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As 2026 approaches, Nordic restaurants face a pivotal moment: technology and hospitality are converging, and the winners will be those who take control of the guest relationship. Teemu Karenius, CEO at Yonoton, believes the path forward is clear—restaurants must unify their digital operations and put guest data at the heart of their strategy.
For Nordic restaurants, 2026 marks a turning point where technology and hospitality are more intertwined than ever. According to Teemu Karenius, CEO at Yonoton, the biggest opportunity is clear: “Owning the customer relationship through unified omnichannel platforms will define the winners in this industry.”
For years, many restaurants have relied on a patchwork of disconnected systems—one for ordering, another for payments, a third for loyalty. Karenius sees this era ending fast. “Restaurants can now integrate ordering, payments, and loyalty across all guest touchpoints. This isn’t just about reducing reliance on third parties—it’s about unlocking valuable data and creating a seamless experience for both guests and staff. Unified platforms are the backbone of modern hospitality.”
The message is clear: integration isn’t just a tech upgrade, it’s a strategic shift that allows operators to truly understand and serve their guests.
Labor shortages continue to challenge restaurant operators across the Nordics. Karenius argues that automation is now essential, not optional. “Automation and omnichannel ordering streamline service, cut wait times, and optimize staffing. Operators gain real-time insights, while guests enjoy faster, smoother, and more flexible experiences. Automating all relevant parts of the restaurant process is essential in today’s environment.”
By automating routine processes, restaurants can do more with less—improving efficiency while maintaining a high standard of service.
The modern guest expects every interaction to be effortless and tailored. Karenius highlights that, “Today’s guests want seamless ordering, multiple payment options, and loyalty that feels personal. Consistency across channels and smarter use of data are what set leading restaurants apart. It’s about making every interaction effortless and tailored.”
Restaurants that deliver on these expectations will earn loyalty and stand out in a crowded market.
One of the biggest risks in adopting new technology is doing so in isolation. Karenius warns, “Adopting tech in silos creates extra work, poor data flow, and guest frustration. The key is integration—making sure systems talk to each other and that staff are trained and empowered to use them. It’s also vital to help staff understand why new technology matters and how it benefits everyone.”
The takeaway: Choose solutions that work together, and invest in training so your team can make the most of them.
“Adopting tech in silos creates extra work, poor data flow, and guest frustration. The key is integration—making sure systems talk to each other and that staff are trained and empowered to use them. It’s also vital to help staff understand why new technology matters and how it benefits everyone.”
Looking ahead, Karenius offers a practical tip: “Invest in your own digital channels to capture customer data. Use it to personalize offers, drive repeat visits, and reduce dependency on aggregators. Your own channels are your most valuable asset.”
Owning the guest relationship means having direct access to data, enabling smarter marketing and deeper loyalty.
Unified customer data isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation for smarter operations. “It improves forecasting, staffing, and menu planning while enabling personalized marketing and consistent experiences. Done right, it boosts both efficiency and guest loyalty, leading to a more profitable business.”
Karenius’s message for 2026 is simple: “Restaurants that own their guest relationship and unify their technology will be the winners in 2026.” Integration, personalization, and independence are the keys to spending less time on admin—and more time creating the experiences that keep guests coming back.
Yonoton is a leading digital platform for the hospitality and entertainment industries, providing solutions for mobile ordering, payments, and customer engagement. Trusted by restaurants, stadiums, and venues across Europe, Yonoton helps operators streamline operations, boost sales, and deliver seamless guest experiences through unified digital channels.
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