Starfleet Research has launched a new industry-wide study, the Restaurant Intelligence & Operational Readiness Survey, aimed at capturing how restaurants are using modern technology and data-driven tools to improve profitability, operational control, and decision-making in an increasingly complex environment.
The survey is open to restaurant professionals with direct insight into their organization’s technology stack, financial visibility, and day-to-day operations. Findings will inform an upcoming research report examining the role of AI-driven insights, real-time cost intelligence, automated forecasting, and modern marketing and loyalty capabilities in helping restaurants manage rising costs, shifting demand, and intensifying competition.
Topics explored include forecasting sales and labor, understanding menu profitability, managing food and labor costs, leveraging predictive insights tied to weather and local events, using AI assistants for operational questions, and measuring the impact of marketing and loyalty programs on repeat visits and guest spend.
All responses are anonymous, and participants may opt to receive the final research report when it is published in January 2026. The report will be independently produced by Starfleet Research, with underwriting support from Square, and distributed through Restaurant Technology News, Restaurant News Resource, Restaurant News, and other leading industry publications.
As a thank-you to participants and in support of sustainability efforts, Starfleet Research will donate $5 to a leading nonprofit organization that funds certified climate projects and global reforestation initiatives. To date, Starfleet Research has supported more than 60 climate projects and contributed to the planting of over 900 trees.
