Technology that’s Shaping the Restaurant Industry in the Spring of 2025

Now that the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show has come and gone, it's time to look at the highlights. Interestingly, Restaurant Business defined the atmosphere and offerings well when they said, "In many ways, the National Restaurant Association Show has become a technology exhibition with some food sprinkled in for good measure."

Our industry was once considered a slow learner when it came to integrating technology. Today, it's used to support operations, increase profits, and elevate the customer experience. In 2025, we're an industry leader, adopting technology at record rates.

Some of the standouts found in The Show include the integration of AI to potentially create schedules and recommend which servers should be stationed where and when. AI can also enhance the guest experience by making it more personalized. These restaurant-first AI companies are looking to elevate restaurants' pain points through the power of AI and the latest technology.

The EMERGING Fund Technology Portfolio

The growing need for appropriate technology for our industry is one of the reasons EMERGING Fund has focused on Restech for funding opportunities. As we see it, the key is technology that supports and enhances the guest experience instead of distracting from it. It's technology that gives staff extra time and incentives to make a difference in the moments that customers spend in your restaurant.

Some of the top contenders and the technology-focused companies found in our portfolio include:

1Huddle: This mobile game platform for employee training offers one of the fastest ways to upskill your staff, enabling them to provide an exceptional experience for your guests while increasing the average check and saving time in the BOH. It's competitive, exciting, and fun-just what learning should be.

Botrista: This automated beverage solution only takes up 4 square feet while delivering high-margin, popular drinks like boba tea, smoothies, cold brew, mocktails, and more. Last summer, it closed its Series C funding round, raising the total capital to $120 million.

Chowly: This off-premise platform is designed to maximize your digital ordering potential. It offers integrations with POS systems, Smart Pricing, delivery services, digital marketing, and a powerful Restaurant Control Center that consolidates online ordering platforms into one hub. These digital solutions are just a few of the reasons it's found in over 17,000 restaurants.

F&B Insights: This data-driven platform offers several solutions for the restaurant industry. From enhancing profitability through supplier partnerships and optimizing profits by providing nationwide menu pricing, it's a one-stop shop for many of the challenges today's restaurants face.

Leasecake: The premier real estate and location management platform helps operators manage their locations efficiently while decreasing risk. Brands like Dave's Hot Chicken, Jersey Mike's, and Tropical Smoothie Café work with Leasecake to stay informed and updated on leases, locations, contracts, permits, and more.

Overproof: This AI-solutions platform for the beverage alcohol industry helps brands identify go-to-market strategies and drive success by finding the best accounts for their brand. Data management, industry-specific brand programs, and locating the perfect sale opportunity align for optimum growth and profits.

Tablz: This intuitive, interactive platform takes guests on a 3D journey through your restaurant. It enables them to pick out the perfect table to enhance their dining experiences while providing another revenue stream for restaurants.

Taiv: This AI and computer-vision technology company enhances live television experiences by creating customized content that replaces standard commercials. From brand-specific promotions to your company's voice and values, your TVs become an extension of your restaurant's style instead of a distraction.

At EMERGING Fund, we're not just a growth capital fund; our founders and general partners represent top industry titans who act as strategic partners, whether supporting or making recommendations based on direct experiences. These founders have scaled their companies to top industry valuations and now help others to do the same. To learn more about our portfolio or to schedule a consultation, contact EMERGING.

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