These days, it seems like there is an app for pretty much everything. Machines and software have changed the way we do almost everything in our day to day lives already. Additionally, there are constantly new innovations shaping the way we interact with the world around us. Fortunately, much of the service industry has remained unaffected by these sweeping changes; and that includes the bar and nightclub industry. However, there have already been some changes throughout the industry that are pointing in the direction of removing human interaction. Unfortunately, that spells trouble for many people who are employed in this field because many people insist that software replace bartenders.
Now, I don’t want to start a panic. This is very early in the process and likely won’t be a reality for many years; if not decades. However, understanding that there is a clock on all of our jobs is important to help you prepare for your future. The fact of the matter is that all jobs will likely be replaced by machines and software at some point. Unfortunately, bartenders and servers at bars and nightclubs are no exception. Here is how it all shakes down in the upcoming decades.
Machines to Replace Servers
The die has been cast already for servers being replaced by machines and software. Subsequently, you can find evidence of it at many of the most popular chain restaurants. It actually started in the fast food industry with the ability to order online before you get to the store. Currently, places like Jack in the Box have kiosks in their dining rooms that allow you to order through a machine rather than talk directly to a cashier. Though this replaces jobs, the sad truth is that it is actually more reliable and accurate than telling your order to another human to manually enter into their software.
You can also see tablets on the tables at restaurants like Applebee’s and Chili’s where you can place your orders and print your check. You still have a server to physically bring your food and drinks out to you. However, your interaction with them is otherwise eradicated.
Will Software Replace Bartenders?
Replacing bartenders with machines and software is a little further out due to the personable nature of the job. However, you can see the appeal and mindset behind the move. Imagine ordering your drinks from a tablet right from your bar stool and a machine mixing your beverage precisely every time you order. No longer would you need to hope your bartender knows how to make an old fashioned properly; the machine will be programmed to do it perfectly every single time! They already have self-serve tap beer systems that allow patrons to pour their own beers. So, taking this next leap is not too far-fetched.
In summary, there are many aspects of serving and bartending that you can expect to be replaced by technology over the next few years and decades. However, eliminating people altogether from the bar and nightclub industry won’t happen for quite a long time. Sure, you can have machines make your drinks and you can replace ordering and paying with software. However, you will still need servers to deliver food to the table and bartenders to bring the drinks to thirsty customers sitting on their bar stools.
