The Impact of AI and Automation on Guest and Employee Experience in the Restaurant Industry
Discover how AI and automation are revolutionizing the restaurant industry, enhancing guest and employee experiences
Photo by Sergio Arteaga on Unsplash
Photo by Sergio Arteaga on Unsplash
Automation Trends in the Restaurant Industry
The restaurant industry has faced challenges due to changing consumer spending patterns and potential trade policy shifts. In response to these obstacles, major restaurant chains like BJ’s Restaurants, Cracker Barrel, and Bloomin’ Brands are turning to automation and AI technologies to improve operational efficiency and drive growth.
AI Implementation in Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel's CEO and President, Julie Felss Masino, highlighted the success of AI-powered personalization capabilities within their rewards program. This implementation led to a notable increase in average revenue per member. Moreover, the Tennessee-based chain utilized AI for traffic forecasting, enhancing accuracy and optimizing labor management. Guest relations also benefited from AI, reducing resolution times and improving accessibility to live customer support.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga on Unsplash
BJ’s Restaurants Embracing AI for Forecasting and Workforce Planning
With a focus on enhancing guest experiences, BJ’s Restaurants are expanding their AI deployment for forecasting and optimizing workforce planning. By leveraging AI, the company aims to ensure team members are strategically placed to provide exceptional service to customers. This move has resulted in improved labor scheduling and heightened guest sentiment across their establishments.
Employee and Guest Experience Prioritization by Bloomin’ Brands
Bloomin’ Brands, with its diverse portfolio of restaurants, emphasizes the importance of technology in simplifying employee tasks and enhancing guest experiences. The company's CEO, Michael Spanos, underscores the continuous evaluation of technology to streamline operations and elevate the overall dining experience. The appointment of Gagan Sinha as CIO signifies the company's commitment to optimizing technological advancements within its establishments.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga on Unsplash
AI-Driven Point of Sale Systems at Bloomin’ Brands
Bloomin’ Brands' implementation of a new point of sale system, combined with AI tools, aims to accelerate customer feedback processes and facilitate better communication among managing partners. Through real-time data analysis, the company can identify trends and areas for improvement promptly, leading to more efficient and effective responses to customer needs.