Real Applications for Artificial Intelligence

Market leader report

An industry study of nearly 500 foodservice leaders

Does your operation currently use AI for any of its business objectives?

October 2025

19% NO, and we're NOT interested

A third of survey participants have already incorporated artificial intelligence into their operations, while nearly half are interested in using AI in their restaurant.

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Overall, the foodservice industry is cautiously optimistic that artificial intelligence will have a positive effect as it gains traction with more brands. Perhaps unsurprisingly, more than three in four AI Adopters view AI as a potential net positive, but so do two in three AI Curious operators, who haven’t yet invested but are interested in doing so. The AI Avoidant respondents in this survey, who have no current plans to adopt AI, are most likely to predict AI having no major effect, rather than a negative one.

AI Adoption Reinforces Optimism

Key Findings

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Real Applications for Artificial Intelligence

1 in 3

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Only 20% of respondents say they spend less than 8 hours.

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A full 30% of respondents dedicate 8 to 16 hours.

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50% of respondents said they allocate more than 16 hours, or two full workdays.

operators who have adopted AI believe the proliferation of the technology across the industry will have a positive effect.

3 in 4

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Developed by world-class AI researchers and former Google and Meta engineers focused on the restaurant industry, Palona brings advanced automation to restaurants seeking new growth. Its AI Order Agent and AI Catering Manager turn every request into a confirmed sale, delivering measurable revenue lift for operators of any size.

PAR's intelligence layer, known as PAR AI, is built into every solution—empowering operators and marketers to make smarter, faster decisions with real-time insights from POS, loyalty, ordering, and back-office systems. No extra apps, no dashboards—just actionable intelligence where you work.

At ClearCOGS, the belief is simple: when restaurants know the future, they run more profitable operations. The AI platform transforms sales, weather, events, and inventory into daily playbooks—telling operators what to prep, order, and staff. Integrated seamlessly, it eliminates guesswork and protects profitability.

Leasecake is the premier lease management platform transforming how businesses approach real estate, by turning risk into opportunity and decisive action. Leasecake empowers organizations to protect their portfolios, reduce operational risk, and drive smarter, faster growth across their real estate footprint.

Transform your phone calls from a source of stress into a powerful source of growth. Revmo AI not only saves your staff from burnout, but it turns every call into actionable data you can use to boost sales and enhance guest experience.

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While many restaurant leaders continue to search for use cases that would motivate them to experiment with AI or expand their use of it, those who have already taken the plunge said the technology has made a positive difference across several categories. Early adopters are already reporting better forecasting and data analysis, time savings for managers and other decision makers, and streamlined tasks for hourly workers. Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Business surveyed nearly 500 people from across the industry to gauge their interest and adoption of AI.

Operators Report Benefits from Adopting AI

Insights Report

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Foodservice operators need their investments in technology to pay off in various ways, from driving top-line sales to saving on food and labor costs via increased efficiency. Most often, they focus on the front-of-house and back-of-house as the areas of their business that get the greatest returns from upgraded technology, though some target their investments on digital-marketing solutions to elevate their brand reach outside the four walls. NRN Intelligence surveyed more than 550 operators, spanning every style of service and every size of brand, for their investment strategies and priorities.

Targeting Tech Upgrades for Maximum Impact

Insights Report

48% NO, but we're interested

33% YES

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What do you think will be the effect of the wider adoption of AI across the restaurant industry?

Real Applications for Artificial Intelligence