Applebee’s and IHOP, two of America’s most beloved restaurant chains, are embarking on a digital transformation journey that’s set to redefine the dining experience. Their parent company, Dine Brands, is rolling out artificial intelligence (AI) solutions across 3,500 stores and 300 franchisees, aiming to make both the front and back of house smarter, faster, and more personalized.
Imagine walking into your favorite Applebee’s or IHOP and being greeted with menu suggestions tailored just for you, based on your previous visits. Or picture a server’s tablet that not only helps take your order but also recommends new dishes you might love, and even alerts staff when your table is ready to be cleared. This isn’t science fiction—it’s the new reality, thanks to AI-powered personalization engines and smart tech support.
How AI Is Enhancing the Guest Experience
At the heart of this transformation is a personalization engine that leverages data from past purchases to recommend new or additional menu items and deliver customized promotions. This means guests can discover new favorites and enjoy offers that truly match their tastes. For those ordering online, the process is becoming even smoother, with AI making it easier to find and order your go-to meals or try something new.
IHOP’s partnership with Google Cloud is a prime example. By integrating Recommendations AI technology, IHOP is making digital ordering more intuitive and relevant, ensuring guests spend less time searching and more time enjoying their meals.
Smarter Operations Behind the Scenes
AI isn’t just about the customer-facing side. Dine Brands is introducing AI-powered tech support, allowing staff to use natural language queries to quickly find solutions in the company’s database. This reduces downtime and helps employees focus on what matters most: serving guests.
Additionally, AI-driven cameras are being tested to detect when tables need clearing, and new apps are in development to help managers with staffing and daily operations. These innovations are designed to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and address staffing shortages—a challenge many restaurants face today.
Industry-Wide Momentum
Applebee’s and IHOP aren’t alone in this digital shift. Across the restaurant industry, automation and AI are gaining traction. Reports show that 67% of establishments using automation have seen direct benefits to the customer experience. From Chipotle’s AI-powered hiring platform, which slashed hiring time by 75%, to SoundHound AI’s voice solutions in drive-thrus and mobile apps, the future of dining is increasingly digital.
Actionable Takeaways for Restaurant Operators
- Embrace AI to personalize guest experiences and boost loyalty.
- Use automation to streamline operations and address staffing challenges.
- Invest in tech support tools that empower staff and reduce downtime.
- Stay informed about industry trends to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Summary of Key Points
- Applebee’s and IHOP are deploying AI for both customer-facing and operational improvements.
- Personalized recommendations and promotions are enhancing the guest experience.
- AI-powered tech support and automation are streamlining restaurant operations.
- Industry data shows significant benefits from adopting automation and AI.
- The future of dining will be shaped by continued digital innovation.