Hey restaurant innovators, it’s time to talk digital and tech trends!
Qu’s 6th Annual State of Digital Report is here, and it’s packed with insights that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of fast casual and quick serve restaurants (QSRs). With over 170 brands and 85,000 locations participating in this year’s survey, we’ve uncovered the trends shaping the future of digital dining. Spoiler alert: it’s all about owning the guest relationship, unified data, and driving profitability.
The Big Picture: Modest Growth, Major Opportunities
Digital sales grew 3% year-over-year and 4% over the last three years, signaling stabilization in ordering channel patterns. Better channel predictability and fewer uncertainties have restaurants now focused on driving stronger profitability (through unit-level economics) and building direct connections with their guests.
Winning Back the Guest is the Name of the Game
The core theme of this year’s report? Owning the guest relationship. Forget third-party interference—restaurants are doubling down on first-party digital ordering, with nearly half of brands identifying it as the top revenue driver for 2025. Why? Because direct connections lead to stronger profits and personalized experiences.
But here’s the kicker: It’s not just about offering online ordering. It’s about how you do it.
The Top 6 Trends You Need to Know
Let’s dive into the six trends that are reshaping the restaurant technology landscape:
1. First-Party Digital Ordering Reigns Supreme
Brands are making it a priority. A whopping 40% of enterprise brands said first-party ordering will drive the highest revenue growth this year. After first-party ordering, QSRs prioritize drive-thru and third-party ordering, while Fast Casuals focus on catering and on-premises ordering expansion.
2. Tech Consolidation is a Must
64% of enterprise restaurants are upgrading to unified systems for centralized data and improved efficiency. A whopping 87% see unified payments as essential for cost savings and a single guest view.
3. Data-Driven Loyalty is the Future
Investments in CDPs and data platforms are up 11%, while loyalty investments are down 8% YoY. Loyalty programs need a data injection to reach a broader audience and maximize guest lifetime value. While the ROI remains elusive, unified systems paired with AI-powered upselling could unlock kiosk-driven revenue potential.
4. Kiosks: Efficiency Enablers, Not Revenue Drivers (Yet!)
While 62% of brands embrace kiosks to combat labor challenges, cost and ROI remain barriers. The future holds promise for kiosk revenue generation through AI-powered upselling. 80% of QSRs are implementing kiosks in-store compared to 52% of Fast Casuals.
5. Kitchen Innovation is Crucial for Guest Satisfaction
Nearly 70% of enterprise restaurants struggle with order accuracy, impacting the guest experience. Investing in technology for kitchen efficiency is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. AI-powered kitchen solutions can transform kitchens into “micro-fulfillment centers,” improving ready times and accuracy—a win for guest sentiment.
6. Digital Growth Stabilizes
Incremental gains in digital sales allow brands to shift focus toward profitability and building direct guest relationships. Fast Casual brands lead in digital adoption, with 1 in 10 reporting over 50% digital sales, while QSRs rely heavily on drive-thru operations.
The Bottom Line: Data is Your Secret Weapon
To thrive in 2025 and beyond, restaurants need a data-first strategy. Unified technology platforms are essential for achieving operating efficiencies, winning back guests, and boosting loyalty. As the report reveals, incremental growth and a stable ordering mix mean restaurants can finally focus on owning the direct guest relationship and improving unit-level economics.
Ready to Transform Your Restaurant?
Get the full scoop by downloading the 2025 State of Digital Report! Discover how you can harness the power of technology to boost profitability, improve guest satisfaction, and stay ahead of the curve. Don’t just survive – thrive!
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