Technology has become an essential part of running a successful restaurant. But with so many software options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From online ordering and inventory management to labor scheduling and marketing tools, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news? Building a restaurant tech stack doesn’t mean adopting every new tool that hits the market. Instead, it’s about choosing the right<\/em> technology for your operation and making sure those tools work together to support your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We spoke with Spencer Michiel<\/a>, a consultant at Back of House, to learn what restaurants should consider when building their tech stack \u2014 from selecting the right POS system to creating connected tools that work together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The term “tech stack” may sound like something reserved for software developers, but the concept is actually pretty simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “A restaurant tech stack is all your interconnected pieces of technology,” says Spencer. “You want them to be cohesive and seamless. Whether it’s your POS system, inventory, labor management, or online ordering, they should all complement each other and interact where they need to.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than thinking of each system as a standalone purchase, you should view technology as an ecosystem that supports daily operations, helps collect valuable business insights, and creates a better experience for both staff and guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there’s one piece of technology every restaurant needs, it’s a reliable POS system<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “It’s the most important function in the restaurant,” Spencer says. “You’re entering orders, sending them to the kitchen, and taking payment \u2014 that’s what puts money in your bank account every day.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n But today’s POS system does much more than process transactions. It also generates valuable sales data that other software platforms can use to streamline operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “When you’re evaluating new technology, one of the first questions should be, ‘Does it integrate with my point-of-sale system?'” Spencer says. “If the answer is no, you may need to ask whether you have the right POS.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing a cloud-based POS<\/a> with an open ecosystem provides you with greater flexibility to add new tools as your business expands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A successful restaurant tech stack isn’t just about buying great software, but more so about creating connected systems that share information automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “It’s vital that these systems work together,” Spencer says. “If they aren’t connected, you’re downloading and uploading data, spending time trying to marry everything together, and opening yourself up to human error.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n When technology communicates seamlessly, you spend less time manually updating spreadsheets and more time focusing on running your restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, sales information from a POS system can automatically feed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Connecting these technologies provides a clearer picture of restaurant performance without extra administrative work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With new restaurant technology appearing almost daily, it can be tempting to chase the latest trend. Spencer encourages operators to slow down and evaluate whether a solution will actually improve their business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “If it’s generating revenue or saving you money, that’s what helps determine whether it’s essential,” he says. “Do a realistic assessment of the return on investment, not just a service features list.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n That evaluation should include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “There’s always going to be some shiny new technology,” Spencer says. “The biggest mistake is not doing a full assessment before you buy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many independent operators feel like they already know their business inside and out. But the right technology often reveals opportunities that aren’t obvious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “You think you’ve got a handle on things,” Spencer says. “Then you start looking at the data, and you’ll find something you didn’t realize.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it’s identifying high-performing menu items, spotting rising food costs, or uncovering labor trends, a well-built restaurant tech stack provides visibility that can lead to smarter decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Technology also saves one of the restaurant industry’s most valuable resources \u2014 time<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I spent a ton of time building spreadsheets,” Spencer says of his own restaurant experience. “There was just so much time spent trying to piece information together.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n With connected systems, much of that manual work can be automated, allowing operators to spend more time serving guests instead of managing spreadsheets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Selecting restaurant technology is about more than comparing features. You should also evaluate the company behind the software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spencer recommends asking practical questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The worst thing is getting this cool new technology, and then they’re gone in three months,” he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because many restaurant technology platforms become deeply embedded in daily operations, choosing a reliable long-term partner is just as important as choosing the software itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest technology mistakes restaurants make is choosing a system before fully understanding what their operation actually needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spencer shared the example of a large brewery that initially selected a POS system that wasn’t the right fit for its service model. As first-time restaurant owners, the team evaluated the technology before opening, but didn’t fully understand how the system would affect day-to-day operations once guests were in the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After opening, they realized the system wasn’t supporting the experience they wanted to create. The restaurant eventually brought in Back of House to reassess its needs and identify a better solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The answer was a technology platform that better matched the brewery’s unique approach to service. Instead of relying on traditional servers, the restaurant implemented a QR-code ordering system that allowed guests to order directly from their tables. The team could then focus on running food, clearing tables, and creating a smoother guest experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Instead of having servers, they have food runners and people clearing dishes,” Spencer says. “They’re hiring for that model, sharing tips, and creating a team that works differently.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The change transformed the operation. Guests no longer had to wait in line to order another drink or place a food order, and the restaurant gained greater efficiency during busy service periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Every single weekend they’ve been open since they put it in, they’ve been breaking records,” Spencer says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps Spencer’s biggest piece of advice is not to rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Technology demonstrations at industry trade shows often showcase polished, best-case scenarios. Before making a purchase, take the time to understand how the solution will fit your operation, your staff, and your long-term goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Don’t rush into it,” Spencer says. “Really take your time to assess these things. If you put yourself in a position where you need to make a snap decision, you’re probably going to make a poor one.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n A thoughtful approach today can help build a restaurant tech stack that supports your operation for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing the right restaurant technology doesn\u2019t have to mean navigating hundreds of options alone. The best tech stack is one that fits your operation and connects your systems to help your team work more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re opening a new restaurant or looking to upgrade your existing tools, the Back of House Restaurant Tech Starter Kit<\/a> can help you identify the essential technology solutions your business needs. From POS systems and operations software to labor tools, marketing platforms, and more, the guide provides a starting point for building a smarter, more connected tech stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get the free Restaurant Tech Starter Kit and take the first step toward building a technology foundation that supports your restaurant\u2019s goals.<\/strong> Download the Restaurant Tech Starter Kit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is a Restaurant Tech StacK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Start With a Strong POS System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Build Connected Systems That Work Together<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Focus on Value, Not Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Use Technology to Gain Better Visability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Choose Partners Carefully<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Choose Technology That Fits Your Operation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take Your Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Build a Restaurant Tech Stack That Works For You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n