free.
• Sustainability – Efforts to use eco-friendly packaging, reduce waste, and source responsibly. Brands promote sustainability initiatives.
• Experience innovations – More welcoming, modernized decor. Some adding amenities like phone charging stations, lounging areas, and play places for families.
• Off-premise expansion – Brands optimizing takeout/delivery operations with designated pickup shelves, separate make lines, and ghost or shared kitchens specifically for off-site orders.

Ask QSR futurists, quick service keynote speakers and they’ll tell you that QSRs are leveraging technology, emphasizing convenience, responding to consumer preferences, and finding new ways to engage customers as dining habits evolve.