In just a handful of years, the restaurant industry has more than proved its ability to pivot, adapt, and transform. The staying power of pandemic-era QR codes, contactless payments, and outdoor dining are a daily reminder of a rapidly evolving industry that must be ready to respond to changes — whether those changes are driven by technology, customers preferences, or greater cultural shifts.
As we enter a new era of dining fueled by pandemic changes, emerging technologies, and increased purchasing power from Gen Z, Square surveyed consumers from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada to find out what customers care about most when it comes to dining. From the importance of restaurant loyalty programs to their take on robots in a restaurant setting, here’s what we learned.