Robotics Help to Reimagine Dining in DFW
The DFW metroplex is as varied as it is vast. In recent years, this North Texas trade destination has seen an influx of everything from resident populations to retail and restaurant headquarters fleeing states like California and New York and flocking to this free trade mecca. The hospitality industry, in particular, has found a niche among this newly appointed capital of neo-capitalism. With over 70 new restaurants opening in Dallas alone this fall, there certainly seems to be no slowing of this recent restaurant boom in the near future.
Look around this ever-emerging metroplex and you will find just about any type of eatery. From Tex-Mex to Thai, Jewish delis to Japanese, DFW has an answer for any appetite and is widely recognized as one of the top eater destinations in the county. In the last several years, DFW has attracted the attention of top restaurant names like Dickey’s Barbeque, Dave & Buster’s, and, of course, Brinker International the hospitality holding company in charge of Chili’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy.
Labor Shortages Rock Texas Restaurant Growth
With such an incredible collection of culinary destinations, it seems DFW is hungrier than ever to become a true cornerstone in the culture of American cuisine, but in today’s economy, it seems even a utopia like North Texas may have to contend with the constant uncertainty of labor and supply restrictions.
Not only have the global supply shortages meant increased prices and decreased selection across DFW’s ever-expanding food sectors but labor shortages spurred by nearly two years in a pandemic economy have crippled the now hot commodity of servers, hosts, and chefs. This is leaving many restaurants with circumstances of shorter hours, reduced service, and smaller menus – for many it’s even worse. Though, there may be a saving grace in the cities of North Texas.
Tech Solutions for Texas Shortages
DFW has long been known for its booming economy, business-oriented infrastructure, and baron-grade prosperity. Now, it’s earning its next accolade as a magnet city for modern tech. As of 2021, 17 million tech jobs have moved to DFW, making Dallas alone the number one city in the state and DFW the number two region in the country for tech careers. Sorry, Austinites… Downtown Dallas is also constantly evolving with its recent Smart City Initiative, housing The Dallas Innovation Alliance and the Smart Cities Living Lab.
The integrated industry amalgam of North Texas tech and hospitality has made DFW the perfect proving ground for our mission at Bear Robotics - to set a new standard in robotics by empowering incredible dining experiences. So far, we’ve had the opportunity to try out our newest generation of Servi robots in many restaurant locations around the metroplex.
Robots to the Rescue
Servi is a high-tech helping hand that easily automates repetitive tasks like food running, bussing, serving, and more. With a multitude of smart sensors, cameras, and a radial base of just 17” Servi nimbly navigates any restaurant to close the gap left by labor shortages and help enhance restaurant experiences, especially in times where service is under such a severe crunch.
It’s truly a unique opportunity to be able to bring this type of technology to such a perfect place during a time where the restaurant industry needs it the most. We’ve seen so much success in local Chili’s restaurants that we’ve formally aligned with Brinker International to create a solution specific to their particular flavor of fun, casual dining – #RitaTheRobot. Can you guess its favorite drink order?
By learning from the Lone Star State, we’ve been able to grow our technology while learning more about what it means to operate a restaurant in such a unique region that relies so much on the work ethic people who make Texas so incredible. By implementing these service aids, we’ve been able to see real results on the human side – not only in how customers respond but also in how workers react to smart solutions for on-the-job success. The adage about everything being “bigger in Texas” certainly applies to the restaurant industry, and now its relationship with emerging tech is further expanding DFW’s dominance in the dining world.
At Bear Robotics, we couldn’t be more thrilled to take part in this new horizon for hospitality. We’re super excited to see so much momentum in a place where anything seems possible.
