Impatient diners want fast service and better payment technology in restaurants
Research from Barclaycard has revealed a demand for faster service and better ways to pay as 37% of diners prioritise quick service in restaurants over menu and value.
More than 26% of UK adults dine out at least once a week and one in seven order meals from delivery apps on a weekly basis. Diners choose to eat out or takeaway for convenience (56%) with a majority saying that the most frustrating part of dining out is slow service.
When dining in a restaurant, 49% of respondents admitted to becoming impatient when waiting to pay at the end of the meal. Payment technology, such as contactless payments, pre-ordering and paying via an app or payment via mobile at the table came out as the top choices for diners.
Diners are also calling for more bill-splitting apps, due to frustrations caused by paying for more than they ate, alcohol they didn't order and having to figure out each individual's share from the bill.
Responding to the desire for faster payments, 23% of restaurants anticipate an increase in contactless options, and 10% expect to use an app in the future.
Sharon Manikon, customer solutions director at Barclaycard said: "Time is of the essence for today's busy Brits and this need for speed now seems to be translating to the dining experience. As the restaurant sector enters a new era of ‘dining-on-demand', the industry needs to respond with the right technology to improve the service and experience they provide, or risk getting left behind by their more savvy competitors.
"By introducing a personal touch, such as apps which allow diners to pre-order and pay for meals in advance, or tools that enable bills to be split per head, restaurateurs can ensure they keep customers' appetites for enjoyable food and high quality service well and truly satisfied."
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