The Future of Digital Ordering

In 2025, digital ordering is no longer just an additional tool for your brand, it’s the foundation of a connected restaurant experience. In a recent fireside chat hosted by PAR Technology, Josh Schoonmaker, VP of Product for Engagement Cloud at PAR, joined Rob Grimes, Founder and CEO of the International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA), to share insights on what the future holds for digital ordering and how brands can keep up.

According to Schoonmaker, the digital ordering experience must evolve to feel more human and less transactional. Guests today expect to be recognized—whether that’s through personalized offers, predictive ordering based on preferences, or real-time order tracking.

“When a guest feels seen, it drives loyalty,” said Schoonmaker. “Technology needs to enhance—not replace—the hospitality experience.”

Brands also need to look for an online ordering provider such as PAR Ordering that allows them to easily create and provide personalization to their guests. With the right tools, concepts can create a seamless branded experience that delivers on ease of use while also matching the tone and feel of their own brand. Additionally, PAR Ordering allows for the creation of dynamic, customizable menus with unlimited nesting options that enhance guest choice, drive upsells and increase profits.

As the 2025 NRN report confirms, restaurants are increasingly adopting digital channels like third-party delivery, branded apps, and kiosks—but complexity is compounding. Nearly 30% of operators say their biggest tech challenge is inadequate partner support and poor system integration (NRN, 2025). That’s why collaboration across providers is key to building flexible, interconnected systems that simplify operations, not complicate them.
While third-party delivery platforms can boost sales, they often act as gatekeepers of key customer data. By integrating your own, branded ordering system with a loyalty program, you retain control over this crucial information. This integration is vital because it allows you to build stronger connections by communicating directly with your customers.

From order suggestions to marketing automation, artificial intelligence is shifting from a buzzword to a practical tool. Two-thirds of operators see AI playing a major role in personalizing offers and upselling on digital touchpoints (NRN, 2025). Rob Grimes highlighted that the next leap is using AI to transform digital ordering data into smarter decisions, turning each interaction into an opportunity to learn and improve.
As a first step, brands need to prioritize integrating their ordering and loyalty systems to drive a unified approach to digital sales. The PAR Ordering and PAR Punchh integration provides an enhanced loyalty experience within PAR Ordering’s first-party ordering channels (mobile, web and kiosk), where all Punchh loyalty programs are seamlessly personalized for your guests. Brands gain invaluable insights into how online orders and loyalty programs work together, empowering you to make data-driven decisions about your offerings, marketing initiatives, and overall restaurant operations.

While omnichannel growth isn’t yet viewed as the most profitable strategy, it’s becoming essential for long-term success. Restaurants that use platforms like PAR Ordering integrated with PAR Punchh gain the flexibility to future-proof their tech stack while improving throughput, optimizing labor, and delivering seamless customer experiences.
With nearly half of operators expecting digital ordering to represent 50% or more of sales by the end of 2025 (NRN, 2025), the path forward is clear: simplify the experience, personalize every touchpoint, and ensure your tech works with you—not against you.

To schedule a personalized demo, and learn more about PAR Ordering, visit here.