The National Restaurant Association and EatStreet have released a free educational guide focusing on online ordering and emerging restaurant technology trends. EatStreet, an online and mobile food ordering service based in Wisconsin, is helping more than 5,000 restaurants build out or improve their online ordering platforms.

“Consumers are increasingly relying on technology when choosing a restaurant,” says Phil Kafarakis, chief innovation and advancement officer for the National Restaurant Association. “Restaurants should capitalize on this momentum and provide innovative online menus that enhance the customer experience for diners ordering online. We are excited to work with a company like EatStreet that is providing restaurants and their customers the full mobile to table experience.”

The guide, entitled Online Ordering: A Recipe for Success, offers foodservice operators insight into expanding a customer base and driving profitable sales through digital marketing and improved web, mobile, and social products for online ordering.

“EatStreet offers restaurant and foodservice operators the opportunity to communicate with customers in new and exciting ways while offering innovative solutions to stay competitive through online ordering,” says Matt Howard, CEO and co-founder of EatStreet. “Over half of consumers say they would be likely to use a smartphone or tablet to order takeout or delivery if restaurants offer that option. Restaurants should seize this opportunity to incorporate online ordering technology that will take their businesses to the next level.” 

NRA research has found that 43 percent of adults say they have used the Internet to place an order for takeout or delivery, 59 percent of adults have visited a restaurant’s website, and 58 percent have viewed a restaurant’s menu online.