Stop Missing After-Hours Orders With a Custom 24/7 AI Chatbot

How does the AI chatbot handle peak dinner rush inquiries without slowing down service?

Great question—restaurants like yours can't afford delays. Our custom-built AI processes queries in under two seconds, pulling from your integrated POS and menu data for accurate info. It's like having a dedicated host who never blinks. We train it on your specific lingo, so it suggests add-ons like 'Try our house wine with that steak?' During rushes, it prioritizes and queues chats intelligently, escalating only urgent ones to staff. One client saw query resolution rates hit 95% without pulling anyone off the floor. We also include performance monitoring to ensure it scales with your busiest nights.

Absolutely, integration is our specialty. We connect the AI directly to platforms like OpenTable or Resy via secure APIs, allowing real-time availability checks and bookings right in the chat. No more double-bookings or manual updates. For example, if a customer asks for a party of six on Saturday, the bot scans slots and confirms instantly, then syncs it to your system. This cuts no-shows by confirming details upfront. We've done this for dozens of eateries, reducing admin time by 40%. It's all custom-coded to fit your workflow without disrupting operations.

What if a customer has a complex question, like a custom catering order?

We design the bot to be smart but not stubborn. For intricate needs, like a vegan corporate lunch for 50, it gathers details—budget, dietary specs, timeline—then seamlessly hands off to your team with a full summary. No starting from scratch. It's trained to recognize escalation triggers, ensuring nothing falls through. A bistro we built this for reported 80% of catering leads converted faster because the bot pre-qualified them. Think of it as your first line of defense, filtering and prepping so your sales folks close deals efficiently.

Is the chatbot secure for handling customer data in the food service world?

Security is non-negotiable, especially with sensitive info like allergies or payment details. We use enterprise-grade encryption and comply with GDPR and PCI standards, building everything on secure, owned infrastructure. Your data stays yours—no third-party rentals. The bot anonymizes chats and only stores what's needed for follow-ups. For instance, it flags allergy notes without saving full profiles unless you specify. Restaurants we've partnered with appreciate this, as it builds trust— one even avoided a compliance headache during an audit. We audit regularly to keep it tight.

How much does a custom AI chatbot cost for a small restaurant?

Costs vary based on your setup, but for a mid-sized spot with basic integrations, expect $8,000-$15,000 upfront for development, plus minimal ongoing maintenance. No recurring subscriptions like off-the-shelf tools. This buys you ownership and scalability—think long-term savings over paying $200/month forever. We start with a free consult to scope your needs, like handling 100 daily chats. A cafe we did this for recouped costs in four months through extra bookings. It's an investment that pays off by capturing revenue you'd otherwise miss.

How long does it take to get the chatbot up and running?

From kickoff to launch, it's typically 4-6 weeks, depending on complexities like multi-location support. Week one: We map your needs. Weeks two-three: Build and train on your data. Final weeks: Test with real scenarios, like simulating a busy brunch query flood. We iterate based on your feedback for a smooth rollout. A taco joint got theirs live in five weeks and immediately saw after-hours engagement spike. It's fast because we avoid cookie-cutter delays, focusing on your restaurant's unique rhythm.