By RTN editors - 5.24.2025
The week of May 18, 2025, was marked by a slew of advancements in restaurant technology, with the National Restaurant Association Show highlighting innovations in automation, AI integration, and digital customer engagement.
National Restaurant Association Show Highlights Tech Innovations
The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show, held from May 17–20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, showcased over 2,300 exhibitors, including more than 800 debuting companies. Key technological advancements included AI-powered kitchen tools, automated cooking systems, and self-service kiosks designed to enhance operational efficiency and meet evolving consumer demands.
Toast Unveils AI-Powered POS Enhancements
Toast introduced “Toast IQ,” an AI-driven platform designed to streamline front-of-house operations. Features include “Menu Upsell” prompts for servers, “Digital Chits” providing guest details based on dining history, and “Shifts at a Glance” for instant communication between management and staff.
Uber Eats Partners with OpenTable for Dine-In Reservations
Uber Eats announced a partnership with OpenTable to integrate dine-in reservation functionality into its app. Starting this fall, customers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, and Australia will be able to discover and book dine-in restaurant deals directly through Uber Eats, with added incentives like ride discounts.
Middleby Showcases Smart Frying System
Middleby Corporation demonstrated “OilSmart by OpenKitchen,” a smart frying system that analyzes fryer performance, identifies oil cost per hour, and compares efficiencies across restaurant locations. This innovation aims to optimize kitchen operations and reduce waste.
Deliverect Launches Vision AI for Order Accuracy
Deliverect introduced a Vision AI solution to improve restaurant order accuracy and collect evidence for refund disputes. The technology uses cameras and real-time data analytics to monitor kitchen operations, ensuring proper order preparation and food safety compliance.
Epson Showcases Advanced Kitchen Display Systems
Epson presented its enhanced hospitality technology solutions, including point-of-sale (POS), kitchen display systems (KDS), and labeling solutions. The TrueOrder™ KDS, integrated with interactive kiosks and receipt printers, aims to digitize restaurant workflows from meal preparation to order delivery.
These developments underscore the restaurant industry’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance operations, customer engagement, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market.
