Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the tool of national chains with large IT budgets. Today, AI tools are accessible to independent restaurants, regional operators and multi-unit hospitality groups. AI can reduce administrative workload, improve the guest experience and unlock better decision-making across nearly every function of a restaurant. As is always the case with new technology, the challenge is to separate the hype from what can be executed in your restaurant by hourly and management staff.
From scheduling employees to booking reservations, from marketing to ordering and sales forecasting, AI is available to improve restaurant operations and help operators run more profitable restaurants. Below are some ways AI can be integrated into your daily operations.
Employee Scheduling
Labor scheduling is one of the most complex challenges restaurants face. Traditional scheduling often relies on intuition or last week’s numbers. AI-driven scheduling platforms such as 7shifts, Restaurant365 and HotSchedules use historical sales data, weather forecasts, seasonality and local events to recommend optimal staffing levels. These systems also account for employee availability and labor laws, helping operators reduce overtime, control costs and improve staff satisfaction.
Restaurant Marketing
Marketing has shifted from broad messaging to engagement. Platforms like PopMenu Marketing, Thanx and Punchh use AI to analyze guest data from POS systems and loyalty programs. These tools identify which promotions drive repeat visits and then automatically optimize future email, SMS and digital campaigns. The result is stronger ROI and more relevant guest communication with less manual effort. The key to using these tools is not to leave them on autopilot but to read the content they create and adjust to fit your brand voice and the exact messaging you prefer.
Managing Reservations
Reservation platforms such as OpenTable and Resy now leverage AI to forecast demand, optimize table turns and reduce no-shows through automated reminders and waitlist management. Some systems learn guest preferences and visit patterns, allowing restaurants to deliver more personalized experiences while maximizing seating efficiency.
OpenTable combined with Slang AI gives you the ability to take reservations via the phone 24/7 at the host stand without staff involvement, unless necessary. In addition, the platform gives directions and other information that guests call the restaurant for, thereby reducing those distractions to the host stand staff.
Taking Phone and Drive Thru Orders with AI Voice Assistants
AI voice ordering solutions like SoundHound, Presto Voice and Toma answer phones, take orders, quote wait times and answer common questions. These systems integrate directly with POS platforms and operate 24/7, ensuring restaurants never miss a call during peak periods while freeing staff to focus on in-house guests.
AI attendants at the drive thru available from companies including HiAuto, SoundHound and Presto have made drive-thrus more efficient, increased check averages, improved ordering accuracy and allowed restaurants to split the order taking/cash function without adding an additional staff member.
Automating Supplier Ordering and Inventory
Inventory and purchasing platforms such as Restaurant365, Craftable and MarginEdge use AI to analyze historical usage, upcoming reservations and sales forecasts. These tools recommend order quantities, flag price changes and help reduce waste and stockouts. Some systems can even automate ordering directly with approved suppliers.
Predicting Daily Restaurant Sales
AI-powered forecasting tools built into systems like Toast, Restaurant365 and xtraCHEF analyze years of POS data alongside weather, holidays and local events to predict daily and hourly sales. Accurate forecasts improve labor planning, prep schedules, purchasing and cash flow management.
Answering Online Reviews
Review management platforms such as Ovation use AI to draft brand-aligned responses to online reviews. These tools analyze sentiment, identify recurring issues, and help operators respond consistently while turning guest feedback into actionable insights. The responses need to be reviewed to ensure they are on brand and follow your SOPs for guest recovery before posting.
Creating Social Media Content
AI tools like ChatGPT, Hootsuite and Sprout Social assist restaurants in generating captions, promotional calendars and post ideas. When paired with performance analytics, these platforms recommend optimal posting times and content formats. Daily specials, guest reviews, etc. can be added into the platforms to make sure the messaging is authentic and matches the brand voice.
The Future of AI in Restaurants
AI is not replacing your staff; the goal is to use AI to make them more productive. By eliminating repetitive tasks like answering the phone, writing replies to every guest complaint and writing weekly schedules, AI allows restaurant teams to focus on hospitality, culture and guest experience. Operators who adopt AI thoughtfully today will be better positioned to compete in an increasingly data-driven industry.
Jay Bandy is President of Goliath Consulting Group, a restaurant consultancy based in Decatur, that works with independent restaurants, restaurant groups, national chains and companies that service the restaurant industry, including technology firms.
