Ways for Restaurant Operators to Safeguard Against Technology Outages

McDonald’s and Panera Bread Experience Tech Outages: Lessons for the Restaurant Industry

In recent weeks, two major fast-food chains, McDonald’s and Panera Bread, faced significant tech outages that disrupted their operations and raised concerns about cybersecurity threats. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of robust IT systems and cybersecurity measures in the restaurant industry.

McDonald’s experienced a systemwide tech outage in several global markets, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Hong Kong. The company clarified that it was not a cybersecurity threat but took much of the day to fix and get mobile ordering and kiosks back online. Similarly, Panera Bread faced a “massive tech outage” that impacted online ordering, POS systems, and in-store kiosks. While McDonald’s was forthcoming about the cause, Panera Bread was less transparent, leading to speculation about a possible cyberattack.

Carissa De Santis, chief technology officer of BRIX Holdings, emphasized the importance of preventing IT outages in today’s digitally driven world. She highlighted the need for robust vendor selection, redundancy measures, failover mechanisms, and ongoing cybersecurity training for staff. Savneet Singh, CEO of PAR Technology, stressed the importance of building a culture of cybersecurity awareness across the organization to reduce the risk of IT disruptions.

The incidents at McDonald’s and Panera Bread underscore the vulnerabilities in digital systems and the potential impact on brand reputation and financial losses. As restaurants increasingly rely on technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences, investing in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity measures is crucial to prevent and mitigate the impact of tech outages. By prioritizing cybersecurity and building a culture of awareness and preparedness, restaurants can better protect their systems and operations from potential threats.