SMOAI knowledge centre

Restaurant technology guides

Plain language checklists for opening, operating and growing an Australian restaurant.

How to open a restaurant in Melbourne: technology checklist

A staged checklist for menu data, ordering, payments, kitchen screens, staff access and launch evidence.

Plan restaurant technology alongside legal, food safety, staffing and venue requirements.

Choose the smallest dependable stack for opening day, then add automation after core service is proven.

An evidence based checklist covering internet, devices, menu, payments, kitchen, security, backup and support.

Compare subscription, payment, hardware, setup, support and switching costs over the full contract.

Prepare the restaurant's source data, devices, staff and test evidence before accepting live orders.

Use clearer workflows and automation to reduce duplicate entry and service rework without making unsupported staffing promises.

Use relevant modifiers, bundles and dish explanations while keeping prices and choices clear.

Improve follow up and service using consented, minimal data rather than silent identity collection.

Design helpful suggestions around compatible dishes, dietary context and transparent prices.

Keep every translation attached to a stable dish record and require restaurant review for meaning and safety.

Combine translated menus, visual dish context and staff workflows without profiling diners.

Control menu versions, modifiers, validation and kitchen state transitions from order entry to completion.

Use station based KDS screens, sound and recovery checks while keeping an optional print fallback.