Slang.ai: AI for Restaurants is Changing the Game. Here's What You Should Know

Stephen Hoops, Content Marketing Manager, Slang.ai

While there’s new software and technology popping up every day, which are actually worth spending your time and resources on?

Spoiler: artificial intelligence (AI) is worth your while.

But how can it help your restaurant business?

H2: Thinking About AI Beyond the Hype

Put simply, AI makes machines seem smart and even humanlike. However, AI isn’t meant to just mimic human thinking; it can expand upon it in some ways, too.

Machines can process large amounts of data the human brain could never handle. The combination of processing huge quantities of data paired with humanlike experiences is what makes AI exciting and innovative technology.

While AI may seem like something out of Sci-Fi movies or the subject of sensational headlines and think-pieces, you’d be surprised by how much it’s already a part of our daily lives.

When you think about it, AI is everywhere, such as:

● Digital assistants like Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa
● Content recommendation algorithms on social networks like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
● Turn-by-turn direction apps like Google Maps that give you real-time tips on how to get to your destination based on traffic or weather

All of these examples use AI technology to learn from the world around you and help you solve problems.

H2: How to Use AI In Your Restaurant Business

So, where does AI fit in for restaurant operators?

Just like in your daily life, AI technology is already incorporated into the top tools used in the restaurant business today.

When you’re on the hunt for tools to help grow your restaurant business, you may not even realize you’re in search of AI technology. However, there are examples of AI products that are built exclusively for restaurants.

Let’s explore how restaurant owners are using AI to improve their business.

One of the best parts of AI is that it helps humans process more information than they’d be able to on their own. When it comes to the restaurant business, one of the biggest bottlenecks is phone calls. Using AI-driven phone answering services like Slang.ai means calls can be handled without taking staff away from other, more valuable work.

For example, the Genuine Hospitality Group needed a solution to help them manage incoming phone calls to free up their staff to focus on guests and customers. After implementing Slang.ai, they saw the following impact:

● Slang.ai facilitated 1.2k+ voice phone reservations in the last 90 days.
● 81% of calls were completely managed by Slang.ai, reducing the load on staff.
● 93.8% caller satisfaction rate was recorded in post-call surveys.

With plugins connecting to popular reservation software, reservation bookings became more streamlined both for guests and the team.

H3: Speed up hiring

The labor market is volatile, and the restaurant industry is no exception. When hiring and keeping great people is a top priority for most restaurant operators, it makes sense to invest in tools to source the best candidates.

Tools like applicant tracking systems (ATS) and short message service (SMS), more known as text messaging, can help speed up the hiring process by tracking applications for certain positions and sending clear, automated messages to candidates. AI builds upon these tools by filtering out the most qualified candidates to save you time and hire the best.

H3: Streamline business operations and processes

As mentioned, there are a lot of logistics involved in running a restaurant well. Some of the more mundane parts could potentially be automated using AI, freeing up staff for more important work.

Whether it’s software that automates banking, wages, and payroll or a customer relationship management (CRM) system that tracks customer inquiries or requests, the possibilities for streamlining business operations and processes are endless.

H2: Why AI In Restaurants Is The Future Of Hospitality

Running a restaurant isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes guts to get up and running and a lot of business know-how to thrive. AI can be used as a tool to make sure your business grows. Here are just some of the ways AI makes a difference.

H3: Cut costs

Whether it’s taking reservations over the phone or taking orders, these touchpoints take time, energy, and manpower. AI technology in phone or POS systems automates a lot of those tasks which means you can spend less money on staffing your restaurant which will help lower costs in the long run.

H3: Reduce errors

When those tasks are manned by people, there’s always the opportunity for human error. AI minimizes errors in reservations, orders, and more which will not only make your operations run more smoothly but keep your customers happy.

H3: Delight your guests

AI isn’t for Sci-Fi or academic papers, it’s baked into our daily lives. We’re used to asking our devices for help and expect information tailored to our experience. Incorporating AI into your restaurant operations—especially in the front-of-house—will help you deliver the top-notch experience your guests expect.