Unlock the future of dining as Meredith and Carl dissect the evolving tastes of the restaurant industry, analyzing shifts in customer ordering habits and the ingenious ways full-service venues are adapting. As off-premise sales maintain their stronghold, with delivery dwindling and takeout holding firm, we bring to light the rise of direct online ordering and its stronghold on the sector. We tackle the daunting hurdles of inflated labor and commodity costs, and consider the findings from a recent Bank of America report, which uncovers an unexpected spike in technological investments. The conversation takes a turn towards the power of social media, where we unravel the diverse promotional strategies restaurants employ, navigating through the realms of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the burgeoning influence of TikTok. Prepare to gaze into the technological crystal ball with the Rabbit R1,  that's set to revolutionize the way eateries harness smart tech. We explore the leap from language to action models and the role AI will play in refining customer interaction and streamlining operations. The episode also contemplates the delicate balance of marketplace charges, examining the tug-of-war between restaurants, consumers, and delivery platforms. We take a journey East to scrutinizeMeituan, assessing its approach to an aging demographic amidst a challenging economic landscape. Join us on this culinary adventure, where we peel back the layers of industry trends and technological feats, serving up insights that could very well shape your next dining experience. Support the show🔔 Subscribe to The Digital Restaurant Podcast and follow us on YouTube for more episodes that combine the love of food with the latest in technology. Your next restaurant tech adventure starts here! 📖 Get your copy of the Delivering the Digital Restaurant books at www.theDigital.Restaurant 🎤 Have Carl or Meredith come and speak at your company conference! Learn more at www.theDigital.Restaurant 🎙️📰Please subscribe to our newsletter and connect with Carl & Meredith's Delivering the Digital Restaurant page on LinkedIn for their twice-a-month newsletter.