December 2020

Time Tracking Software | 5 Reasons Your Business Needs It

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June 19, 2024

Business owners have long struggled with the problems that traditional time tracking brings.

It's labor intensive and prone to error - especially when traditional methods of time tracking aren't tailored for certain businesses, like retail, restaurants, or companies that require multiple punch in's a day.

Businesses are ready for a better solution. Something that helps them save time on the back end, while saving money on the bottom line.
Here are 5 reasons  why it's worth adopting time tracking software for your business.
You'll be amazed at what it can bring to your day to day operations and company growth!


What is time tracking software? 

Time tracking software, is also known as time clock software, time attendance software, or employee time tracking can have slightly different definitions depending on the industry; however, in this case we are referring to the time tracking software that allows your employees to clock in, using a code - or - facial recognition technology.

This technology allows business owners to keep an eye on employee hours, without having to do any manual tasks. Due to innovative features like facial recognition, and automation rules - now more than ever before business owners have control over their labor costs. Here is how it can help.

1 - It will save you time and money, with improved accuracy.

Automating the process of manually tracking employee hours eliminates another avenue for human error and saves your managers from having to manually approve or process each employee.

Any good  time tracking or time clock software should also perform convenient tasks for you, like automatically deducting breaks or flagging overtime hours.

Flagging overtime hours, or ensuring employees go on breaks will save you money on payroll, and could also save you money on a lawsuit - as it allows you to adhere to labor laws with little to no resistance.

As we previously mentioned - one of the most important features any time tracking software should have is the ability to streamline clocked hours to payroll. This means you no longer have to manually run any payroll calculations, and there is no chance your employee hourly labor will be off.

This can be done by using an integrated software solution, that allows you to integrate your time tracking, POS and payroll software systems together.

2 - It will solve common clock-in issues.

Time tracking software can solve problems like buddy-punching by adding an authentication step to the process, such as taking a picture during each clock-in, and using facial recognition technology to verify the identity of the employee clocking in.

Camera clock-ins are also a great way to ensure employees are uniform ready for each shift; plus you'll only pay them for their time working, since they can't fake their face.

Setting up clock rules is another a method time tracking software provides that will allow you to automatically handle early clock-ins or late clock-outs the way you want.

Meaning, you adjust them manually - or automate your clock adjustment process - providing you with more time savings all around.

3 - You can easily audit clock-ins.

Look for time clock software that comes with powerful reporting solutions. This will make analyzing clock discrepancies significantly easier. Managers can easily monitor missed, or overlapping clock-ins, and compare the clocks to the scheduled shift if the occasion arises.

4 - It allows for flexible clock-in methods.

Traditional old school time tracking software require you to maintain hardware like punch card machines and card scanners. The maintenance on these types of hardware can be expensive; and when they break, you'll likely be resorting back to pen and paper tracking.

Instead opt for a time tracking solution that can run on any tablet - which can be affordably purchased and easy to maintain.

Some time clock solutions also allow employees to clock-in via an application they can install on their own phones.

Others, like Push, allow you to integrate your time tracking software with your existing POS software, directly integrating your time tracking into your system for the ability to run sales vs labor reports - and streamline to payroll.

5 -You can open new communication channels.

Some time tracking, time clock solutions allow managers to broadcast messages to staff as they clock in; and allow employees to send messages during clock out as well.

This gives managers and employees new ways to communicate and provides another opportunity to gather data that could not be previously done with traditional means.

By reducing time-consuming processes, and adding value via innovative features, the adoption of a time tracking software could significantly improve your business operations.

In the same breath, this software also allows you to setup customized surveys and survey questions for employees. Ensure that employees sign off on laws and regulations, such as labor compliance, breaks, or questions related to their age, wellbeing, or licences.

If you want to save time and money in your business, you should consider using time tracking software, learn more by booking a demo with Push.

time tracking software

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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.

Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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