New Study Reveals Majority of Restaurants Lag in Tech Adoption
Toronto, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – A recent report from 7shifts, a scheduling and payroll platform for restaurants, highlights a concerning trend in the industry: only one in seven restaurants have modern, fully connected systems. This finding underscores the importance of technology for growth and efficiency.
The report, based on feedback from over 500 restaurant professionals, shows a distinct split between restaurant operators who leverage integrated technology to improve profits and those who still use outdated manual methods. 7shifts’ CEO, Jordan Boesch, noted that many operators are struggling, with nearly 44% not meeting their labor cost goals and over half worried about rising food prices. “In this challenging environment, investing in the right technology is essential,” Boesch stated.
The newly launched “Digital Prep List” serves as a guide for restaurant owners looking to enhance their technological capabilities. It outlines a journey through four stages: starting, growing, integrated, and strategic. Although 65% of restaurants adopted new technology last year, many are still stuck in the past. Almost half of respondents described their systems as either mostly or highly disconnected, with significant reliance on paper and manual processes.
Here are some persistent inefficiencies noted in the early stages of tech adoption:
- 47% still use paper schedules or whiteboards
- 50% manage inventory through manual counts
- 57% depend on group texts for team communication
In contrast, restaurants that have embraced integrated systems report notable gains in labor efficiency and employee satisfaction, two crucial factors in today’s competitive market.
Dominick Costantino, the team lead for content marketing at 7shifts, emphasized the need for clarity in navigating these advancements. “This report not only benchmarks where operators currently stand but also provides a practical roadmap to bridge technology gaps, streamline operations, and enhance long-term growth.”
The Digital Prep List offers:
- Benchmarks comparing over 500 restaurant peers
- Guidance for restaurants to determine their current stage and outline steps for progress
- Insights based on data to help reduce costs and improve retention
As the restaurant industry continues to evolve rapidly, embracing technology is not just an option—it’s a necessity for success and sustainability.
