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Digital Transformation of Restaurant Chains – Where to Begin?

Written by Joanna Donefner | Sep 30, 2025 8:30:00 AM

The modern foodservice market looks very different from just a few years ago. Customers increasingly choose mobile apps, websites, or self-service kiosks to place their orders. What matters most to them is convenience, speed, and a personalized experience.

At the same time, competition is fierce. Global brands such as Popeyes and KFC are investing heavily in digital ordering channels and advanced customer service systems. Local dark kitchen concepts are also quickly implementing innovative technologies that enable them to operate with greater efficiency.

In 2024, many restaurant chains experienced a turning point: over 50% of their sales came through online channels. The message is clear — digitalization is no longer optional, it’s essential. This applies equally to global giants and growing local brands.

 

Challenges Facing Restaurant Chains

Digital transformation does not come without obstacles. Many restaurant operators struggle with barriers that hinder growth, such as:

  • Fragmented systems – separate solutions for POS, delivery, and loyalty programs. The lack of integration creates data silos, inefficiencies, and delays.

  • Paper-based processes – still present in some operations. Relying on analog forms makes automation and quality control difficult.

  • Dependence on a single aggregator – relying solely on one platform (e.g., Pyszne.pl) limits customer reach and prevents the development of owned sales channels.

The result? Reduced operational efficiency, scalability challenges, and lower profitability.

 

Choosing the Right Technology

In an increasingly complex market, selecting the right technology is critical. Key criteria include:

  • Scalability – can the system support both 3 and 30 locations? Expansion should not require a complete infrastructure overhaul.

  • Integrations – modern tools must seamlessly connect with POS systems, courier APIs, loyalty programs, and mobile apps.

  • User Experience (UX) – an intuitive interface is crucial for both staff and customers.

 

Ordering Stack – An End-to-End Solution for Restaurant Chains

Ordering Stack addresses all these needs by providing:

  • Online ordering across websites, mobile apps, and self-service kiosks.

  • Centralized management of orders from aggregators such as Glovo, Uber Eats, and Pyszne.pl.

  • Menu and product availability management across multiple locations.

  • Integration with POS systems, kitchen display systems (KDS), and Order Ready Screens.

 

Optimization and Growth – What’s Next?

Digital transformation doesn’t stop with the implementation of an ordering system. It is a process of continuous improvement and adaptation.

Analytics and KPIs

With Ordering Stack’s advanced software, restaurant chains can:

  • Measure order fulfillment times.

  • Track the sales share of different channels.

  • Analyze average basket size.

  • Identify operational bottlenecks (e.g., kitchen or delivery delays).

Innovation and Experimentation

Growth also means testing new approaches, such as:

  • Dynamic pricing – adjusting prices depending on time of day or kitchen workload.

  • Direct-channel promotions – incentivizing customers to order via the restaurant’s own app.

  • Personalized offers – collaborating with marketing to deliver targeted campaigns and recommendations.

 

Conclusion – Evolution, Not Revolution

Digital transformation in restaurant chains doesn’t have to be a painful revolution. Success lies in a carefully planned evolution — starting with an assessment of needs and capabilities, choosing scalable and integrated technologies, and then consistently monitoring and refining processes.

Ordering Stack acts as a technology partner, supporting restaurants at every stage — from kiosks to POS and aggregator integrations, all the way to analytics and loyalty-building initiatives.