Restaurants have been using artificial intelligence (AI) for quite a while, sometimes without even knowing of its existence. It’s used in personalized marketing to improve the customer experience. It looks into past trends to forecast demand. It analyzes vast amounts of data to help restaurants make better decisions in nearly all aspects of the business.
One of the most notable is the area of personalization, an essential ingredient in today’s successful brands. A prime example is Starbucks’ Deep Brew program, which tailors suggestions based on customers’ previous preferences and purchases.
Let’s explore the world of personalized service as seen through the eyes of AI.
Transforming the Dining Experience
There was a time when robots as servers and cooks were both eagerly awaited and feared. Would the Tin Man, who lacks a heart, replace the restaurant employee with feelings and aspirations? It ends up, at least for now, we didn’t really have to worry about that. Yes, Sweetgreens has fully automated units and feline-like robots deliver food to tables, but, for many, the newness has ebbed. They miss the server with blood running through their veins and the chef who was both temperamental and attentive.
Today’s AI technology offers more than in-your-face robotics. It enhances the dining experience through customized recommendations and optimized ordering processes. And, while you may think that much of this technology is geared toward the fast-casual segment, think again. Fine dining is also being reimagined with the help of AI.
The Latest in Luxury Dining
It’s one thing to order from a kiosk that makes recommendations based on the last orders you placed with it, and quite another to walk into a fine dining restaurant and find your preferences are part of an intricate tasting menu crafted by an AI wizard who’s put together your favorite foods, flavors, and wine profiles.
According to Resident, a luxury lifestyle magazine, it begins with a survey on a mobile device. AI uses this information, along with past dining history, to create unique pairings based on your flavor profile. It incorporates regional cuisines, pairing ingredients in unique ways that manifest one-of-a-kind offerings.
The next trend to emerge is AI tailoring the entire environment, from lighting to music. It is the benchmark of personalized dining.
The Blending of Chefs and AI
What’s interesting is that, while the brains behind AI can process incredible troves of data to reach intelligent conclusions, it can’t supersede the heart of a chef. While algorithms can provide invaluable insights, it is ultimately the chef who lays claim to the final touches that take a dish from flavorful to leaving a lasting and memorable impression.
Other Uses for AI
We’ve all heard about the use of AI for inventory management, menu design, recipe development, and guest marketing. We’ve seen VR emerge as a big player, totally transforming dining into an immersive multi-sensory experience.
Predictive analytics is being used to determine when to target a guest with unique offers by predicting customer behavior. Interestingly, and with nothing to do with restaurants, researchers at UCL, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Sheffield predicted decisions made by the European Court of Human Rights with 79% accuracy.
They did this using natural language processing, a form of predictive analytics, to detect the nuances of human language in text summaries submitted by judges. If they’d had access to court proceedings, the crystal ball analysis would undoubtedly have been much higher. Another team of scientists is using predictive analytics to decode the language of sperm whales. It’s a remarkable world we live in.
Preconceived AI Notions
AI is a little like different political groups. Mention its name, and you’ll find people either love it or hate it, are enamored with the possibilities it provides, or fear its potential. No matter your persuasion, it’s here to stay and, when used correctly, can transform your customer’s experience to new heights.
FAQs
What are the problems with automated restaurants?
Restaurants looking to fully automate have faced several issues. Some of the challenges include extreme costs, practicality, and the significant changes required in a restaurant’s infrastructure.
Which restaurant chains are using artificial intelligence?
Many chains have embraced AI to some degree. While McDonald’s ended its testing of AI chatbots at drive-thrus, it’s still integrating generative AI solutions to enhanced self-service kiosks and its mobile app.
