10 AI tools restaurants can start using today

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Being a restaurant owner today means constantly looking for ways to improve operational efficiency and deliver great guest experiences—all while dealing with rising labor costs. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) now offers practical solutions that restaurateurs can use right away to save time, cut expenses, and boost service quality.

Here are a few ways you can start using AI solutions to transform your restaurant business.

Friends ordering food together using a touchscreen kiosk.

10 AI tools for restaurants

Restaurant technology can streamline operations in all areas of your business, from front-of-house service to back-of-house management.

Here are the 10 AI tools for restaurants that can make your operation more efficient and boost overall guest satisfaction.

1. AI-powered ordering kiosks

Self-service kiosks using AI have revolutionized the ordering process for quick-service restaurants. These systems do more than just take orders: They analyze customer data and use machine learning algorithms to make personalized recommendations. They also make upselling suggestions based on historical data and current offerings.

While you may not have the budget for the large, freestanding ordering kiosks you see in fast-food chains like McDonald’s, there are more accessible, tablet-based kiosks available that can be easily implemented in restaurants of all sizes.

2. Check-in kiosks

Quick-service restaurants aren’t the only type of eateries that benefit from kiosks. Even sit-down establishments can add a check-in kiosk to assist the host—and all you need to get started is an iPad.

With a check-in platform like Yelp Kiosk, guests can:

Add their party information and check themselves in
Choose their preferred language
Make special requests
Receive an AI-powered wait time
Receive an alert when their table is ready

All the information automatically syncs with the host stand, keeping the tech and front-of-house team on the same page.

3. AI-powered data analysis

Using AI-driven restaurant tech, such as modern point of sale (POS) systems and guest management platforms, gives restaurants access to a wealth of data. Many AI tools come with built-in data aggregation and analysis features, which can provide useful insights to improve restaurant efficiency and the guest experience.

For example, you can use AI-powered data analysis for:

Business forecasting: Restaurateurs can make strategic decisions about menu items, pricing adjustments, marketing campaigns, and operational changes that align with customer preferences and market trends.
Creating personalized guest experiences: AI systems can track individual preferences and dietary restrictions, allowing servers to make informed recommendations and provide a personal touch for the customer. AI tools can also be used to track anniversaries and birthdays, triggering special offers or personalized greetings that make guests feel valued.

4. Voice-assisted ordering

Many restaurant chains have adopted the use of voice assistants for ordering through smart speakers or phone apps. AI-driven technology can now understand natural language, process orders accurately, and even handle complex modifications to menu items.

Implementing voice ordering can help reduce wait times during peak hours and free up staff to focus on food preparation and the customer experience.

5. AI-powered call answering

AI call answering tools ensure restaurants never miss a phone call, even during busy periods. Systems like Yelp Host, an AI-powered call answering service, allow customers to have interactive, human-like conversations without tying up your team.

These systems can take reservations, ask follow-up questions, and answer common questions. The experience is fully customizable, including greetings and rules for escalating calls to a staff member.

6. Chatbots

AI-powered chatbots have become essential tools for restaurant marketing and customer service. Chatbots can handle multiple customer interactions simultaneously, answering questions about menu items, hours, and dietary accommodations in real time.

Chatbots integrated with social media platforms or restaurant websites can also process orders, suggest complementary items, and handle simple customer service issues.

7. AI-driven inventory management

The use of AI in restaurants is having a massive impact on inventory management. AI-driven systems can track ingredient usage, predict needs based on historical data and upcoming reservations, and automate purchase orders.

AI tools can significantly reduce food waste by optimizing food orders and portion sizes. Advanced systems can even suggest creative ways to repurpose ingredients that might otherwise be discarded, resulting in original specials and upsell items.

8. Food prep assistance

Chefs preparing meals in restaurant kitchen.

AI is also transforming back-of-house operations through predictive cooking and preparation assistance. Restaurants can use AI to determine when to start cooking specific dishes based on historical data and real-time restaurant capacity.

Some restaurants are even using robots and cooking systems to automate repetitive tasks like frying, grilling, and assembling basic dishes, allowing chefs to focus on more complex and creative aspects of food preparation.

9. Staff scheduling tools

AI can also help restaurant owners optimize staffing levels by analyzing patterns in customer traffic, weather forecasts, local events, and historical data. These systems can predict busy periods to ensure appropriate staffing levels.

Advanced scheduling algorithms can also account for employee preferences, skill strengths, and performance metrics to ensure the best team members are scheduled to maximize productivity and employee satisfaction.

10. AI-powered guest review analysis

AI-powered guest review analysis can help restaurant owners manage their online presence and customer feedback. Using machine learning, these systems can highlight aspects of the dining experience that reviewers mention most frequently, allowing restaurateurs to quickly address issues and capitalize on strengths.

Products like Yelp’s Review Insights can analyze review sentiment, identify common themes in customer feedback, and provide actionable insights to improve service.

How to implement AI solutions

While there are many AI tools for restaurants, you don’t need to use them all. Pick the systems that will provide the most operational efficiencies based on your business needs.

Here are some foundational steps to begin implementing AI solutions:

Research AI solutions: Look for AI tools designed specifically for restaurants, rather than attempting to adapt general business software.
Begin with proven technology: Consider upgrading pre-existing technology (like advanced POS systems or inventory management solutions) to AI-powered tools before moving to more experimental technologies.
Train your team: Ensure staff understands how to work with AI tools and how these technologies support their roles.
Measure results: Establish clear metrics to evaluate the impact of AI solutions on efficiency, costs, and customer satisfaction.

Adding AI tools in restaurants is all about balance

A server is taking an order from a group of friends seated at a table.

Using AI in restaurants can optimize front-of-house and back-of-house operations, but ultimately, the restaurant industry is a people business. The most effective use of AI in restaurants enhances—rather than replaces—meaningful customer interactions.

By thoughtfully implementing these new technologies, restaurant owners and managers can preserve the human touch that makes dining experiences special and unique, giving their business a competitive advantage.