Restaurants + AI: Early Adaption = Future Success

As a Restaurant Technology Specialist, I believe that technology isn't a solution, it's a tool. While most all restaurant tech is "a thing for a thing," AI stands out as something altogether different:

AI is a technology that amplifies its USER.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changing tool. Just as the internet and social media transformed how restaurants operate and connect with customers over the past two decades, AI is poised to revolutionize the industry in the coming years.

Understanding AI's Potential

AI is not a futuristic concept - it's a present reality that's evolving at an unprecedented pace. It's advancing 20 times faster than the internet did in this millennium and 10 times faster than social media. For independent restaurant operators, understanding and strategically applying AI isn't just about staying current; it's about preparing for, and shaping your restaurant’s future.

AI Serves Bandwidth and Improves Focus on What’s Important

The most pressing issue for many independent restaurant operators is bandwidth and focus - the constant struggle to allocate limited time and attention across numerous operational areas. This is where AI shines and can be calibrated as a powerful solution.

AI can act as a multi-tool to help reset your bandwidth and workflow:

1. AI-Powered Technology: Tools like AI-driven training platforms can personalize staff upskilling without constant managerial oversight. AI cameras can monitor operational efficiency in real-time, alerting you to issues before they become problems. AI answering services can handle routine customer inquiries 24/7, freeing up your staff to focus on in-person service.
2. AI-Integrated Technology: Existing software enhanced with AI, such as food cost management systems, can transform how you handle controllable costs. These tools not only save time but ensure that critical aspects of your business are consistently managed.
3. Dynamic AI Platforms: Advanced AI like ChatGPT or Gemini can assist with tasks ranging from menu development to consumer insights analysis, allowing you to tap into data-driven decision making without the need for a dedicated data analyst.

Strategic Application is Key

The goal isn't to replace human hospitality with artificial intelligence, but to augment it. The most successful approach I’ve found follows what I call the HI-AI-HI Model:

• HI: Start with Human Intelligence to identify areas where AI can be most impactful.
• AI: Apply Artificial Intelligence to automate and accelerate tasks.
• HI: Finish with HOSPITALITY INTINCT – that “looks right/feels right” polish that AI cannot replicate.

Competitive Advantage Through Early Adoption

Early adopters of strategic AI applications will have a significant advantage in the near future. They'll be able to:

• Optimize and adapt operations more nimbly efficiently
• Make data-driven decisions more accurately
• Provide personalized customer experiences at scale
• Adapt to market changes more quickly

By starting now, you're not just preparing for a future - you're shaping your own.

Getting Started

Adopting AI doesn't mean overhauling your entire operation overnight. Think of it as a mixing board rather than an on/off switch. Start by identifying areas where your bandwidth is most strained and explore AI solutions that could alleviate that pressure.

Remember, the goal of implementing AI is to free up your time and attention so you can focus on the aspects of your business that truly require your human touch - developing your team, refining your product, and creating memorable experiences for your customers.

The restaurant industry is on the cusp of another technological revolution. By understanding and strategically applying AI now, you're positioning your business to thrive in the Restaurant 2.0 era. The future of restaurant operations is here - and it's smarter than ever.

Learn More: Video Resources

To help you further understand and explore the potential of AI in the restaurant industry, I've prepared some video resources to accompany this article.

Main Presentation: "Restaurants + AI?"

https://youtu.be/7lJTN4FoQy4

The content you've just read is drawn from the “Restaurants + AI” presentation I gave last month at the Harbor Food Show. In this video, I dive deeper into the concepts discussed above, providing real-world examples and demonstrations of how AI can be practically applied in independent restaurant operations. This presentation aims to demystify AI technology, showcase its possibilities and potential, and inspire safe early adoption while shortening your learning curve.

AI Experiments

We've also created two short videos demonstrating AI in action:

Menu Development + AI:

https://youtu.be/jXqtsHM-n94

This video shows how AI can assist in creating new dishes, considering factors like current inventory, culinary trends, and your restaurant's style. It's a practical example of how AI can spark creativity and efficiency in one of the most crucial aspects of your business.

Upskilling + AI:

https://youtu.be/nC8dnVJio0c

This demonstration showcases AI-powered tools that can personalize learning experiences, track progress, and even act as a virtual tutor for your team. It's a glimpse into how AI can help you develop a more skilled, confident workforce without consuming all of your time and attention.

If you’re as much a context learner as I am, I encourage you to watch these videos to gain a more concrete understanding of how AI can be integrated into your restaurant operations. Remember, the goal is not to replace human expertise, but to amplify it, allowing you to focus on the aspects of your business where your personal touch matters most.

By engaging with these resources and starting to experiment with AI in your own operations, you're taking an important step towards future-proofing your business and staying competitive in the evolving restaurant landscape.

AI COACHING

As a Harbor Foods customer, I’m here to serve your operational success. Not sure where to start? Let’s talk. By exploring the challenges you’d like to minimize and the opportunities you wish to maximize, I’m confident there are AI solutions that we can calibrate to serve you and your peeps.

Andy Cook | andy.cook@harborfoods.com

Restaurant Technology Specialist & Operations Advisor