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5 restaurants that use artificial intelligence to improve their performance

Noémie Daniel
January 29, 2026
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AI in restaurants is no longer a futuristic concept. It is already being integrated into kitchens, cash registers, and management tools in the most successful establishments. From automated order taking to inventory optimization, artificial intelligence is becoming a concrete lever for profitability and operational fluidity.

Here are five examples of restaurants that have adopted AI, with measurable results in terms of customer experience, productivity, and day-to-day management.

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Why are restaurants adopting artificial intelligence?

In the restaurant industry, tasks pile up: planning, team organization, administrative management, communication, performance analysis. AI makes it possible to absorb this complexity without increasing the mental load on teams.

It becomes a true operational assistant, capable of analyzing, forecasting, and assisting with decision-making in real time.

Reduce operating costs and optimize margins

No more mistakes due to fatigue or poor visibility. Anartificial intelligence solutionfor the restaurant industry processes sales data, anticipates volumes, and refines decisions.

AI continuously calculates, compares, and analyzes to help restaurant owners better manage their business.

👉 To go further: How can you use AI to optimize your menu pricing strategy?

Improve the customer experience and streamline the ordering process

AI order taking reduces friction. Smart terminals, automatic recommendations, simplified processes: customers can order more easily, without stress or excessive waiting times.

The result: a smoother experience and more consistent service, even during busy periods.

Anticipate flows and manage inventory more effectively

By analyzing daily and hourly traffic rates, AI enables precise inventory management. It limits stockouts, reduces waste, and ensures product turnover.

👉 To go further: AI and waste: how to make the most of unsold restaurant food

Bagelstein: AI for order taking and payment

Bagelstein is focusing on digitizing its restaurant chain to increase efficiency without compromising the customer experience.

An automatic checkout to handle peak traffic

AI analyzes sales history and anticipates periods of high traffic. The restaurant owner adjusts staffing and orders based on the forecasts.

This approach makes it possible to absorb peaks in activity without compromising service quality.

Reduced waiting times and increased average basket size

Smart kiosks highlight flagship products and suggest relevant add-ons. Upselling becomes natural and non-intrusive.

Fewer errors, greater speed, higher average basket size: a winning trio for AI-assisted fast food.

Integration of IO Pay to secure and accelerate payment collection

With IO Pay, Bagelstein secures payments and streamlines checkout. AI reduces end-of-journey stress and improves customer turnover in the dining room.

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Sliced: kitchen optimization and real-time order management

"It's thanks to Innovorder's technological intelligence that we're able to manage our sales and margins." Marie and Augustin - Founders of Tranché

An intelligent system that prioritizes preparations

Orders are automatically prioritized based on channel, wait time, and kitchen load. Teams gain clarity and efficiency. 

Less waste, better product turnover

AI adjusts production volumes based on actual demand. Losses decrease, while quality remains consistent throughout service.

Centralized management for a multi-site chain

For a retail chain, data centralization is strategic. AI provides a global view and allows decisions to be aligned across all points of sale.

👉 To go further: Restaurant: how to centralize your data to make better decisions?

Three other brands that have embraced AI in the restaurant industry

McDonald's: order prediction and drive-thru customization

McDonald's uses artificial intelligence to dynamically adjust drive-thru menus based on time, weather, and consumer habits. The goal is to speed up customer decision-making while maximizing sales performance.

Subway: chatbot for online ordering and product recommendations

Subway uses intelligent chatbots to guide customers through the online ordering process. AI simplifies the journey, personalizes recommendations, and promotes the sale of complementary products without complicating the experience.

Starbucks: Predictive AI to anticipate demand and optimize inventory

At Starbucks, predictive AI analyzes sales data to anticipate demand by point of sale. The result: fewer stockouts, optimized inventory management, and better resource allocation on a large scale.

Atlas: AI designed for restaurant owners

Unlike generalist solutions, Atlas is designed to respond to real-world constraints. It centralizes data, analyzes performance, and helps restaurant owners make better decisions faster.

👉 To go further: AI in the restaurant industry: what changes can we expect by 2025?

Artificial intelligence in the restaurant industry is establishing itself as a key driver for managing business, securing margins, and improving the customer experience.

Brands such as Bagelstein, Tranché, and Starbucks show that well-integrated AI does not replace humans: it enhances them. It frees up time, makes decisions more reliable, and provides a clear vision.

By leveraging field-tested solutions such as Atlas, restaurant owners can transform their data into concrete actions and build a more agile, profitable, and sustainable model.

FAQ – Artificial Intelligence and Food Service

How can AI be used in the restaurant industry?

AI is used for order taking, inventory management, sales forecasting, price optimization, and performance management.

What are the benefits of AI for a restaurant?

Time savings, cost reductions, improved customer experience, and data-driven decisions.

Is AI replacing restaurant staff?

No. It assists teams, automates repetitive tasks, and frees up time for humans.

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"With 20 years' experience working for some of the world's largest foodservice groups, I'm helping the sector with its digital transformation through innovative digital solutions."
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"After several years' experience in a major foodservice group, I support key accounts in optimizing their operations and digital transformation."
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