The use of artificial intelligence in the food service industry is not limited to fast-food joints. Many restaurants in major cities such as Atlanta, Miami, New York, and San Francisco are now employing AI chatbots to answer phone calls.
Several startups have developed AI platforms that can greet callers and answer general questions about seating, dress codes, reservations, and allergy policies. These services operate on a tiered subscription model, with premium tiers offering more functionality. Some AI chatbots can even communicate in multiple languages, which is an advantage in culturally diverse regions.
AI chatbots can handle a large volume of calls, freeing up staff to focus on other tasks. According to Alex Sambvani, CEO and co-founder of AI-led call center Slang, restaurants receive a high volume of calls, especially if they have a solid reputation and accept reservations. In-demand restaurants can receive up to 1,000 calls a month.
Some restaurant owners have reported positive experiences with AI chatbots, saying they make the job easier for hosts and do not disturb guests while they are eating. However, others have reported negative experiences, with customers becoming frustrated when they are unable to speak to a human. Some customers have even gone as far as to curse the chatbot.
As AI chatbots become more common in restaurants, it will be interesting to see how customers respond. Would you prefer to speak to a human or an AI chatbot when calling a restaurant?