AI is About to Personalize Your Dining Experience at Applebee's & IHOP
Imagine walking into your favorite Applebee's or IHOP and getting a personalized recommendation based on your past orders. Well, it seems like that future is closer than we think! Dine Brands, the parent company of these popular restaurant chains, is planning to roll out an AI-powered "personalization engine" to enhance the customer experience. This system will analyze your purchase history, or even the habits of customers with similar tastes, to suggest dishes and deals tailored just for you. Isn't that neat?
According to Justin Skelton, Dine Brands' chief information officer, the goal here is twofold: boosting customer loyalty and strategically upselling products. IHOP already has a head start in this area, thanks to the wealth of data it collects through its rewards program. This information can be used to create even more personalized recommendations, making you feel like a valued and understood customer.
While some restaurants chase fleeting viral trends, others are strategically embracing AI to streamline operations and improve customer interactions. Wendy's, for example, is already using an AI chatbot at its drive-thrus to take orders and suggest additional menu items. McDonald's has also resumed its AI drive-thru plans, and Taco Bell is planning to implement "Voice AI" technology in over 100 drive-thrus across the US. It seems like everyone wants a piece of the AI pie!
Dine Brands isn't stopping there, though. They're also exploring ways to use AI to assist their staff. Imagine AI-powered cameras that can detect when a table needs cleaning, or an AI app that helps managers with their daily tasks. These innovations could lead to a more efficient and pleasant experience for both customers and employees. The adoption of AI in restaurants seems poised to revolutionize not only customer service but also internal operations. Ultimately, this push towards AI integration points to a future where dining experiences are more tailored, efficient, and enjoyable.
Source: The Verge