How AI is Changing the Restaurant Industry

Artificial intelligence is changing how every industry works. Companies need to rethink their workflows and systems. The restaurant industry is no different. Let's look at how reservation systems have changed and how Troy AI is creating the next big shift.

The Evolution of Restaurant Reservations
Reservation systems have come a long way:

• 20+ years ago: Customers called restaurants directly to make reservations. Staff wrote them down in booking books.
• Early 2000s: Online reservation platforms like OpenTable changed everything. Customers could book tables through websites without calling.
• Today: About 70% of reservations happen online, but 30% still happen by phone. Many restaurants struggle to manage both systems at once.

Why Current Systems Need to Change
The current reservation setup has big problems:

• Restaurants miss 3-7 calls every day during busy times
• Each missed call can mean losing $150+ in potential revenue
• Staff get overwhelmed answering phones while serving customers
• Managing separate systems for online and phone bookings is confusing
• Platforms like OpenTable and Resy charge fees for each guest, cutting into profits

Troy AI: A New Approach to Reservations
Troy AI is changing the game with a complete reservation system that combines the best of online booking platforms with advanced voice AI:

• Complete reservation platform: Offers everything OpenTable and Resy do, plus voice AI
• Restaurant-centric voice: AI voice customized to match your restaurant's brand and tone
• Answers all inquiries: Handles questions about menu, hours, and special events
• Unified availability management: All reservations in one system, whether from online or phone
• AI answers every call: No more missed calls or lost reservations
• 24/7 availability: Takes reservations even when the restaurant is closed
• Complete SMS system: Automatic text confirmations, reminders, and the ability to text links to menus, directions, and special promotions
• No per-guest fees: Simple monthly subscription instead of paying for each customer

How Troy AI Works
Troy AI provides a complete reservation solution:

1. Online booking system: Just like OpenTable and Resy, Troy offers a full online reservation platform
2. Voice AI technology: The system answers calls with a voice customized to match your restaurant's brand and tone
3. Unified availability: The AI knows about all reservations from both online and phone bookings
4. Advanced SMS features: Sends confirmation texts, reminders, menu links, address information, and directions to guests
5. Complete inquiries handling: Answers questions about hours, menu items, location, directions, parking, and special events
6. Single dashboard: All reservation data from all sources in one place for easy management

Why This Matters for Restaurants
Just like Toast changed point-of-sale systems and took market share from Square, Troy AI is coming for OpenTable and Resy. Here's why restaurants should care:

• Capture all potential revenue: No more missed calls means no more lost reservations
• Simpler operations: Staff don't need to manage multiple systems
• Better customer experience: Every call gets answered professionally
• Lower costs: No more paying for each guest who books
• More time for in-house guests: Staff can focus on customers who are actually in the restaurant

The Future of Restaurant Technology
AI isn't just changing reservation systems. It's transforming every part of the restaurant business:

• Kitchen operations becoming more efficient
• Inventory management getting smarter
• Customer service improving through AI assistance
• Marketing becoming more targeted

Troy AI shows us that even the basic systems we've used for years can be reimagined with AI. The restaurants that adapt quickly will have a big advantage over those that stick with outdated systems.
The reservation revolution that OpenTable started twenty years ago is getting its next big update. Troy AI is showing that voice AI and unified systems are the future of restaurant reservations.