Artificial intelligence has come a long way for the restaurant industry over the past few years, and in many ways, it’s quickly becoming a must-have in every restaurant’s tech toolbox.
With growth in the number of businesses adopting AI over the past four years at nearly 270%, it’s clear that this isn’t just a passing trend. At some point soon, it will be an indispensable part of any major dining establishment.
If you’re a business owner on the fence about investing in AI, knowing what it can bring to your operation is key. In this blog, we’re going to unpack a few of the top reasons why more and more restaurants are adopting AI and how it can streamline your processes and increase your bottom line.
Streamlining Operations
Running a restaurant involves juggling some pretty time-consuming tasks. Between managing inventory, creating social media posts, and analyzing cost data, it can almost be hard to find the time to do what you initially opened the restaurant for — making great food for people. Fortunately, innovative solutions have been developed over the years to help restaurant owners efficiently reclaim their time. AI tools are now adept at handling a variety of functions, from generating engaging captions for Instagram posts to simplifying inventory management. For example, AI software like FourTop serves as a centralized inventory data hub, offering real-time recommendations that enable quick, informed decision-making. There are also technologies like OpenAI’s ChatGPT that can revolutionize how you manage your inventory. This AI, which you likely already know about, allows you to track, monitor, and adjust your stock levels with simple commands, eliminating the need for cumbersome paper sheets and manual logs.Cutting Costs
While the initial investment in AI tools may be hard for any small business owner to swallow, they can quickly prove their worth with serious cost savings. AI answering systems, for instance, can manage customer calls during peak hours, freeing up staff to focus on in-person service. Not only can this boost your efficiency but it also helps reduce labor costs. Beyond simple call management, AI is great for reducing food waste using predictive data from past sales. AI-driven inventory management can optimize ordering, helping you stock just what’s needed, nothing more, nothing less. The result is less overstock, less spoilage, and a leaner, more cost-effective supply chain. Though the impact might take a bit of time to fully materialize, many restaurants find that AI tools can lead to dramatic results in cost reduction. With F&B Insights, for example, you have the advantage of comprehensive data tools that show you exactly how AI is helping your business.Driving Sales Through a Better Customer Experience
Delivering the best customer service should be a goal for any restaurant, and AI tools can play a major role in making that happen. Many AI systems are designed to engage directly with customers, answering their questions and handling inquiries without the need for human intervention. For example, automated phone answering systems can take calls, use information from your website, and even guide customers to the right answers to the questions they have. You can even customize it to upsell and suggest popular menu items or add-ons during the ordering process. For instance, a customer might call to place a to-go order, and the AI could ask if they’d like to add a dessert or upgrade their drink, driving up your ticket averages. This isn’t theoretical, of course. Martin Bekkedal, VP of Operations for the Burrito Gallery, shared that implementing AI answering saved their team around 260 hours of time. Similarly, Local’s Pub & Pizzeria reported a 132% increase in online sales thanks to AI answering. Without it, many customers might have been sent to voicemail or decided to dine elsewhere, especially during busy periods. With AI, no opportunity is missed.Supporting Employees
By automating repetitive tasks, AI frees up restaurant owners and staff to focus on more strategic areas of the business. Instead of having managers spend hours on things like managing social media, A/Bing discount campaigns, or working with different segmented audiences on marketing campaigns, AI tools can handle these processes, all while providing valuable insights on what’s working and what isn’t. This means owners can put their energy into high-level decision-making, knowing the day-to-day tasks are covered. AI isn’t here to replace employees but to enhance their effectiveness. It takes care of the small, time-consuming duties, so your staff can focus on providing top-tier service and creative solutions. For example, with automated content marketing or strategic discount implementation, employees who focus on marketing can shift from manual execution to evaluating the results and refining approaches that drive real business growth. The most important thing, however, is to approach this tech with transparency. When employees understand how AI tools will help them, not replace them, they’re more likely to embrace the change.Eliminating Human Error
Of course, there’s nothing that AI seemingly does better than reduce common mistakes that can impact operations and customer experiences. From updating guests about changes in hours to ensuring every cent of revenue from online sales is accurately tracked, AI systems offer a level of precision that manual methods often lack. By automating tasks that were once prone to human oversight, these technologies minimize errors, meaning better efficiency and fewer details that slip through the cracks.Final Thoughts
As the restaurant industry becomes increasingly competitive, adopting AI solutions is more important than ever. If you’re ready to take the next step in optimizing your business, F&B Insights offers the tools you need to streamline partnerships with suppliers and monetize your valuable sales data. Our platform helps you identify pricing opportunities, stay ahead of your competitors with an in-depth menu database, and connect with suppliers eager to collaborate with venues like yours. Maximize your profits and simplify your operations with F&B Insights.