Bridging the Technology Gap: Foodservice Industry's Struggle with Preference-Driven Dining

A recent study by Agilysys, Inc., a leader in hospitality software solutions, has revealed a significant gap between the aspirations of foodservice executives and their readiness to deliver preference-driven dining experiences. While 68% of executives aim to offer personalized dining options, 50% believe they lack the necessary modern technology to achieve this goal. The study underscores the need for technological advancements to meet consumer expectations and enhance revenue potential.

Study Overview

Agilysys conducted its 2025 Foodservice Management Industry Impact Study by surveying 412 foodservice executives and F&B technology decision-makers across four sectors: healthcare, higher education, active adult communities, and full-service restaurants. The study aimed to assess the industry's readiness to deliver dining experiences aligned with consumer preferences and identify the operational and technological challenges faced by these sectors.

Revenue Potential of Preference-Driven Dining

The study highlights the revenue potential associated with offering preference-driven dining experiences. Consumers are increasingly expecting personalized and seamless interactions across various dining settings, whether at table-service restaurants, self-service kiosks, or through mobile ordering and delivery services. Research indicates that when consumers have dining choices based on their preferences, they tend to spend up to 50% more per transaction. However, the study found that 60% of executives cite budget or resource constraints as barriers to adopting modern technology necessary for such experiences.

Technology and Operational Challenges

One of the critical findings of the study is the "Aspiration-Readiness Gap." While a majority of executives express a desire to offer preference-driven dining, half of them feel their current technology infrastructure is inadequate. To address this gap, 49% of executives are considering switching point-of-sale (POS) providers, and 40% are ready to make this change. The study also reveals that 65% of foodservice leaders have delayed technology platform changes due to concerns about implementation difficulty, and 61% cite upfront costs as a significant barrier.

Sector-Specific Priorities

The study identifies distinct priorities across different sectors. Experience-focused sectors, such as restaurants and higher education, prioritize personalization as a competitive advantage. In contrast, necessity-focused sectors, including healthcare and active adult communities, emphasize operational efficiency and cost management. This divergence in priorities underscores the need for tailored technological solutions to meet sector-specific demands.

Focus on Operational Excellence

Operational excellence remains a priority for foodservice leaders, with 60% emphasizing the need to increase efficiency and profitability over the next two years. Additionally, 76% of executives are focused on improving day-to-day operations and inventory management. The study suggests that expanding traditional operational priorities to include preference-driven dining excellence can help balance efficiency with the ability to deliver personalized experiences.

Conclusion

The 2025 Foodservice Management Industry Impact Study by Agilysys offers a framework for foodservice executives to bridge the readiness gap and optimize both operational efficiency and customer experiences. By investing in modern technology, organizations can enhance customer loyalty and revenue by meeting consumer preferences. The study highlights the importance of adapting to evolving consumer demands to remain competitive in the foodservice industry.

To access the full report, please visit Agilysys.