2024 predictions in AI for restaurants: The positives and pitfalls to avoid

AI is getting more traction among restaurant owners and managers due to the variety of tasks this technology can assist in. From managing orders more efficiently to tracking diner feedback, artificial intelligence is making life easier for everybody on the staff. What's more, the costs of implementing such solutions are going down, allowing more restaurants (including those with smaller budgets), to leverage the technology that was once available only to some of the most renowned and biggest brands in the world.

The growth of AI in restaurants

With more people preferring to eat restaurant meals in the comfort of their homes, one way AI supports their operations to ensure ongoing takeout business is through automating phone operations. With 83% of customers admitting to moving on to another restaurant upon getting voicemail more than once artificial intelligence phone technology allows to increase customer satisfaction without extra labor.

Another area where AI is particularly helpful for restaurants is the wide range of data analysis features it offers. Some examples include which menu options get chosen most frequently, what the diners' favorite time of the day and week to dine is, and more. All of this allows us to smooth out operations and better address customer needs.

How restaurants can prepare for New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is a test period for restaurants due to the increased business and other challenges it brings. For those who have strong systems in place, it's a great opportunity to make a great impression on new customers and attract even more diners through word of and online reviews. However, those restaurants that haven't figured out the key to customer happiness might lose even more as now every mistake will be thoroughly scrutinized by even more people.

To mitigate this, it's important to track every metric related to the restaurant's operations to stay ahead of the customers. This can be achieved through artificial intelligence solutions. What's also important is keeping track of the latest trends in the restaurant industry, which we'll discuss in the next section.

5 predictions restaurants can expect in AI in 2024

• Increased possibilities. As the technology improves AI will be capable of performing more tasks decreasing the need for human intervention across even more areas of the business

• Personalized experience. Artificial intelligence will consider multiple factors about each customer individually, to provide them with an experience tailored to their needs, tastes and more.

• Decreased costs. With more restaurants utilizing some form of AI in their operations the costs will go down too opening doors for more restaurants to leverage these technologies.

• Customer expectations. In 2024 customers will expect restaurants to not only rely on humans but also utilize some form of AI, to make their experience better as the benchmark changes

• Wider adoption rate. AI will no longer become a benefit but a necessity for restaurants wishing to stay afloat and keep providing their customers with outstanding service.

Common pitfalls

While AI brings a wide range of opportunities it also poses some challenges that restaurant owners need to address to fully leverage the possibilities this technology can offer.

Below you'll find some of the most common pitfalls, along with a solution to each of them to better prepare for what is to come.

• Overlooking customer experience. As technology becomes more prevalent some restaurants might forget about the human factor necessary to make their dining experience stand out. To avoid it ensure that AI enhances your establishment but doesn't entirely run it.

• Neglecting training and adaptation. With powerful AI comes great responsibility and restaurants need to train their staff, to fully leverage the opportunities ahead of them. Invest the time and resources necessary and your efforts will pay off.

• Ignoring data security. Safeguarding customer information and maintaining the integrity of your business data should be non-negotiable. So, prioritize cybersecurity measures including encryption.

• Blindly chasing trends. Blindly chasing trends without considering their relevance to your restaurant's unique needs, can lead to wasted resources and confusion. Choose only technologies that genuinely enhance your operations.

• Underestimating maintenance. Neglecting system maintenance can lead to glitches, inefficiencies and a decline in overall performance. Regularly update software, troubleshoot issues promptly and keep an eye on emerging technologies.

As we gear up for the challenges of the New Year's Eve rush AI systems offer a strategic edge. Restaurants equipped with data-driven insights can impress diners and navigate the heightened scrutiny that accompanies increased business; however, those lagging in customer-centric strategies may find every misstep amplified in the age of widespread online reviews.