Building on our article covering retail technology platforms, one thing is clear: today’s consumers expect flawless digital experiences – every second counts. Nowhere is this more evident than in fast food, where the quest for speed and convenience sets the benchmark for retail innovation.
According to IBISWorld, more than 30% of e-commerce transactions now occur via mobile devices,* highlighting the critical role of digital channels.
* Source 2025 IBISWorld PESTLE analysis retail trade, ecommerce and online retail report, commissioned by Nexon Asia Pacific, internal research report.
Why fast food leads innovation
The fast-food sector faces unique demands that drive technological advancement. Unlike traditional retail, where transaction speed is not the core selling point, quick-service restaurants (QSR) require real-time responsiveness and instant fulfilment. With hot and cold meals, every second counts when customers are waiting – often with hungry kids – for their orders to be processed, prepared and delivered.
Modern fast food requires seamless integration of:
Online and mobile ordering apps
In-store point-of-sale systems
Kitchen and inventory management tools
Drive-through innovations
Delivery platform integration
Customer loyalty programs
This complex web of systems must work, often 24/7, across hundreds of locations, pushing fast-food operators to pioneer solutions that other retailers can learn from.
Leading innovation in action
The intense demands of fast food drive creativity that reshapes customer experience. Leading brands are pioneering innovations that point to retail’s future:
Domino’s has revolutionised delivery tracking and optimisation, using AI to improve order accuracy and delivery times. Their GPS Driver Tracker technology, developed in Australia, sets the standards for real‑time order visibility that traditional retailers are now adopting for deliveries.
Amazon Go is eliminating the traditional checkout process. Using a blend of computer vision, sensor fusion and deep learning, customers can grab what they need and simply walk out – with their accounts automatically charged. It’s a frictionless, cashier-less experience.
Starbucks’ app allows customers to order ahead, skip the line and pay seamlessly – all while earning loyalty rewards. This digital approach has redefined customer expectations for speed and convenience.
Without a robust, secure network and infrastructure, these digital innovations would be impossible. A strong technology foundation across your retail network ensures the reliable connectivity that these digital initiatives demand.
The network behind every order
While consumers see the front-end experience – mobile apps, digital menus and self-service kiosks – these innovations demand robust technology foundations. Modern cloud-managed platforms like Cisco Meraki enable retailers to centrally manage network infrastructure, security and communications across hundreds of locations. This foundation supports:
- Seamless integration between ordering channels
- Real-time inventory and kitchen management
- Secure payment processing
- Consistent customer experience
Building scalable success: Craveable Brands
With over 600 restaurants across Australia, Craveable Brands demonstrates how the right technology foundation enables innovation. Their recent digital transformation focused on standardising network infrastructure across all locations while enhancing security and reliability.
“E-commerce sales are a growing percentage of our business,” notes Simon Revelman, CIO, Craveable Brands. “We’re also expanding our digital capabilities with self-service kiosks and enhanced drive-through services. A robust, secure network is essential for all of these initiatives.”
Case study
Future-proofing fast food: How Craveable serves up tasty digital experiences.
Lessons for broader retail
The innovations pioneered by fast food offer valuable lessons for all retailers.
According to IBISWorld research, 82% of Australian households now make online purchases*, making digital capabilities essential for retailers selling chicken burgers or designer bags.
Key takeaways include:
Speed and integration matter
Fast food’s need for speed has driven seamless integration across online and physical channels – setting a benchmark for retailers in fashion, homewares and services, where consumers now expect the same effortless experience.
Customer experience is everything
Digital innovation must not complicate the customer journey. Whether through personalised menus or streamlined checkout, technology should remove friction and improve service.
Infrastructure enables innovation
From mobile ordering to loyalty programs, successful digital initiatives depend on reliable, secure and scalable network foundations that support current needs and future growth.
* Source 2025 IBISWorld PESTLE analysis retail trade, ecommerce and online retail report, commissioned by Nexon Asia Pacific, internal research report.
What’s on the menu for the future of retail
As technology evolves, the line between fast food and broader retail innovation grows thinner. Emerging trends include:
- AI-powered personalisation
- Automated inventory systems
- Predictive analytics for demand forecasting
- Enhanced drive-through and pickup technologies
- Integrated loyalty and payment solutions
Coming to a store near you
Fast food’s unique demands have made it the perfect testing ground for retail innovation. By solving complex challenges related to real-time service, multi-channel integration and seamless customer experience, QSR operators are creating blueprints that all retailers can follow.
Success depends on building the right foundation. Cloud platforms like Cisco Meraki can help retailers centrally manage their technology infrastructure, ensuring rock-solid connectivity and security.
Whether you sell food, fashion or financial services, the ability to rapidly deploy new digital initiatives is becoming a critical competitive advantage.
To explore more about building scalable retail foundations, check out our Nexon reliable network access solutions, retail technology foundation blog, and Cisco Meraki.
The future of retail is digital, but success depends on building the right foundation to day with the right partners
Contact Nexon to learn more
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