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Writer's pictureBrent MacGillivray

AI and QSR, The future of Restaurants.

Updated: Jun 3


As a hospitality consultant I get paid to help businesses generate more revenue by improving systems. That being said, most of my business is spent in the private sector...until now. My latest project is in QSR, a paid investigation if you will. AI or artificial intelligence is not that far away, and with rising food costs and a lacking labour pool, it's basically here.


Over the last seven months, fast food franchises have spent hundreds of millions of dollars to acquire technology companies that specialize in artificial intelligence and machine learning. And the fast-food chains have even established a new tech hub in the heart of Silicon Valley where a team of engineers and data scientists is working on voice-recognition software.

The goal? To replace stupid people.

The Potential of AI

Today, artificial intelligence is employed across the industry to provide an intelligent, convenient and informed customer service experience. And most of the excitement surrounding its enterprise application surrounds its machine learning capabilities.

Machine learning is a method of data analysis involving algorithms and statistical models that computer systems use to effectively perform specific tasks, without using explicit instructions and instead relying on models and deduction. Machine learning is often attributed to powerful computing systems that pore over significant amounts of data in order to learn from it.

With more restaurants seeking new ways to advance their operations and increase their performance, artificial intelligence has the opportunity to improve numerous features of a forward-thinking quick-service restaurant. From reducing operational costs to increasing efficiency, increasing revenue and improving customer service, we are on the cusp of fundamentally changing the way quick-serves operate.

Back-of-House Applications:

  • Inventory Management: AI algorithms can analyze sales data and predict demand, helping restaurants optimize inventory levels and reduce food waste.

  • Kitchen Automation: Robots and AI-powered systems are being used for repetitive tasks like flipping burgers or preparing ingredients, increasing efficiency and consistency.

  • Demand Forecasting: AI can analyze historical data and external factors to predict customer traffic and optimize staffing levels.

  • Menu Optimization: AI can analyze sales data and customer preferences to recommend menu changes and pricing adjustments.


Overall Benefits:

  • Improved Efficiency: AI automates repetitive tasks, freeing up staff to focus on higher-value activities.

  • Enhanced Customer Experience: Personalized recommendations and efficient service lead to greater customer satisfaction.

  • Cost Reduction: AI optimizes inventory, reduces food waste, and improves staffing efficiency, leading to cost savings.

  • Increased Revenue: AI-powered marketing campaigns and menu optimization can drive sales growth.

Have a look at this video, AI burger robot at work!

CONCLUSION

What jobs will NEVER be replaced by AI ?


Jobs that intrinsically require the person to be a REAL HUMAN, not just if it can replicate all the five senses of a human being and has the same or better cognitive and mental abilities as a human being, and appear exactly human. In other words, any job that requires the human brain and heart will NEVER be replaced. I would like to believe that "Chefs" are amongst those jobs. Although many of the skills could be machined learned, I don't believe the creative, intuitive and interactive abilities of a skilled chef can be replicated by machines...at least for a while yet. This is why it is so important to keep your mind open to new ideas and styles of cooking. Learn something new about your craft every day!

Cheers, and have a great day!


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