Restaurant tech company Qu has introduced a smart kitchen platform aimed at helping enterprise operators reduce costs and improve efficiency by unifying energy monitoring, predictive maintenance, and equipment management. The system was unveiled at the Restaurant Leadership Conference and is built on Qu’s data-first infrastructure, integrating IoT sensors, edge computing, and AI analytics.
The launch comes at a time when restaurants are under pressure from rising operating costs. Energy now accounts for nearly 6% of average restaurant expenses, while equipment downtime and maintenance are costing the industry tens of billions annually. Since 2019, repair and maintenance costs have climbed by more than 30%, according to recent industry reports.
Qu’s platform connects equipment and environmental systems through a centralised interface that gives operators visibility and control over their kitchens in real time. It tracks performance across appliances, identifies anomalies before failures occur, and uses predictive tools to schedule proactive maintenance. The system also allows for remote control of equipment settings, enabling quick adjustments without the need for onsite intervention.
Another key capability is its temperature and environmental monitoring, which supports compliance and food safety by overseeing refrigeration and HVAC systems. In parallel, Qu’s AI-powered forecasting feature uses historical and live data to anticipate demand, helping optimise prep, reduce food waste, and align staffing levels.
Unlike fragmented legacy setups, Qu’s smart kitchen platform supports various third-party equipment, allowing operators to maintain interoperability as they modernise. This future-ready infrastructure sets the foundation for Qu’s upcoming Device Orchestration Platform, designed to automate complex tasks across mixed hardware environments.
The company also debuted a digital order readiness board to enhance transparency for guests and ease in-store congestion, further connecting front- and back-of-house operations.
With its focus on automation, energy efficiency, and real-time data, Qu’s latest innovation provides enterprise restaurants with a more connected, cost-effective, and scalable way to manage kitchen operations.