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15 top technology stories from 2019

Mike Buzalka, Executive Features Editor

December 20, 2019

14 Slides
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As the world enters the third decade of the 21st century, one thing is eminently clear—this is a world increasingly driven by technology, especially the technologies of automation and of interactivity. Both have significant application in onsite foodservice and are changing the ways in-house dining programs interact with customers, the responsibilities and skills they require of their employees and the way they produce and serve their food.

The adoption of technological innovations by onsite dining programs is also being driven by a number of other factors ranging from rising labor costs accelerated by an extremely low unemployment rate and local “living wage” campaigns, to growing societal demands for convenience and customization, demands that commercial and retail competitors are already aggressively adopting.

Hence, 2019 was characterized by continued experimentation with and adoption of technology solutions by operators across the onsite dining community, ranging from remote ordering and automated production to robot delivery and high-tech vending units. Here are 15 stories from 2019 dealing with technology innovations.

About the Author

Mike Buzalka

Executive Features Editor, Food Management

Mike Buzalka is executive features editor for Food Management and contributing editor to Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News. On Food Management, Mike has lead responsibility for compiling the annual Top 50 Contract Management Companies as well as the K-12, College, Hospital and Senior Dining Power Players listings. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature from John Carroll University. Before joining Food Management in 1998, he served as for eight years as assistant editor and then editor of Foodservice Distributor magazine. Mike’s personal interests range from local sports such as the Cleveland Indians and Browns to classic and modern literature, history and politics.

Mike Buzalka’s areas of expertise include operations, innovation and technology topics in onsite foodservice industry markets like K-12 Schools, Higher Education, Healthcare and Business & Industry.

Mike Buzalka’s experience:

Executive Features Editor, Food Management magazine (2010-present)

Contributing Editor, Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News (2016-present)

Associate Editor, Food Management magazine (1998-2010)

Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1997-1998)

Assistant Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1989-1997)

 

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