AI gives full-service restaurants an innovation shortcut

Full-service restaurants have had an especially challenging road in recent years – and the belt-tightening that has come with inflation hasn’t helped. A report from Fortune said that Gen X and boomers are the sole demographics that can afford to dine at high-end restaurants right now. But fortunately, technology is helping the segment find ways to deliver full-service meals (and what feel like high-value experiences) to guests. Specifically, full-service restaurants are doubling down on AI and automation, according to FSR Magazine. Like brands in other restaurant segments, they are using AI to deliver more personal experiences to guests and maximize order accuracy. But beyond that, AI is also helping the full-service segment innovate, which could otherwise be a challenge at a time when more consumers may hesitate to spend money on higher-end meals. AI is transforming how these restaurants plan, develop, and test new concepts. Using AI, a restaurant can create “digital twins” – models that allow them to experiment with a variety of kitchen workflows, dining room configurations and staffing levels, for example. As a result, full-service operators may be better able to predict how service levels, traffic flows or other elements of the business would likely be affected if they made such changes in real life. Then, when changes are made, immersive, AI-supported simulations can be used to train employees on how to anticipate and navigate the scenarios that may arise as a result. Of course, segments beyond full-service can benefit from these tools too.