AR in restaurants

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that combines the physical and digital worlds to create an interactive experience. AR technology is used in a variety of industries and is expanding into many more, including the restaurant one. AR can be used with devices such as smartphones, tablets and AR glasses which overlay digital information onto the real world. In the restaurant industry, AR provides customers with an immersive dining experience and helps restaurant owners improve their operating and create innovative marketing.

What are the benefits of using augmented reality in the restaurant industry?

With AR, restaurant owners are improving their customers' dining experience by providing interactive menus, virtual restaurant tours and even augmented reality games to keep customers entertained while they are waiting for their food. These solutions will certainly attract a slew of customers especially if the restaurant is geared towards family gatherings and offers aimed at young people.

The technology can also help restaurant owners improve operational efficiency by providing real-time data on stock, staff and customer feedback. For example, AR can be used to train new staff particularly in terms of kitchen procedures and safety protocols reducing the time and resources needed for training.

There are many benefits of AR for both customers and restaurant owners. In the case of customers, AR will provide them with an immersive and innovative experience, making the restaurant experience a memorable one. Such innovation will help attract a new group of customers, as will the robot-waiters.

As augmented reality is being used more and more in the restaurant industry, it is clear that the benefits of this technology will only increase.

Read also: AR in tourism.

Examples of augmented reality in the restaurant industry

The restaurant industry is constantly evolving and augmented reality is the latest technology being integrated into the dining experience.

• One application of AR in the restaurant industry is the use of virtual menus and ordering systems. Customers can use their smartphones or tablets to view virtual menus which include 3D images of dishes and even videos showing the preparation process. As a result, customers make more informed decisions about what they want to order and are more satisfied with the choice they have made.
• Moreover, AR ordering systems can streamline the ordering process, reducing waiting time and improving the overall perception of the place as interesting and innovative.
• Some restaurants use AR to create immersive culinary environmentsthat take customers to different locations or time periods. This can create a unique and memorable experience that sets one’s restaurant apart from its competitors. There are already restaurants using AR to create interactive tabletops where customers can play games and even order food directly at the table. These interactive experiences increase customer engagement and satisfaction.
• Finally, AR is used in the restaurant industry for food presentation and marketing. Restaurants use AR to present their food in a more visually appealing way, allowing customers to view the food in 3D or even interact with it before ordering. 3D visualization is a true revolution that many companies – not just in the restaurant industry – are already using.

Which companies in the industry are using AR?

AR is also used for marketing purposes, such as creating AR ads or promotions that customers can interact with. This helps restaurants stand out in a crowded market and attract new customers. Overall, the integration of AR into the restaurant industry provides new and exciting opportunities for both customers and businesses.

Examples of restaurants that apply augmented reality technology include the American fast food chain KFC that introduced the KFC AR app that allows customers to play an interactive game while eating, or the French restaurant L'Atelier des Lumières which uses AR-based projections to take guests on an interactive tour into the very centre of art works.

Read also: AR in marketing.

The future of augmented reality in the restaurant industry

The restaurant industry is constantly evolving and augmented reality (AR) is one of the latest technological advances being integrated into the industry.

AR is a technology that enhances our perception of the real world by providing digital elements. Advances in AR technology have enabled restaurants to create immersive dining experiences that engage all the senses. This technology is revolutionising the way we eat out and has already begun to have a significant impact on the restaurant industry.

The integration of AR with artificial intelligence (AI) is another solution that could transform the catering industry. AI-powered AR can be used to personalise each customer's dining experience by analysing their preferences and making recommendations based on previous orders. The technology can also be used to streamline the ordering process, allowing customers to place orders via an AR interface instead of having to communicate via a server. By integrating AR with AI, restaurants can provide a more efficient and personalised experience for their customers, thereby, increasing the satisfaction of the restaurant services.

The potential impact of AR on the future of the restaurant industry is significant. AR is used to increase customer engagement and satisfaction, leading to increased revenue for restaurants. It can also be used to attract new customers by creating unique and memorable dining experiences. Additionally, AR can be used to educate customers about the food they are eating, providing information about the ingredients and nutritional value of each dish. As AR technology evolves, it will become increasingly integrated into the restaurant industry, leading to new and innovative solutions and experiences.

And if you are a restaurateur and are interested in introducing AR to your business, test the 3D configurator available on our site and see how your product will look in 3D. You're welcome!