Catherwood LibraryILR School

In an industry where almost 30% of its costs come from salaries, fast food restaurants have tried to increase revenue per employee over the years by automating production and service processes. Now, with increasing pressure nationwide to almost double the minimum wage for fast food workers, restaurant chain owners are looking hard at decreasing labor costs by finding ways to produce more food and less waste with high-tech equipment. Spurred by the rising costs of wholesale food prices and real estate, equipment innovations that help streamline ordering, cooking, inventory, and marketing processes are expected to increase at a faster rate. Many restaurants have already implemented tablet and kiosk ordering in order to decrease dependence on cashiers. Other innovations may affect sushi chef positions as machines are able to accomplish the labor-intensive task of rolling out rice.