UK restaurants back tech, prioritising online ordering

UK restaurant operators are signalling a broad willingness to adopt new technology in 2026, with online ordering and delivery platforms expected to shape day-to-day operations more than other tools, according to a survey of 400 restaurant owners.

Research by Toast and Expert Market found that 80% of respondents described themselves as at least "somewhat ready" to adopt new technologies. More than a quarter (28%) said they were already investing in new technology for their restaurant.

The results suggest operators expect digital channels to keep expanding their role in how customers place orders and how kitchen and front-of-house teams manage demand. They also indicate that, despite cost pressures, many businesses still see room for targeted technology spending in 2026.

Ordering focus

When asked which technologies would most influence restaurant operations in 2026, a majority chose online ordering and delivery platforms. Some 54% said these would have the biggest impact, well ahead of the other categories in the survey.

AI and automation ranked second (23%), followed by smart kitchens and equipment (13%) and digital loyalty and personalisation tools (9%).

The responses highlight a gap between immediate operational needs and the longer-term promise of automation. Ordering and delivery systems are closely tied to revenue and service throughput, while smart equipment and advanced automation can require changes to workflows, staffing and training.

AI predictions

Owners were also asked to make a "bold prediction" about the industry in 2026. Many responses focused on integrating AI and automation into restaurant operations.

Some described fully automated restaurants and robot staff, or AI-driven ordering and personalisation. Others expected AI to be used behind the scenes to reduce administrative workloads rather than replace front-line service.

Expert Market said AI is more likely to appear first in back-office processes than on the restaurant floor.

"Adaptability is a hallmark of the most successful restaurant operators, and employing the latest technology to help them expand their offering is an obvious move. While AI is the current buzzword, it still can't cook a meal or wait tables - but in the back office it could well be very useful for operations like stock control, ordering and financial housekeeping," said Chris Maillard, Editor, Expert Market.

The survey data reflects that split. AI and automation ranked behind online ordering and delivery as the technology expected to have the most influence in 2026, even as the open-ended predictions leaned towards AI-led change.

Readiness and spend

Readiness to adopt new technology does not always translate into immediate purchases. While 80% said they were at least somewhat ready, only 28% reported that they were already investing.

The gap may reflect implementation challenges. Ordering and delivery platforms often involve subscriptions and integrations with menus and payment systems. Other options, such as smart kitchen equipment, can require capital spending and physical changes in the back of house.

Digital loyalty and personalisation tools ranked lowest, but nearly one in 10 operators still selected them as the most influential technology for 2026. These systems can use customer data from ordering channels and point-of-sale systems to link marketing activity to repeat visits.

Market context

Toast describes itself as a cloud-based platform for restaurants, offering point of sale, payments, operations, digital ordering and delivery, marketing and loyalty, and team management. It also provides financial technology tools and sells its software as a subscription service.

Expert Market describes itself as a business solutions provider. It worked with Toast on the survey, which used the Pollfish survey platform.

How the survey worked

The study was based on a blind survey of 400 UK restaurant owners. Respondents were not told Toast commissioned the research. Fieldwork ran from October 31 to November 7, and results are rounded, which can affect totals.

With operators expecting online ordering and delivery to be the most influential technology in 2026, the year ahead is likely to bring further decisions on managing digital demand, integrating payments and fulfilling orders across dine-in, takeaway and delivery.