Each week we take a look at the newest companies and tools in restaurant technology and filter them down to give you the 5 best topics of the week. This week’s topics are…out there…some interesting things are being done!

Here are the topics covered in this article:

Square’s 2025 Future of Restaurants report came out last week, and it’s got ideas many restaurants can use. They talked to 500 Canadian restaurant leaders and found 77% are using tech like real time marketing data to adjust menus and deals quickly. Imagine knowing exactly when to push a specific menu item based on what’s popular. This isn’t just for big chains, small spots can use it to stay flexible and keep customers coming back. 

This tech is easy to use now, with tools like Square showing you what’s selling, what’s not, and even guessing busy times based on weather or local events. For a small restaurant, this means you can make smart choices without needing to be a data expert. Real time data tools help you change menus or deals fast, keeping your restaurant busy even when trends change.

Want extra help during a busy dinner shift? Chef Robotics, a San Francisco company, showed off their AI powered robotic arms at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 last week. These robots are now cooking burgers and making salads in real US restaurants. Yes, it is as crazy as it sounds. 

Robotic chefs are not for everyone, we know. This really is truly valuable for a high volume, small menu restaurant. However, there are still some ideas that can be taken from this for the restaurant owner that isn’t interested in replacing their staff with robots. By handling boringtasks, they keep things consistent even if you’re short staffed or training new people. It’s about making your team better, not replacing them. The takeaway here is that robotic tools are advancing, including tools in the kitchen. So it doesn’t hurt to stay on top of what is new and making a difference in other kitchens.

QR codes aren’t just for menus anymore. Menu Tiger, a US restaurant tech company, announced an update last week that makes QR codes a full customer experience tool. Scan one, and guests can order, pay, and get custom deals based on their past visits, all from their phone. It’s like a digital waiter that sells more without extra work. For small spots this could mean faster service and happier customers. 

The system also tracks every scan, giving you data on what customers like and when they buy. You can use that to offer deals at the right time or spot dishes that aren’t selling before you’re stuck with extra stock. QR code tools like Menu Tiger can speed up service and give you data to sell more, helping your profits.

Picture a system that knows your best customers the moment they walk in, suggests their usual burger order, and offers a loyalty discount before they sit down. PopID, a California company, is making this happen with facial recognition tech for restaurants. Last week, they shared a new feature that works with cloud based POS systems (like Toast…) to customize orders and seating based on customer info. It’s like a host who always remembers faces. This could help busy Northeast spots keep customers coming back. 

This tech also collects data on who visits, what they order, and how often. You can use that to tweak your menu or deals to keep winning customers, all while speeding up service during busy times. For a small diner or bar, this could turn first time guests into regulars without hiring more staff. Tech like PopID can make every customer feel special, boosting repeat visits even on busy days.

Sustainability isn’t just talk, it’s a way to save money and attract customers who care about the environment. Backofhouse.io reported last week on Winnow, a US company with an AI system that tracks what’s thrown out in your kitchen. It’s like a manager watching every over portioned or spoiled batch and telling you how to fix it. For restaurants with tight budgets, this could cut costs while showing off your eco friendly side. 

Winnow’s system gives reports on where your waste comes from, like over prepping or customers leaving food behind. With that, you can adjust portions, change orders, or update your menu to waste less while telling customers about your green efforts. AI waste tracking like Winnow can lower food costs and attract customers who value your eco friendly approach.