Restaurant owners in the UK are heading into 2026 with one question in mind: how much technology should operate behind the counter and in the kitchen? Research from Toast, carried out with Expert Market, suggests most have already made up their minds.
The survey of about 400 UK restaurant owners found that 80% are at least “somewhat ready” to adopt new technologies. That is not a vague intention. It shows a trade that sees digital systems as a routine expense and an expected cost of doing business.
Money is already being allocated. The study found that 28% of respondents are investing in new technologies for their restaurant. The poll took place between October 31st 2025 and November 7th 2025 using Pollfish, and respondents were not told that Toast was behind the research. For owners, that means peers across the country are already committing cash, not simply talking about change.
Which Tools Are Likely To Change Daily Operations?
When owners were asked which technologies would have the most influence on restaurant operations in 2026, online ordering and delivery platforms came top. According to the survey, 54% believe these platforms will shape their operations more than anything else this year.
That affects staffing, kitchen flow and margins. A restaurant that relies heavily on delivery orders has to manage timing carefully. Late dishes, missing items or platform fees can quickly eat into profits. Owners investing in better integrated systems may be trying to tighten control over those risks and gain clearer oversight of orders coming through different channels.
AI and automation came next at 23%. Smart kitchens and equipment followed at 13%, and digital loyalty and personalisation tools were selected by 9% of respondents. These percentages may look smaller, but they point to steady interest in tools that deal with stock control, ordering and customer data.
For businesses, these priorities show a practical mindset. Owners appear most concerned with handling orders efficiently and keeping customers coming back. Technology that integrates point of sale, delivery apps and inventory could help lower errors and give a better view of costs. Loyalty software could help target regular diners with offers that encourage repeat visits.
Will Robots Take Over The Dining Room?
The survey also invited owners to make a prediction about the restaurant trade in 2026. Many answers centred on deeper use of AI and automation. A number of operators spoke about fully automated restaurants, robot staff and AI systems managing ordering and personalisation.
That vision may attract attention, but the tone from Expert Market was measured. Chris Maillard, Editor of Expert Market, said: “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.”
His comments point to a likely outcome for many businesses. Few expect chefs or waiting staff to disappear. Hospitality relies on human contact. Customers notice the welcome at the door and the quality of service. Machines cannot replicate that experience.
Technology is more likely to change what happens behind the scenes. Automated stock systems can flag shortages before they become a problem. Digital ordering can cut down on handwritten errors. Financial tools can organise accounts in real time. For a small restaurant, that may free up hours each week that would otherwise be spent on paperwork.
With most of the surveyed saying they are at least somewhat ready to adopt new technologies and 28% already investing, restaurant owners appear to accept that 2026 will need better, more efficient systems and more organised operations. Those who make the right decisions here may protect margins and overall do better. Those who delay may find competitors moving ahead with more organised businesses.
