5 Game-Changing Tools to Automate Your Restaurant in 2026
M
Maria
Dec 17, 2025
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The UK hospitality industry is evolving faster than ever, and restaurant owners are feeling the pressure. Rising labour costs, unpredictable demand, and shifting customer expectations have made efficiency more important than anything else.
The good news is that automation is no longer complicated or expensive. With the right tools, restaurants can work smarter, serve faster, and deliver better customer experiences without increasing staff workloads.
As we move through 2026, several technologies are standing out as must-have solutions for restaurants that want to stay competitive. From smarter payments to digital ordering, these innovations help streamline operations from the front counter to the kitchen.
Below are five of the most impactful tools every restaurant should consider adopting this year.
A QR Code ordering system has quickly become one of the simplest and most effective ways to modernise restaurant service. Customers simply scan a QR code on their table or menu card, browse your digital menu, customise their selections, and place an order directly from their phone.
No waiting for staff. No delays. No missed items.
This approach improves the dining experience by speeding up service, reducing errors, and helping staff manage more tables with less stress. For takeaways and cafes, it also helps reduce queues by letting customers place their order before they reach the counter.
The real magic happens when the QR system connects with your POS system and kitchen display screens. Once an order is placed, it goes straight to the kitchen for preparation, creating a seamless workflow from start to finish.
Direct, commission-free orders are becoming essential for restaurant profitability. With third-party aggregators charging significant fees, more UK restaurants are turning to their own online ordering systems to attract customers directly.
A strong online ordering setup offers:
Customers want convenience, and giving them a fast and reliable way to place orders online helps increase repeat business. It also gives restaurants more control over promotions, pricing, and customer data.
When your online ordering system is connected with other tools, such as your POS system and kitchen displays, it removes manual entry and helps orders flow straight into the kitchen without mistakes.
An ordering kiosk is one of the most effective automation tools for restaurants with high foot traffic. Whether you’re operating a fast-casual outlet, a takeaway, or a quick-service location, kiosks help reduce wait times and ease pressure on staff.
Here’s what a modern kiosk does:
In 2026, kiosks are becoming even more popular because of their strong integration with payment systems, kitchen screens, and the main POS. They improve order accuracy and efficiency, while giving customers more control over their ordering experience.
Every automated restaurant relies on a powerful POS system. It acts as the command centre for your entire operation, tying together online orders, QR orders, kiosk orders, delivery tools, and in-store transactions.
A smart POS in 2026 should offer:
What makes a modern POS essential is not just speed, but how well it communicates with other tools. A POS that supports strong integrations allows you to automate more of your workflow, reduce errors, and maintain a clear view of your entire business.
If there is one thing that defines restaurant automation in 2026, it is integrations. These connections ensure all your systems talk to each other without manual work. A restaurant can have the best tools, but without integration, those tools won’t deliver their full value.
Key integrations include:
With the right integrations, a restaurant can eliminate duplicate entry, reduce order errors, and keep both front-of-house and kitchen teams aligned. This also makes scaling easier because systems remain unified, regardless of whether you’re operating in one location or several.
Before upgrading your tech stack, think about:
Your service style: Fast-casual, dine-in, takeaway, or multi-location.
Your budget: Automation doesn’t have to be expensive, but choose tools that offer long-term value.
Integration compatibility: Your QR Code ordering system, online ordering system, POS system, and kiosk should work together effortlessly.
Ease of use: Tools should reduce workload, not add to it.
Support and reliability: Choose vendors that provide ongoing support and understand restaurant operations. Automation isn’t just about replacing staff tasks; it’s about creating a smooth, consistent workflow that strengthens your business.
Foodhub offers a complete ecosystem designed to help UK restaurants automate without the high costs associated with other providers. Their tools include:
With built-in integrations, Foodhub creates a seamless experience across every part of your restaurant operation. This helps reduce errors, speed up service, and improve customer satisfaction while keeping operational costs low.
Restaurant automation is no longer optional in 2026; it’s becoming a standard for efficiency and customer satisfaction. Whether you choose a QR Code ordering system, a full online ordering system, a modern POS system, or a self-service kiosk, each tool brings you closer to a streamlined operation.
The combination of these technologies, supported by smart integrations, helps UK restaurants deliver faster service, reduce staff pressure, and improve overall order accuracy.
By upgrading your tech stack today, your restaurant will be ready for long-term success in a fast-changing market. Book a demo to start your free trial and explore the tools that can transform your workflow.