Running a restaurant is hard work – from taking bookings and managing staff, to keeping customers happy and making sure there’s enough food in the fridge. But what if you had a clever helper who never sleeps, works superfast, and can answer almost any question? That’s where AI for restaurants comes in.
In this post, we’ll explain what AI in restaurants actually means, how tools like ChatGPT can help, and give you easy examples you can try today.
What is AI?
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence—smart computer programmes that can learn and think a bit like humans. Some AIs drive cars, play music, or recommend your next Netflix series. In restaurants, AI helps with writing, planning, answering questions, and giving insights.
ChatGPT, for example, is a tool you type questions into, and it replies instantly with helpful answers, content, or ideas. You can use it on your computer or phone like you’re texting a mate. Best of all, it’s easy—even if you’re not into tech.
Clever ways restaurants use AI
Writing menus and daily specials
Coming up with new menu ideas or dish descriptions can be time-consuming. AI tools like ChatGPT can help you write tempting dish names, allergen notes, or even entire menus.
📝 Example:
“Write a spring menu with chicken, leeks, and elderflower. Make it sound fresh and modern.”
🤖 ChatGPT might reply:
“Pan-seared chicken breast with creamed leeks and elderflower glaze, served with seasonal greens.”
Looks professional, doesn’t it?
🖊️ Menu writing prompts
“Write a fancy-sounding description for a chicken tikka wrap with mint yoghurt and salad.”
“Create a short lunch menu with 3 veggie options, inspired by British summer flavours.”
“Suggest 5 seasonal side dishes for an autumn dinner menu in a cosy pub.”
“Write allergen and dietary labels for this dish: wild mushroom risotto with Parmesan.”
Creating social media content
One of the biggest ways people discover restaurants is through Instagram, Facebook or TikTok. But finding time to write fun posts can be tricky.
📣 Use AI for:
- Writing catchy captions
- Suggesting photo ideas
- Creating full campaigns (e.g., Valentine’s Day or Father’s Day promos)
📝 Example:
“Make a Facebook post about our 2-for-1 burgers every Thursday. Add some humour.”
ChatGPT could say:
“🍔 Two burgers walk into a bar… and one leaves free. Join us Thursdays for 2-for-1 burger madness!”
Social Media prompts
“Write a fun Instagram caption about our 2-for-1 pizza night this Friday.”
“Make a TikTok script about our chef preparing a full English breakfast—make it cheeky and upbeat.”
“Create a Facebook post promoting our new vegan Sunday roast. Use emojis and a friendly tone.”
“Give me 3 tweet ideas about our loyalty card launch.”
Understanding what’s working (and what’s not)
AI can read your sales reports, reviews, or bookings to give you smart suggestions. This is known as data analysis, and it’s a big trend in AI for restaurants.
📊 Example:
- “Vegan dishes are selling more on weekdays—consider adding one to your lunch menu.”
- “Booking drop on Wednesdays? Try a midweek deal.”
This helps you make informed decisions without guessing.
Replying to customer reviews
Guests appreciate a kind reply to their feedback. AI helps you respond to reviews with warm, polite messages—whether it’s praise or a complaint.
📝 Example (Good Review):
“Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tiramisu.”
📝 Example (Bad Review):
“We’re truly sorry your experience wasn’t what it should’ve been. We’ve taken your comments onboard and hope to welcome you again.”
Quick, thoughtful, and professional—without spending hours doing it yourself.
💬 Replying to review prompts
“Write a polite and grateful response to a 5-star Google review praising our fish and chips.”
“Create a calm and apologetic reply to a 3-star review about slow service on Saturday night.”
“Draft a short reply to a happy TripAdvisor review mentioning our lovely garden terrace.”
Answering customer questions automatically
Many guests ask the same questions:
- “Are you dog friendly?”
- “Do you have gluten-free options?”
- “Can I book online?”
AI-powered chatbots on your website or Facebook page can answer these 24/7. That means fewer phone calls and faster service.
📣 Fact: 40% of restaurant owners use AI for customer service.
Planning staff shifts with less stress
Staff rotas can be a headache—especially if someone calls in sick or it’s busier than expected. AI tools can look at past bookings, weather, and busy days to suggest the right number of staff for each shift.
⏰ Example:
- “It’s been raining all week—expect fewer walk-ins.”
- “Friday bookings are up—add a server for the evening shift.”
Less guesswork, more confidence.
Optimising menus and prices
Using data from what people order, AI can suggest which dishes to promote, change, or remove. Some tools even help you find the perfect price for each item.
🧠 Example:
“Steak is your top seller, but it’s underpriced. A small increase could boost profit without turning customers away.”
Smart, right?
Creating marketing campaigns from scratch
Want to send out a newsletter? Launch a summer offer? AI can help you write email subject lines, blog posts, press releases or ads—all tailored to your audience.
📨 Example:
“Write an email promoting our new summer drinks menu with a cheeky tone.”
💡 Idea generation prompts
“Suggest 5 unique promotions we could run this month to attract more midweek bookings.”
“Give me creative event ideas we could host in August, like quiz nights or themed dinners.”
“What are 3 ways to improve our kids’ menu experience?”
Getting started with AI in your restaurant
Here’s how to begin:
- Pick one task – like writing posts or replying to reviews.
- Use ChatGPT or a chatbot tool – you can even ask it to sound like your restaurant.
- Check and tweak – always double-check AI suggestions before posting.
- Grow from there – try other uses as you get more confident.
Bonus tip: add personality!
You can customise your prompts to match your brand voice. For example, add:
- “Make it sound cheeky and casual”
- “Write it in a warm, elegant tone”
- “Keep it short and suitable for a pub audience”
Final thoughts
AI for restaurants isn’t science fiction anymore—it’s real, it’s easy to use, and it can truly save you time and money. Whether you run a trendy bar, cosy pub, or family-run bistro, tools like ChatGPT and restaurant AI software can help with marketing, planning, customer service, and more.
Start small. Even one smart tool could help you spend less time at your laptop—and more time doing what you love: feeding happy guests.
