Quick Buzz Feed
Springtime tends to bring new tech, and this year vendors are laser-focused on AI, from marketing agents to smart handhelds and more.
Chowly has developed advanced AI agents designed to autonomously manage and update restaurants' online presence. These agents can effectively revise website content and adjust advertising campaigns. For example, if an SEO agent identifies that a pizza restaurant's website is not ranking well for relevant local searches like "pizza near me," it will automatically optimize the website by incorporating more pertinent keywords. This is just one application among approximately half a dozen specialized AI agents offered by Chowly to streamline digital marketing efforts for restaurants.
Global Payments has introduced an innovative handheld server device named 'Genius' that incorporates AI voice technology, enabling it to take customer orders independently. This device is engineered to construct the order ticket in the background while the server interacts with patrons, ensuring seamless operation even in bustling restaurant environments. Beyond order taking, the Genius handheld is envisioned to offer additional functionalities, such as presenting upsell prompts to customers or allowing staff to update menu prices and items using simple voice commands, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Marqii has rolled out an MCP, or model context protocol, allowing restaurants to integrate large language models like ChatGPT or Claude for managing their online information. This means restaurant operators can leverage AI to handle customer reviews, menu updates, and other data stored within the Marqii platform. Users can issue natural language commands such as "What were my top 10 menu items in April?" or "I want to update my hours across all my locations," and the chatbot will process and execute these requests, significantly simplifying the management of digital content and customer interactions.
Owner.com, a platform previously known for providing website creation and various online tools for restaurants, has expanded its offerings to include a comprehensive Point of Sale (POS) system. This new POS system, which was showcased at the National Restaurant Association Show, is specifically designed to foster customer loyalty and increase repeat business. It achieves this by seamlessly integrating with the restaurant's existing online ordering, loyalty programs, and marketing systems, creating a cohesive ecosystem that drives customer retention and operational synergy.
Popmenu is enhancing its online menu platform for restaurants by incorporating video capabilities. This new feature will allow restaurants to embed dynamic video reels directly onto their websites. These videos can be used to visually showcase popular dishes, announce upcoming events, highlight positive customer reviews, or tell the unique story behind the restaurant. The strategic addition of video aims to stimulate more online orders by engaging customers' senses and providing a richer, more immersive digital dining experience, thereby driving interest and increasing conversions.
SpotOn has launched its new 'Profit AI' tool, an intelligent system designed to proactively identify opportunities for restaurants to enhance their profitability. The tool analyzes data from SpotOn’s comprehensive restaurant management system, along with external factors such as local weather patterns, to generate actionable recommendations. These insights are then presented within the restaurant's SpotOn dashboard, allowing operators to easily review and decide on implementing the suggestions. Profit AI builds upon the capabilities of SpotOn’s existing 'Profit Assist' feature, which focuses on P&L data analysis, and is currently available in beta for current customers.
Square has introduced 'Square for Drive-Thru,' a fully integrated drive-thru system developed through partnerships with The Howard Co., a leading manufacturer of drive-thru menu boards, and Nanonation, a digital signage specialist. This system is tailored for quick-service restaurants and coffee shops, segments where Square already maintains a significant market presence. An early adopter of the system is PJ's Coffee. Currently accessible through an early access program, Square for Drive-Thru is slated for broader public release during the upcoming summer, promising a streamlined and efficient drive-thru experience for businesses and customers alike.
Toast has expanded the capabilities of its AI assistant, Toast IQ, with the introduction of 'Toast IQ Grow,' a specialized marketing module. Grow features a 'Marketing Agent,' an AI-powered component capable of identifying opportune marketing moments, such as holidays or local events. This agent can then autonomously create and deploy targeted marketing campaigns for these occasions. Furthermore, Toast IQ Grow includes access to a human 'Marketing Success Manager,' who provides personalized assistance to operators, helping them refine their overall marketing strategy and maximize the impact of their campaigns.
Tripleseat has unveiled 'Tripleseat Intelligence,' an advanced AI-based platform designed to revolutionize events management for restaurants and venues. Built on an extensive dataset of millions of Tripleseat events across 20,000 locations, this platform aims to significantly assist staff with booking and planning processes. Tripleseat's AI can automatically respond to new leads, draft detailed contracts, and even provide precise recommendations for food quantities. This technological leap coincides with Tripleseat's first brand refresh, featuring a brighter and more modern aesthetic, underscoring its commitment to innovation.