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The restaurant industry has seen significant changes over the past few years. Among those, the integration of new technology has arguably been one of the most prominent and transformative trends. Restaurant franchises, in particular, have embraced various new technological advancements. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) and new methods of energy reduction adapt to changing consumer behaviors and create a next-generation dining experience.Let’s take a look at some examples of the latest technologies to impact the restaurant industry.<h3>Artificial Intelligence</h3>AI has already had a profound impact on the way some restaurants are operating. While AI can enhance efficiency and customer service, its influence extends far beyond the surface level.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-brown-086998b4/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=technology-in-restaurant-franchises-how-tech-is-changing-the-dining-landscape-2724124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Amanda Brown</a> is the controller of<a href="https://www.wenspokcompanies.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=technology-in-restaurant-franchises-how-tech-is-changing-the-dining-landscape-2724124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Wenspok Companies</a>, which is a collection of Wendy’s franchisees that operate 67 locations across 10 states. Brown and her team have recently started utilizing a new AI-focused strategy to improve the efficiency of their financial processes and have already seen significant results.“Through implementation of AI with<a href="https://www.stampli.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=technology-in-restaurant-franchises-how-tech-is-changing-the-dining-landscape-2724124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Stampli’s</a> AP Automation system, we have decreased our invoice processing time by 75%,” said Brown. “I believe AI is necessary for advancement in all industries, with the restaurant industry being one sector that could greatly benefit from AI technology.”Brown envisions AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of the restaurant industry and will be able to streamline administrative tasks, enhance operational efficiency and revolutionize customer interactions.That sentiment is shared by<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahad-javaid-60394a66/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=technology-in-restaurant-franchises-how-tech-is-changing-the-dining-landscape-2724124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Fahad Javaid</a>, the general manager of operations at<a href="https://www.zanduco.com/us/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=technology-in-restaurant-franchises-how-tech-is-changing-the-dining-landscape-2724124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.zanduco.com/ca/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=technology-in-restaurant-franchises-how-tech-is-changing-the-dining-landscape-2724124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Zanduco</a>, an online dealer of restaurant equipment and supplies. According to Javaid, there’s limitless potential in the integration of AI and machine learning within the restaurant industry, but human expertise will always be needed.“AI has tremendous potential to continue to impact the restaurant industry,” said Javaid. “Many are suspicious that it is one industry where certain restaurants will be able to cut staff almost completely and run based on ordering systems and other machines for dropping food. Of course, with any food-based industry, human oversight is needed.”<h3>Changing the Guest Experience</h3>The wave of technological innovation has not only transformed back-end operations but has also redefined the way guests experience dining. On the customer-facing side, restaurants are updating their websites to integrate ordering systems and are partnering with services like Uber Eats and DoorDash for seamless and convenient delivery solutions. Although the concept of mobile food ordering isn’t new, the tech behind it continues to evolve, which ensures that diners enjoy a consistently enhanced experience.“These services are being enhanced through the use of customer data to remember frequently ordered items and times when they order to send push notifications to customers and streamline the ordering process on the website or app,” said Javaid. “Restaurants can even implement deals and coupons at peak times to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.”Additionally, as technologies such as QR codes, tablet-based ordering systems and digital payment methods continue to improve, this will also increase efficiency and streamline the entire dining process.“Not only do guests get their food and drinks faster or at their leisure, enhancing their experience, but it also frees up time for wait staff, decreasing labor costs and increasing table flip times, increasing restaurant revenue,” said Javaid.<h3>Energy Efficiency</h3>Although they may often get overlooked, technological advancements in energy efficiency have also played a significant part in the restaurant industry by minimizing environmental impact and enhancing operational sustainability.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-subbloie-92b5302/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=technology-in-restaurant-franchises-how-tech-is-changing-the-dining-landscape-2724124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Al Subbloie</a> is the CEO and founder of the energy efficiency company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.budderfly.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=technology-in-restaurant-franchises-how-tech-is-changing-the-dining-landscape-2724124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Budderfly</a>, which is a perfect example of a business that is utilizing the latest tech in the energy space. Budderfly partners with businesses to provide them with the newest, premium, high-efficiency HVAC systems, refrigeration, LED lights, control systems, data analytics and everything related to energy management.Subbloie, who also owns two Subway franchises, emphasizes the importance of investing in new energy-saving technology, particularly in HVAC and refrigeration. He believes that by adopting cutting-edge energy-efficient solutions, businesses can ensure precise temperature control, prevent spoilage and maintain the freshness of perishable items, which will have a direct impact on the bottom line of any business.Looking to the future of new energy-focused technology, Subbloie is especially excited about solar solutions and their potential to revolutionize the restaurant industry.“Solar is going gangbusters and needs to go further in this market,” said Subbloie.With solar energy, businesses could reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources and ultimately lower their carbon footprint. This would then allow restaurants to not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also benefit from substantial long-term cost savings, making it a win-win solution for both the environment and businesses.<h3>Prepared for the Future</h3>Whether it’s machine learning or advancements in energy-saving solutions, the emergence of new technologies can greatly enhance just about any restaurant’s efficiency, profitability and sustainability. Businesses that utilize new technologies are poised to stay ahead in the competitive culinary world.&nbsp;

Technology in Restaurant Franchises: How Tech is Changing the Dining Landscape

1851 Franchise

From artificial intelligence to the evolution of mobile ordering, new technologies are helping to bring restaurants into the next generation of dining experiences. 

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Right at Home Targets Springfield, Westfield and Nearby Rural Communities for In-Home Care Growth

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Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Booth 1934

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Design with Precision Garage Door Service team members

RF Investment Partners and Burlington Capital Join Forces to Acquire Top Precision Garage Door Franchise

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Private Equity Fuels Jiffy Lube’s Next Chapter as Monomoy Strikes $1.3 Billion Deal

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Yum! Brands Pizza Hut Sale - 1851 Franchise

Possible Pizza Hut Sale Signals Shift in Yum! Brands’ Franchise Strategy

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Restaurants Stand Out in 2025 Hiring as Consumers Look for Simple Treats

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<a href="https://hardeesfranchising.com/">Hardee’s</a>, a 65-year-old burger chain best known for its Thickburgers and breakfast biscuits, is facing a fast-moving round of closures driven by a franchise dispute rather than a bankruptcy filing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">Inc. recently reported that</a> 77&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hardees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721286">Hardee’s</a> restaurants are expected to close within two weeks as one of the brand’s largest franchisees exits the system.&nbsp;According to the report, Hardee’s is suing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arcburger.com/">ARC Burger</a> — a franchise operator owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highbluffcap.com/">High Bluff Capital Partners</a> — alleging the company fell behind on required payments and other contract obligations. Twenty-eight locations had already gone dark as of late December, with remaining sites scheduled to shutter across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Wyoming.&nbsp;At the center of the complaint is the franchising “stack” of ongoing fees and pass-through costs that keep a system running. ARC Burger allegedly owes more than $6.5 million, including royalties, advertising fund contributions, technology and training fees, rent and taxes, and that payments stopped in December 2024. Hardee’s also argued in the lawsuit that the franchisee’s cash flow was not being used to bring accounts current.&nbsp;Hardee’s, for its part, is framing the shutdowns as a contractual enforcement issue, not a brand-wide retrenchment. “These closures are a result of ARC Burger’s failure to cure its defaults under its franchise agreements, despite solid sales,” a Hardee’s spokesperson said.&nbsp;The situation highlights a familiar franchising pressure point: unit economics. Inc. reported that Hardee’s operates more than 1,800 U.S. restaurants and that average annual sales per location are less than $1.2 million, well below averages cited for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wendys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722520">Wendy’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-mcdonalds-franchise-2724654#stories">McDonald’s</a>. Lower volumes can leave franchisees with less room to absorb higher labor, food and occupancy costs while staying current on fees.&nbsp;Hardee’s said it is working to limit fallout for workers and communities and is looking for ways to reopen closed restaurants. For franchising, the next chapter will likely involve finding replacement operators, transferring sites and rebuilding compliance — a reminder that franchise growth depends as much on franchisee solvency and execution as it does on consumer demand.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Hardee's Franchise - ARC Burger Lawsuit - 1851 Franchise

The closures stem from alleged unpaid royalties and missed franchise obligations by a major operator, not a broader chainwide collapse for the Hardee’s system.

Hardee’s Lawsuit Targets Franchisee as 77 Restaurants Prepare to Shut Down

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<a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/">Yum! Brands</a> is considering a potential sale of Pizza Hut and plans to close 250 underperforming U.S. locations, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/consumer-services/nyse-yum/yum-brands/news/yum-brands-weighs-pizza-hut-sale-as-portfolio-reset-accelera">recent article on Simply Wall St</a>. For the franchising industry, the significance is less about the stock and more about what it says about how large franchisors are managing brand portfolios in a high-cost operating environment.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/pizza-hut-franchise-deep-dive-2722519">Pizza Hut</a> is one of the most recognizable names in franchising. If Yum! decides to sell it, that would be a notable shift for a company built on a multi-brand platform. For years, large brand groups have argued that operating multiple concepts creates advantages, including shared resources, stronger purchasing power and the ability to invest in technology across the system. A sale would suggest Yum! believes those benefits no longer outweigh the effort required to improve Pizza Hut’s performance.The planned closures may have the most immediate impact on franchisees. When a franchisor reduces its footprint, it can change how the brand performs in local markets. Fewer locations can mean less convenience for customers, which can hurt overall traffic. It can also weaken the effect of local advertising when there are fewer restaurants supporting promotions in the same trade area.Closures can also affect store-level economics in ways that go beyond the locations that shut down. In some markets, remaining franchisees may pick up some displaced demand. In others, customers may switch to competitors. The changes can also affect local co-op advertising budgets and, depending on how purchasing and distribution are structured, can influence costs tied to volume.The move comes as competition in pizza remains intense, with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dominos-pizza-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2725506">Domino’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-papa-johns-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724607">Papa Johns</a> continuing to push delivery, digital ordering and value-focused offers. Simply Wall St notes Yum! has been rolling out its Byte digital platform across brands. If Yum! changes Pizza Hut’s role in the portfolio, it could also change where the company focuses its technology and marketing investment.For franchise systems watching from the outside, Yum!’s review is a reminder that growth is not always the main priority. Sometimes the bigger decision is whether a legacy brand can be improved inside a platform or whether it will perform better under a different owner and a different plan.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/consumer-services/nyse-yum/yum-brands/news/yum-brands-weighs-pizza-hut-sale-as-portfolio-reset-accelera">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Yum! is reviewing the brand and closing 250 U.S. locations, a move that could affect franchisees and reshape its restaurant portfolio.

<a href="https://www.mcpfunds.com/">Monomoy Capital Partners</a> has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-jiffy-lube-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720873">Jiffy Lube International</a> from Shell for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mcpfunds.com/news/monomoy-capital-partners-signs-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-jiffy-lube-from-shell/">approximately $1.3 billion</a>.Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Jiffy Lube helped pioneer the fast oil change industry and today operates more than 2,000 service centers across North America. The brand serves roughly 19 million customers each year and has expanded beyond its core oil change service to include a broader range of automotive maintenance offerings, such as brake, battery and tire services through its Jiffy Lube Multicare model. Over the past four decades,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/advice-from-a-multi-unit-franchisee-steve-isom-jiffy-lube-2726482">the company has built a significant franchise network</a> that has helped maintain its position as a leader in the quick-service automotive maintenance sector.“Few brands have the heritage and scale of Jiffy Lube,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-mlotek-344a795">Lee Mlotek</a>, managing director of Monomoy, in a press release. “As the original pioneer of the fast oil change, Jiffy Lube reshaped the industry and remains the market leader today. We are incredibly excited to partner with our franchisees to enhance the customer experience and value proposition that has made Jiffy Lube a trusted name for generations.”The private equity firm, which manages more than $5.3 billion in assets across its investment funds, has a history of investing in middle-market manufacturing, distribution and service companies.&nbsp;The deal also reflects a broader trend of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-franchising-and-private-equity-make-such-a-good-match-2720921">private equity investment in franchising</a>, as institutional investors increasingly view franchise systems as attractive platforms for long-term growth. Franchise brands often combine predictable revenue streams, strong brand equity and scalable expansion models, making them appealing targets for private equity firms seeking stable cash flow and opportunities for operational improvement.&nbsp;Read the original press release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mcpfunds.com/news/monomoy-capital-partners-signs-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-jiffy-lube-from-shell/">here</a>.&nbsp;Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Monomoy Capital Partners’ acquisition from Shell positions the iconic automotive service franchise for independent growth across its 2,000-location North American network.

According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260312305776/en/RF-Expands-Residential-and-Commercial-Services-Portfolio-with-Investment-in-Precision-Garage-Door-Service-Franchisee">recent release</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://rf-partners.com/">RF Investment Partners</a>, a group focused on flexible capital solutions and value-add support to lower-middle-market businesses, has teamed up with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.burlingtoncp.us/">Burlington Capital Partners</a>, a group focused on family, founder and operator-owned lower-middle-market businesses, to acquire a prominent multi-territory&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.neighborly.com/precision-door">Precision Garage Door Service</a> franchise.The investment marks the seventh platform for RF within the service space. Precision Garage Door Service, which is part of the larger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neighborly.com/">Neighborly</a> ecosystem, specializes in the installation, maintenance and repair of garage doors.&nbsp;“We are proud to partner with management and the Burlington team to support continued growth by investing in people and operational excellence,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-fidler-6787143">Peter Fidler</a>, managing partner and co-founder of RF Investment Partners, said in the release. “The sector continues to present compelling opportunities given the essential nature of garage door repair, and we look forward to building on Precision’s strong foundation to drive long-term value.”This deal is part of the broader trend toward institutionalized multi-unit and multi-territory operators. Previously, franchising was largely viewed as the place for “mom-and-pop” businesses. And while franchises remain small, local businesses, the aggressive entry of private equity firms focused on operators (franchisees) rather than the brand (franchisor) is bringing new energy to small business ownership.Read the full release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260312305776/en/RF-Expands-Residential-and-Commercial-Services-Portfolio-with-Investment-in-Precision-Garage-Door-Service-Franchisee">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

The strategic investment marks the seventh residential services platform for RF and reflects a growing institutional desire for high-potential, operator-led franchises.

How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A drive-thru specialty coffee franchise focused on speed, quality and Southern hospitality.

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Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


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From full-service luxury spas to high-tech medspas and specialized wellness studios, these unique franchise models cater to the specialized needs of modern beauty and wellness enthusiasts.

Technology in Restaurant Franchises: How Tech is Changing the Dining Landscape

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