Instagram is obsessing over this viral restaurant but it doesn’t actually exist

If so, we invite you to review our editorial guidelines and submit your article for publishing consideration. Taco Bell is not alone in its pursuit of AI integration in the fast-food industry. Chipotle, Wingstop, and Panera are among several chains experimenting with AI applications. Notably, Del Taco abandoned its AI voicebot trial earlier this year after facing challenges. You can foun additiona information about ai customer service and artificial intelligence and NLP. One of the things we’ve done is our CRM platform, you can give it a few signals or cues so it can create thoughtful campaigns and AB test them and get feedback.

Ensuring your information is updated and your brand is communicated on every relevant channel is the key to a winning digital strategy. With party and date night planning coming soon, optimizing your site for the way people organize their events is going to be key. For example, people planning bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and anniversaries will all have different needs, and being clear about your restaurant offerings and using specific keywords will help your business appear for these searches. Google’s I/O Conference on May 14th proves they’re taking generative AI seriously.

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. Chipotle Mexican Grill job applicants better get used to conversing with AI — their first interview could be with an artificial intellgence-powered system named “Ava Cado” rather than a human hiring manager. Earlier this year, the Public Sector Pension Investment Board increased its stake in Chipotle by 11.8%, bringing its total holdings to 2,955 shares valued at approximately $5.4 million, as reported in the SEC filing at the time. This move reflects a trend among institutional investors, with Norges Bank and Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC also making substantial investments, highlighting growing confidence in Chipotle’s future. When diving deeper into the demographics, again, we see the generational gap in AI acceptance, with 32 percent of respondents aged reporting “not liking the idea of it,” compared to 49 percent of those aged 45 and above. The data showed that 42 percent of respondents said they “do not like the idea of it,” down just 2 percentage points from last year.

Taco Bell, Checkers, and Carl’s Jr. are among the fast-food chains experimenting with drive-thru AI, a strong indication the industry sees potential productivity gains—and likely cost savings—if the technology is deployed successfully. But McDonald’s ditched the technology earlier this year and Wendy’s rollout is fairly judicious, given that the company ChatGPT App and its franchisees operate over 7,000 restaurants globally. As restaurants navigate the ever-evolving landscape of hiring technology, they must embrace innovation while upholding the principles of hospitality and human connection. Robotic technology doesn’t just bring novelty; it delivers practical benefits that enhance the guest experience.

As CNN reports, each course is meticulously themed, ranging from underwater cities to space colonies. Google’s AI will then return a list of businesses that are relevant for every part of this query, taking into consideration distance and services to make a tailored list for the searcher. Sixty-two percent of consumers find new restaurants through Google, making it the most popular method of discovering new food. As Google search results shift, restaurateurs need to prepare their websites to capture the searches. “Engaging with guests will be done through our loyalty system, which helps us understand what clients want and how they react to special products and beverages,” noted Van Overstraeten. “I think AI still has a huge potential for addressing business,” said Van Overstraeten.

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The primary goal is to enhance the educational and entertainment value of the dining experience. By bringing Bocuse’s culinary legacy into the modern era, Krasota creates a personal connection between the chef and the diners. Building your brand online is now more important than ever as businesses look to stand out in a crowded market. You put so much effort and time into creating a brand experience in your restaurant that it only makes sense to extend this to your online presence. “As a restaurant business, we use AI to go faster and to develop the business further,” Annick Van Overstraeten, CEO of Le Pain Quotidien, told Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine.

Presto is a pioneer in AI-driven automation solutions for the restaurant industry, with a particular focus on revolutionizing drive-thru operations. The company’s flagship product, Presto Voice, addresses critical challenges such as labor shortages while generating new revenue streams and enhancing customer experiences. By leveraging advanced speech recognition and conversational AI, Presto Voice seamlessly integrates with major POS systems to streamline and optimize drive-thru operations. Restaurants are increasingly harnessing AI technology to boost efficiencies and reduce costs. While there are a host of compelling use cases for AI in the restaurant industry, many restaurant operators today are leveraging AI to transform back-of-house operations.

• This combination allows businesses to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and maximize margins effectively.
• The innovation that’s come out of Google has obviously been incredible over time.
• Throughout his career, he has worked in technology leadership roles at several restaurant operators, including Sonic Drive-In, Yum Brands, and Church’s Chicken.
• As the food industry continues to evolve, the average restaurateur must adapt to meet changing customer expectations.

Addressing concerns about AI replacing human jobs, Yum! Brands Chief Innovation Officer Lawrence Kim stated that the technology is intended to “enhance the team member experience” by allowing them to focus on other tasks, rather than eliminating their roles. The $13 billion company makes software that acts as a kind of operating system for those businesses. It has also expanded into new areas like marketing and AI assistants, and now says it has so many restaurants signed up that half a percent of the country’s GDP runs through its systems. Despite the optimistic outlook presented by both companies, the widespread adoption of AI in drive-thrus remains an evolving landscape.

Modern Restaurant Management would like to store your above information when you create an account. We will not share this information with third parties and you can delete your information from our system at any time. After people began complaining that Google’s search quality had degraded, it became increasingly common for people to add “Reddit” to their Google searches. In February of this year, Google struck a $60 million licensing deal with Reddit, in which Reddit would allow Google to use its content to train its AI algorithm. Now, in an apparent effort to manipulate Google’s search results, Redditors seem to be degrading the content quality of their own platform. The platform claims to have helped restaurants and bars save more than $8,000 per week within just four weeks of implementation, with larger chains reporting annual savings in the millions.

These features are rolling out on Android and iOS this week in the US, building upon the AI integration Google began experimenting with earlier this year. Google will then use its Gemini AI model to come up with “inspirational ChatGPT collections” matching that description. For late-night options, Google Maps might pull up locations categorized as “speakeasies” or places with “live music.” Meanwhile, regular search results remain below these collections.

Additionally, I engage in hands-on projects and contribute to open-source initiatives, providing practical experience with new tools and technologies. On Sunday, Justine Moore, a partner at the Silicon Valley venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, tweeted about a curious discovery. It was an Instagram account with the handle @ethos_atx, which purported to represent an upscale restaurant called Ethos in Austin, Texas. But, as Moore noted, no such business exists — despite the account’s tens of thousands of followers and blue verification checkmark.

For now, the AI host is best viewed as a diligent “team member,” Sambvani says, with more sophisticated, detailed interactions to be rolled out soon. On September 12, the company announced an OpenTable integration, which includes the option to book a reservation on OpenTable, by phone, through the AI voice agent. While I have been to London, I have never been to Angus Steakhouse, so I can’t speak to the quality of the food. It appears to have close to half a dozen locations around London and, while it’s an authentic local location, apparently some locals don’t really consider it a top-notch dining spot. Ever since Google rolled out its AI-generated summaries on Search, the tech giant’s summaries are the first thing a person might see if they were to search for local tourist destinations in a new city.

ConverseNow Secures $10 Million Investment to Expand Deployment of Its Voice AI for Restaurants Solution

Restaurants can implement AI-driven voice ordering to handle the drive-thru, allowing them to make the best use of labor. Wendy’s faced backlash earlier this year after announcing plans to introduce dynamic pricing on its new digital menu boards, which was originally set to debut in 2025. CEO Kirk Tanner initially stated that the $20 million investment in these boards would allow for price adjustments based on demand, similar to Uber’s surge pricing model. This sparked concern among consumers and industry experts, who fear unpredictable price fluctuations for essential food items. Following the backlash, Wendy’s quickly clarified its position, stating that they have no intention of implementing surge pricing and will not raise prices during peak hours. Instead, the company claims the digital menus will be used to offer discounts and value promotions, particularly during slower periods.

• And I think it was dollar burritos, and it broke the restaurant because of the demand.
• Advancements in AI technology may soon bring even more innovative solutions to the restaurant industry.
• But with so much changing at such a rapid pace, it can be difficult for restaurant operators to keep up with the latest trends.
• The system’s ability to learn and evolve based on real customer interactions allows it to continuously refine its performance, suggesting new responses and adapting to the restaurant’s specific needs over time.
• Given this, genAI is most likely to show up as a new feature in technology restaurant workers already use.
• The acquisition aims to leverage the combined strengths of both companies to accelerate the adoption of AI-driven solutions within the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector.

The company has secured contracts with notable brands such as CKE and Checkers, indicating a level of market acceptance for its technology. The innovative solution utilizes existing security camera infrastructure to deliver real-time insights that enable customers to streamline operations and protect assets. Optimized menus for an enhanced dining experience and better profitability

AI can also provide valuable menu recommendations by leveraging data from similar establishments, helping them optimize their offerings.

AI can provide the decision-making capabilities behind robotics operations, which deliver food more quickly and work with employees to increase their productivity. It can enable targeted marketing campaigns to chatbot restaurant a specific geographic area or boost sales across a nationwide chain. AI can even determine the most effective messaging and the correct value of a coupon that will drive traffic but still generate profits.

Introducing automation and AI-powered solutions may require significant employee training and could face resistance from staff concerned about job displacement. Wendy’s Quality Supply Chain Co-op (QSCC) aims to implement AI-driven solutions across its supply chain network. This move signals a significant shift towards digitalization within the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector, where companies are increasingly seeking to leverage technology to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.

Innovations in POS technology have paved the way for sophisticated loyalty programs and gift card solutions that cater to the individual preferences of customers. Digital gift cards in particular have become a go-to payment solution within these loyalty platforms, thanks to the convenience of automatic reloads and top-ups. The introduction of these digital gift cards and loyalty points has not only simplified the process of reward redemption, but also provided restaurants with valuable data to further refine their customer engagement strategies in the future. The Go Mobile restaurant model, for example, first introduced in 2021, eliminates indoor dining space to address drive-through bottlenecks.

“IBM has given us confidence that a voice ordering solution for drive-thru will be part of our restaurant’s future, and we want to sincerely thank IBM and the restaurant teams that have been part of this crucial test,” Smoot said. McDonald’s began experimenting with AI technology as early as 2019, installing 700 AI-powered menu boards featuring automated suggestive selling. The company has taken a cautious approach to drive-thru AI, even as other chains like Checkers and Rally’s, Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr., Krystal, Wendy’s, Dunkin, and Taco John’s have either tested or implemented similar technologies.

As demographic preferences evolve, brands must adopt a strategic approach to successfully integrate these innovations and deliver enjoyable experiences. Klinger added that AI can also enhance guest experiences by allowing customers to order in their native language, increasing order accuracy and customer satisfaction. Language translation also allows non-native-speaking employees to perform their jobs better enabling them to interact with the POS system, KDS, or other technology in their preferred language. Lumachain, founded in 2019 by Jamila Gordon, a former CIO of Qantas Airways, isn’t just another supply chain tracking solution. It utilizes computer vision-based AI to go beyond simply tracking the origin and location of items.

How People Feel About Voice AI Technology

This move follows a successful pilot program at approximately 50 Bojangles restaurants and will encompass both company-owned and franchised locations, ultimately reaching hundreds of restaurants. The voice AI, known as “Bo-Linda” at Bojangles, is designed to streamline the drive-thru experience by automating order taking. The technology reportedly boasts a 95% accuracy rate, comparable to human employees, and aims to alleviate workload pressures on staff, allowing them to focus on food quality, order accuracy, and customer engagement. Momos’ rapid growth and investor confidence reflect the increasing demand for AI-powered customer engagement solutions in the restaurant industry.

The round was led by 645 Ventures, with participation from existing investors Alpha Wave Global and Peak XV, as well as new investors Soma Capital, FJ Labs, Taurus Ventures, and Correlation Ventures. This brings Momos’ total funding to $17 million, providing a runway of approximately three years. In the near term, both companies will continue to operate under their respective brands, ensuring continuity of service for existing clients.

The latest solutions enable restaurants to run more efficiently while improving customer satisfaction. For instance, AI-powered systems can help streamline inventory management and reduce food waste. They also monitor kitchen equipment to prevent breakdowns, ensuring smooth daily operations.

By automating these interactions, Mai allows staff to focus on higher-value tasks, optimizing resource allocation and driving profitability. Slang.ai is an innovative AI-powered virtual phone agent tailored specifically for the restaurant industry. Functioning as a digital concierge, this intelligent system answers calls round the clock, manages reservations, and provides instantaneous responses to customer inquiries. By automating these crucial front-of-house tasks, Slang.ai helps restaurants enhance customer satisfaction, boost operational efficiency, and capture additional revenue opportunities that might otherwise be lost. The funding will primarily be used to accelerate the adoption of Checkmate’s voice AI and kiosk technologies, two areas identified by the company as key growth drivers. Checkmate has already established a strong foundation in integrating digital orders into restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems, working with some of the country’s largest brands to streamline their online ordering operations.

While some brands have reported successes with AI-powered drive-thru systems, others, like McDonald’s, have recently concluded trials with AI vendors, opting to explore alternative solutions. Similarly, Presto Automation, another player in the AI drive-thru market, has faced scrutiny for its reliance on human agents to support its AI system. Personalized menu suggestions, higher order accuracy scores, improved loyalty programs, and faster services can create an efficient and enjoyable drive-thru experience, leading to happier and more loyal customers. However, the recent pivot by McDonald’s to remove AI voice-ordering systems from over 100 drive-thrus has sparked broader discussions about AI’s role in the fast food industry and its acceptance among consumers. Marketing AI assistants can help create campaigns, but managers need to provide input and final approval.

And all the food on the page (along with pictures of “staff”) is AI-generated. Since joining Givex in 2007, Mo Chaar has helped the company expand its North American footprint. He began his tenure as a Business DevelopmentManager before becoming Vice President of Sales for North America, and then moved to his current role of Chief Commercial Officer.

Furthermore, AI’s role in employee scheduling and task management helps align staffing levels with customer demand, enhancing service quality while optimizing labor costs. The adoption of omnichannel POS platforms has transformed how restaurants operate. Instead of just handling transactions, these systems now play a crucial role in strategic decision-making and customer interaction. A significant change is the use of POS data to analyze and predict customer preferences, for example, allowing restaurants to offer personalized services. Additionally, the company assures that human employees will remain an integral part of the drive-thru experience, ready to assist if the AI encounters difficulties understanding an order.

New policy developments may further restrict how long these young employees can work, and when – and the laws differ across jurisdictions. For example, a manager in a jurisdiction with a curfew for teens under 18 would need to account for that when scheduling employees, while a manager at the same franchise in a different city might not. To make things even more challenging, labor compliance laws evolve constantly and vary across jurisdictions, which can exacerbate compliance risks for restaurants operating in multiple locations.

With the majority of people using Google to find your restaurant, all your work to develop a brand identity must be shared online as well as when people are dining with you. With expert systems AI present in the WFM platform, managers can automatically generate schedules that balance employees’ needs and incorporate complex compliance parameters. Beyond its response generation capabilities, MARA AI offers comprehensive review analytics. This feature allows restaurant owners and managers to quickly grasp the essence of their reviews without the need to read each one individually.

As McDonald’s continues to explore technological advancements, the company remains committed to finding scalable solutions that enhance both operational efficiency and the customer experience. The end of this particular test marks a pause rather than a full stop in McDonald’s journey toward integrating AI into its operations. Outstanding managers excel in scheduling, communication, financial management, the ability to utilize future technology and also maintain an acute attention to detail, but they also exhibit compassion for their staff and customers on an individual level. By truly caring, recognizing that each team member and guest is unique, along with effective communication skills, will create a culture of together and trust. Exceptional managers listen to guests before deciding outcomes, exhibit excellent problem-solving skills, and adopt a proactive “Figure 8” managing style, foreseeing issues before they arise. They touch every aspect of the business, showing equal and individualized compassion for all staff and customers which round out the profile of a superior manager that tailors their approach to nurture staff to be future leaders.

With its expanding product portfolio, strategic acquisitions, and new funding, Checkmate is well-positioned for continued growth in the coming years. As the restaurant industry continues to embrace digital transformation, Checkmate is poised to be a driving force in shaping the future of dining. AI technology is transforming the restaurant industry, providing tools that prevent and detect fraud, surface actionable data and insights, optimize credit card processing, enhance staffing and scheduling, create content, and more. The right AI tools can transform restaurant operations, unlocking operational efficiencies and cost savings that can drive growth and profitability.