This article in Forbes is a marketing coup for the Presto Front-of-House solution which is used as the only example where AI manages restaurant activity, including order taking and validation, a smartwatch that delivers real-time updates and prompts to staff when guests need assistance and claims to deploy surveys and predictive modeling that drives additional visits and hence more business. A careful reading however suggests that the application of machine learning is limited to data analytics and does not directly orchestrate the restaurant’s operations:
“‘In an industry known for tight profit margins, restaurant owners and operators need to make smart business choices. With more restaurateurs turning to technology to manage their teams and operations, the Presto platform helps operators make data-driven decisions,’ Suri says.
Presto’s Server Assistant is a handheld product that is integrated to POS and kitchen display units. It increases productivity and reduces errors by allowing servers to take and send orders directly to the kitchen. Presto Wearables is a smartwatch-type device worn by staff that provides real-time updates and prompts by notifying servers when guests need assistance or a manager’s attention.
‘Presto A.I. leverages highly granular transaction data, customer segmentation and a large volume of integrated customer surveys to provide actionable recommendations and predictive modeling to boost business,’ Suri explains.
PrestoPrime EMV System is a guest-facing tabletop technology platform that offers the ability to view and select from a digital menu, play interactive games, provide feedback and pay at the table with virtually any payment card or mobile payment system.
‘The PrestoPrime EMV System is installed and operational in thousands of restaurant locations nationwide including brands like Applebee’s, Red Lobster and Outback Steakhouse. The PrestoPrime platform has a proven ROI, as restaurants using the device have seen an increase in table turns and check size. More than 90% of guests that used the Presto System said it improved their dining experience and 81% noted the system would increase their likelihood to return to the restaurant again, according to research studies conducted in partnership with Cornell University and a major dining chain,’ Suri shares.
Presto’s new wearables speed up service and help operators improve customer satisfaction by enabling servers to respond faster when guests need assistance like requesting another drink or other important operational alerts like when the kitchen is ready with food orders. The device can even alert servers about customer-specific information such as birthdays, food allergies and loyalty status.”
Overview by Tim Sloane, VP, Payments Innovation at Mercator Advisory Group
