Choosing a POS system: What restaurant operators prioritize in 2026

A practical guide to how restaurants evaluate POS systems in 2026, including real operator insights.

By Tessa Zuluaga • March 30, 2026

How OpenTable’s updated client agreements will impact restaurants

Effective April 16, the reservation platform said it will require its partner operators to agree that it is the primary table management system to ensure accuracy and guest data protections.

By Julie Littman • March 26, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Back-of-house Technology

From AI-enhanced inventory management systems and analytics to robot-powered kitchen equipment, restaurants are investing in technology solutions to optimize kitchen operations and reduce employee turnover. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

Why consumers love, and sometimes hate, tiered loyalty programs

Tiers add flexibility and exclusivity, but when done wrong they can feel frustratingly slow or complex.

By Bryan Wassel • March 26, 2026

Domino’s uses AI to improve Tracker pickup and delivery times

The tracking engine combines inputs from team members with machine learning to offer more accurate time estimates.

By Julie Littman • March 25, 2026

Panda Express taps tech, distribution network to keep menu fresh

The restaurant chain has only six months to lock in suppliers that can scale to demand for new menu items, Chief Supply Chain Officer Roland Ornelas said.

By Antone Gonsalves • March 24, 2026

El Pollo Loco adds big experiences to loyalty program

Personalized offers, bonus rewards and access to menu items and events, like the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game, could boost engagement.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 17, 2026

The C-suite thinks your POS is working. Store leaders disagree. Here’s what the data shows.

Discover how disconnects between executives and store leaders impact restaurant tech strategy.

March 16, 2026

Uber Eats raises marketplace fees

Some restaurants will see rates go up by 5% for delivery, while all merchants will see commissions for pickup orders increase by 1%.

By Julie Littman • March 10, 2026

When your POS can’t keep up: The real cost of disconnected restaurant tech

Discover how disconnected POS tech stalls growth—and how integration unlocks smarter, faster decisions.

March 9, 2026

Black Seed Bagels meets the future of ordering

Black Seed Bagels meets the future. Discover how Square’s AI-powered Order Guide helps restaurants like Black Seed Bagels manage vendors, reduce food costs, and simplify procurement.

March 9, 2026

Papa Johns plans CX upgrades following corporate cuts

The pizza chain will enhance its app with an AI-powered food ordering agent in the coming quarter, CEO Todd Penegor said.

By Bryan Wassel • March 2, 2026

From data fog to clarity: How a unified POS clears the air for restaurant growth

Discover how a unified POS turns scattered data into real-time insights that boost revenue, efficiency and smarter decisions.

March 2, 2026

Buns, bots and ad-buys: Burger King talks strategy at RBI investor day

The years-long Reclaim the Flame program will continue with a renewed emphasis on core menu food quality and accelerated refranchising.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 26, 2026

Toast courts fast food restaurants

The company is entering the drive-thru business in a bid to attract more of the quick-service sector to its customer rolls.

By Patrick Cooley • Feb. 19, 2026

NRA: Over 25% of restaurant operators use AI

Marketing is the top area where automation is being used, followed by administrative tasks, according to a National Restaurant Association report.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 18, 2026

McDonald’s positions loyalty app at the center of its tech ambitions

Active loyalty members are the “single most important digital metric” for McDonald’s, EVP and CFO Ian Borden said.

By Bryan Wassel • Feb. 17, 2026

Restaurant lobby celebrates Illinois court win on swipe fees

A judge ruled the state can prohibit financial firms from charging interchange fees on tips and sales taxes.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 12, 2026

3 restaurant brands tap tech chiefs to scale operations

Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers added IT chiefs to their ranks in recent weeks.

By Roberto Torres • Feb. 11, 2026

Toast, Instacart launch just-in-time supply tool

Restaurants will be able to place Instacart Business orders through Toast’s platforms, offering a stopgap option when unexpected supply chain issues hit.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 10, 2026

Fogo de Chão deploys AI phone system

The full-service chain has been leaning heavily on artificial intelligence to manage various elements of its operations to enhance the guest experience.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 4, 2026

Just Salad launches ‘instant gratification’ rewards system

While many restaurant chains are shifting to points-based programs, the salad brand is leaning into gamified mystery rewards on every order above $12.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 2, 2026

From TikTok to the table: What I learned from opening Salt Hank’s

I had a day to decide if I was ready to turn my restaurant dream into reality. Here's what happened.

Feb. 2, 2026

3 takeaways from Starbucks’ Investor Day

From whitespace for 5,000 more stores to a chatbot that designs customized drinks, Starbucks has big plans now that it has returned to growth.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 30, 2026

Starbucks Rewards moves to a tiered structure

The chain is not changing the core points-for-dollar mechanism behind its Rewards system, but some consumers will earn points more quickly.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated Jan. 29, 2026

Grubhub parent acquires restaurant rewards app Claim

The delivery platform will integrate Claim’s technology, which helps restaurants acquire high-value, long-term customers, within its platform later this year.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 20, 2026