AI in Restaurants: An Overview of New Tech Tools
Updated: Dec 21, 2024
Introducing AI into hospitality may seem subversive - how can an industry so rooted in human connection embrace automation? In reality, AI in restaurants are unlocking tools that keep the heart of hospitality alive, from making operations smoother to enhancing the guest experience. Artificial intelligence is changing the menu in unique ways.
It is not only shaking up the restaurant industry in ways you would think - in how food is made - but in how small businesses run behind the scenes. According to Restaurant Business Online, “AI is taking on an ever-growing role in the back-of-house operations, enabling predictive analytics to forecast demand, reduce food waste, and improve efficiency.”
In China, robot chefs are making headlines for their ability to consistently prepare dishes with precision and speed. According to a Finance Yahoo article, a Chinese startup revealed that their robot chefs are already being used to prepare thousands of meals daily across large chains. The company claims these AI-driven culinary machines “can stir-fry an order in 20 seconds, improving efficiency, saving labor costs, and ensuring consistency.” While the human touch is still central to many restaurants’ appeal, innovations like this show how AI can take on repetitive cooking tasks.
What is important is that America and specifically small businesses in America are not being left behind. AI adoption is not happening at the same rate to all, which mimics previous technological innovations. That's a problem that we hope to be a part of the solution for.
To help small businesses compete, here’s a rundown of four innovative AI tools giving hospitality pros an edge in today’s fast-paced world.
Mara AI: Your Personal Review Assistant
First there is Mara AI, which is a specialized AI in restaurants designed to take the hassle out of managing online reviews for food and hospitality businesses. With features that automate response generation and provide insightful analytics, it makes staying on top of customer feedback a breeze.
Mara AI’s “Review Inbox” consolidates reviews from Google, Tripadvisor, and other popular sites, making it simple to address each one without endless clicking. For example, when five-star reviews come in, Mara AI can automatically send a thank-you response. Its advanced review analytics can even pick up on recurring feedback themes like “amazing ambiance” or “long wait time,” giving owners actionable insights on how to keep customers happy. With smart snippets that can be customized to match your brand’s personality, Mara AI ensures responses feel authentic, showing customers you’re truly listening.
Why it Works: Mara AI makes reputation management both efficient and personalized, so your restaurant shines in a competitive industry.
Winnow Vision: Food Waste Management Made Smart
Food waste is a huge cost factor in hospitality, and Winnow Vision aims to help. Using computer vision and machine learning, it tracks what gets thrown away, giving kitchens insight into waste patterns so they can adjust ordering and prep for efficiency. Large-scale operations like IKEA have seen food waste cut in half with Winnow Vision, a sustainable step forward that also helps the bottom line. This tool implements AI in restaurants by recognizing food types as they’re discarded and storing data in the cloud for analysis. Winnow Vision lets kitchens see patterns, like peak waste times or most-wasted ingredients, and make more informed decisions on portions, purchasing, and menu changes.
Why it Works: Winnow Vision is perfect for kitchens big or small looking to cut waste, reduce costs, and operate sustainably.
Ingest AI: All-in-One Data Dashboard
Ingest AI is a data management tool that unites all restaurant operations—POS, scheduling, inventory, and reservations—into a single platform. Real-time data helps restaurant managers make decisions that improve profitability, whether that’s scheduling the right staff or optimizing inventory. Customizable reports and automation save time on data entry, making insights readily available without the fuss. Talk about a unique way to use AI in restaurants. For busy restaurant environments, Ingest AI brings clarity, tracking key metrics so owners can run lean, informed, and customer-focused operations.
Why it Works: Ingest AI integrates with everyday tools and offers a real-time, all-encompassing view that’s crucial for streamlined management.
UEAT: Online Ordering Optimized
Then there is UEAT, an online ordering and management system designed to centralize and simplify the digital ordering experience. Integrating with delivery services and a restaurant’s POS system, it eliminates manual order entry, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Plus, UEAT’s self-ordering kiosks and analytics tools enable targeted marketing and menu adjustments based on customer behavior and preferences.
Why it Works: UEAT not only simplifies online ordering but provides insights that let restaurants optimize offerings and boost customer loyalty.
Want FREE Help with AI?
These AI tools are reshaping the service landscape by letting restaurants and hospitality professionals do what they do best—focus on creating memorable experiences—while AI handles the behind-the-scenes. But does it all sound pretty overwhelming?
Is your bar, restaurant, or hotel ready for its next chapter with artificial intelligence? Get in touch with Quantum Impact to explore the possibilities. With our AI consulting, simple solutions are coming your way. Download our Free AI Roadmap and discover how to streamline and supercharge your business. Click below and grab your roadmap—your future self will thank you!
