The restaurant industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advances, changing regulations, and shifting customer expectations. To stay competitive in 2026 and beyond, restaurant owners and managers need to develop skills that go beyond traditional hospitality expertise.
According to Gavan Ord, Business Investment Lead at CPA Australia, the country’s leading professional accounting body, these changes are reshaping how organisations across all sectors operate. “Technical expertise, adaptability and foresight have long underpinned professional success,” Ord said. “Professionals who master these areas will do more than keep pace with change—they will help drive it.”
Drawing on CPA Australia’s analysis of emerging business trends, here are six critical capabilities every restaurant professional should master.
1. Making smart AI investments
Artificial intelligence and automation are transforming restaurant operations, from inventory management to customer service chatbots and predictive ordering systems. However, the promise of efficiency can lead to hasty decisions.
“AI and automation are increasingly being adopted by Australian businesses, helping to simplify processes and reduce repetitive and time-consuming tasks,” Ord explained. “However, without a disciplined evaluation process, businesses risk over-investing in the technology.”
Restaurant operators should apply the same rigorous financial analysis to AI tools as they would to kitchen equipment or dining room renovations. Before investing in that new automated reservation system or AI-powered scheduling software, ask: What’s the return on investment? How will this improve customer experience or reduce costs?
2. Turning data into action
Modern restaurants generate enormous amounts of data—from point-of-sale systems, online ordering platforms, reservation apps, and customer feedback channels. But raw numbers alone won’t improve your business.
“Data is an increasingly critical business asset,” said Ord. “However, data only becomes valuable when it is translated into compelling narratives that inform decision-making.”
The key is data storytelling: transforming analytics into insights that drive action. Instead of simply noting that Saturday lunch sales are down 15%, dig deeper. Which menu items are underperforming? Has competition increased in your area? Are staffing levels optimal? By connecting the dots and presenting insights in ways that resonate with your team, you can turn data into actionable strategies that boost revenue and efficiency.
3. Embracing sustainability reporting
Sustainability is no longer just a marketing buzzword—it’s becoming a business requirement. Larger companies now face mandatory climate-related disclosure requirements, and this trend will increasingly affect the restaurant industry.
“Sustainability reporting presents a career boost opportunity for many accounting and finance professionals, but only if they are prepared for the changes,” Ord said. “With mandatory climate-related disclosures now in effect for larger businesses, accounting professionals should consider deepening their sustainability expertise.”
Forward-thinking restaurant operators should start building expertise in sustainability metrics now. This means understanding your environmental footprint—from food waste and energy consumption to supply chain impacts. Customers, particularly younger diners, increasingly choose restaurants based on environmental practices. Operators who can measure, report, and improve their sustainability performance will attract conscious consumers while potentially reducing costs through more efficient resource use.
4. Sharpening critical thinking and communication
Even with advanced technology, success in the restaurant business depends on human judgment and clear communication.
“Critical thinking enables accounting and finance professionals to interpret data, identify trends, ask the right questions and draw meaningful conclusions that support business,” Ord explained. “Even the most advanced technologies are ineffective if professionals cannot interpret, verify and communicate the insights they produce.”
This applies directly to restaurant operations. Can you explain why you’re changing a menu item? Can you articulate your labour cost challenges to your accountant? Can you persuade your team to embrace a new service model?
“The ability to translate complex financial insights into clear actions is what turns data into strategy,” said Ord. “Those who combine strong analytical skills with persuasive communication are invaluable for their organisations.”
5. Navigating regulatory complexity
The regulatory landscape facing restaurants continues to expand, from food safety standards and labour laws to licensing requirements and tax obligations. Staying compliant while maintaining operational efficiency requires continuous learning.
“With the regulatory environment becoming more complex and voluminous, professionals must continuously update their knowledge of regulatory requirements, including reporting obligations,” Ord noted. “Businesses need professionals who can ensure transparency, build investor confidence and navigate often complex compliance landscapes without slowing growth.”
Restaurant operators need to stay current with evolving regulations affecting their business, including new wage requirements, changing health codes, and updated liquor licensing rules. Building this expertise—or partnering with professionals who have it—helps prevent costly compliance failures that can derail growth.
6. Leading with ethics
Running a restaurant presents daily ethical challenges: How do you treat employees fairly while managing tight margins? How do you source ingredients responsibly? How do you handle customer data? As technology plays a bigger role in operations, these questions become more complex.
“Individuals must be equipped to deal with ethical dilemmas that arise in real-world environments,” said Ord. “Ethical considerations extend to technology adoption, sustainability and data governance. The rise of AI and automation presents further challenges as professionals must understand not only how to use these tools effectively but also how to use them responsibly.”
Looking ahead
The restaurant business has always required a unique blend of creativity, operational excellence, and customer focus. In 2026, adding these six skills to your toolkit will position you to navigate change, seize opportunities, and build a more resilient operation.
As Ord concluded, professionals who master these areas “…will help organisations unlock new opportunities, build resilience and maintain trust, while advancing their own careers and earning potential”.
For restaurant operators, that means not just surviving industry changes—but thriving through them.
