The computer chip shortage, caused by the enormous demand for semiconductors far beyond the capacity for supply, has reached the Houston restaurant community. Jonathan Horowitz of Convive Hospitality Consulting says it is hitting them where it hurts.
Now that restaurants are serving more diners for longer hours - they are joining the world-wide shortage of computer chips vital to run their point of sale systems. Horowitz says it's hitting Houston restaurants at a time when they need them the most. "One of the things we've seen particularly recently is a dramatically up-tic in the use of technology in restaurants, whether they are upscale, big chain fast food, or mom and pop Italian places. The chip shortage, which is a world-wide issue, is definitely hurting the Houston area restaurant industry." The computer chip shortage, caused by the enormous demand for semiconductors far beyond the capacity for supply, has reached the Houston restaurant community. Horowitz says it is hitting them where it hurts. "The Point of Sales systems that go into restaurants - particularly in regard to online-ordering, pick-up and delivery, third party delivery - have seen a dramatic increase during and after the pandemic."
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He says some are getting by on older models with available replacement parts and others are learning again how to take and deliver orders with pad and pen. Horowitz says the chip shortage also affects suppliers up the supply chain. One of his Houston clients is still awaiting furniture and other materials for a restaurant he's planning to open.
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Point of Sale systems in Houston restaurants hurting due to lack of computer chips.Photo: Vladimir Gerdo/TASS