In 1859, Charles Dickens opened his novel “A Tale of Two Cities” with the now-famous line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” This sentiment feels remarkably relevant to the current state of the restaurant technology industry. Just as Dickens depicted the social complexities of the French Revolution, today’s restaurant tech landscape is experiencing its own form of upheaval.

On one side, we have the established companies clinging to their past glories. They often resist new technologies, employ scare tactics to create unrest, or even buy out their competition to stifle innovation. This behavior benefits no one, especially not the operators who are caught in the crossfire. On the other side, we have the revolutionaries—bold thinkers with brilliant ideas but often lacking the resources to bring their visions to life. They bet on themselves and their ability to be relevant, but many fail due to the prohibitive costs and lack of opportunities to share their innovations.

The challenges are significant. Operators who decide to become technologists rather than restaurateurs often find the road to success long and steep. The marketplace is unforgiving, and the cost of entry can be a barrier too high to overcome. Yet, the need for innovation has never been more critical, especially in these economically challenging times.

As an industry, we need to create a better on-ramp to promote innovation and reward disruption. Much like a rising tide raises all ships, a healthy, competitive, and imaginatively innovative restaurant technology industry will provide oxygen to all those in need. We must recognize the importance of fostering a supportive environment where new ideas can thrive and contribute to the overall health of the industry.

In this ConStrata Minute we delve deep into these issues, drawing parallels between Dickens’ work and the current state of restaurant technology. We discuss the resistance from established companies, the challenges faced by innovators, and the urgent need for industry support. Join us as we explore the complexities of this tech revolution and the steps we can take to ensure a brighter future for all.