3 Restaurant-Specific AI Tools That Drive Sales

As a restaurant operator, you’re dealing with many moving parts. From customer service to marketing strategy and staffing. How do you make sure that all of this complexity is managed effectively, especially during busy periods? 

You may benefit from incorporating AI tools into your everyday operations as they can help streamline processes, manage supply and demand more efficiently, and perform analysis for data-driven decisions. All whilst freeing up precious time to focus on other parts of the business.

Learn more about 3 AI tools specifically designed for restaurants that could boost your bottom line. 

1. AI-powered table booking platform

With the advent of table booking systems powered by AI, managing reservations has become a much simpler process for restaurants. 

For example, with the help of AI, smart table allocation is now possible. The algorithm reviews and suggests ways to optimise seating. Also taking any customer preferences into account. This way, operators make optimum use of their venue and resources and customers are happy.

AI tools can also highlight instant upsell opportunities for restaurant operators based on historic customer interactions and preferences. The data is pulled from your order and pay system. Using this information staff can make personalised recommendations that boost customer satisfaction.

A common issue for restaurants is no-shows. AI can help predict and tag customers that might be at risk of cancelling or not showing up. It can also use this input to trigger automated booking reminders to be sent out to avoid those.

2. AI food ordering

AI food ordering has quickly become a popular solution for restaurants to help avoid long waiting times and overcome staff shortages. 

With the use of self-serve kiosks or mobile apps, customers can quickly and easily order their meals without having to interact with staff members. An ordering app also allows customers to place their order in advance and have it ready and prepared upon arrival. 

In addition, there is a new trend: AI voice ordering. Some known restaurant chains have implemented this already to speed up their processes. Customers can order their food conveniently through voice commands.

To make the whole process even more personalised those tools can remember previous orders and preferences and can suggest them to the customer straight away.

3. Inventory and resource management

Nailing inventory and resource management can be tricky but is a crucial aspect of any successful restaurant. This part has become much easier with AI tools to hand.

AI predicts in real-time what customers might order based on historic data and determine which products might be in high demand. This data can be further enriched with market and seasonal trends.

This way sales forecasting and supply purchasing become much more accurate. What’s more, it helps to prevent overstock and high amounts of food waste. So, restaurants can cut unnecessary costs from poor inventory management.

With the help of AI tools, restaurants can also use data insights to identify top-selling products, popular order combinations as well as slow burners. Restaurant operators can use this information when they design a new menu. 

Summary

Restaurants will find that by adding AI tools to their tech stack they gain better control of their daily operations, streamline processes and improve finances.

There are some AI-powered tools restaurant operators should definitely consider, such as smart table booking platforms and food ordering apps or self-serve kiosks. They not only support staff but also provide customers with a more personalised experience and thus drive their loyalty.

In addition, data insights, customer behaviours and market trends are used to make informed sales predictions. AI can therefore improve inventory and resource management and help businesses to save costs. 

Make sure to check out our full guide exploring AI for hospitality marketing.