[Pete]

I love technology. I think that computer POS systems are one of the greatest achievments in the restaurant business, but I think technology can only go so far. I think video could be used to help monitor a buffet line, but it will never replace a human. First of all you just don't have the definition with video. Sure you can tell when food is out, but can really see if it is looking a little old, crusty or dried out with video? Plus you still need someone to monitor the video so why not just have someone on the floor. You would need numerous cameras so that you could get a close enough view of the food and a cook doesn't have time to monitor that, flipping through the different views. Having someone, physically, monitor the buffet also adds the element of human presence, which I think is very important. Sometimes there is just no replacement for human presence. The same goes with using video to help bus tables. Sure it can be used as a supplement, but it can't replace human presence. Can video tell if a customer has a question, needs something not immediately appearant, or tell if a guest needs help?

Finally, the walkie issue. It has been tried before and I don't really see that it works well. If all the servers are not provided with earpieces then the dinning room becomes rather noisy with a lot of walkie chatter. But even if they are provided with earpieces, I, as a chef, would hate it. I get bombarded with things all service long and the last thing I need to distract me is yet another way for people to talk to me and ask questions. I don't need that constant chatter in my ear while I am dealing with cooks, managers, and other waitstaff.