Using AI to Improve Your Restaurant Online Ordering Experience

Online ordering now represents 20–30% of restaurant revenue and growing. The quality of your online ordering experience directly impacts conversion rates and order frequency. AI improves every step.

AI enhancements to online ordering:

Personalized recommendations: AI suggests items based on the customer’s order history. If they always order the chicken sandwich, it is featured prominently. If they are a regular vegetarian customer, meatless options are highlighted.

Upsell suggestions: AI surfaces relevant add-ons at exactly the right moment in the ordering flow. “Customers who order the burger also love our truffle fries.” This alone increases average order value by $3–7.

Intelligent reordering: AI identifies the customer’s “usual order” and offers a one-tap reorder, reducing friction and increasing conversion.

Dynamic item availability: AI hides items that are sold out or unavailable in real time, preventing the frustrating post-order “we cannot make that” phone call.

AI chatbot for order questions: Before ordering, customers can ask about ingredients, allergens, and customization options via AI chatbot — reducing phone calls and order errors.

Estimated delivery/pickup time: AI calculates accurate ETAs based on current kitchen load and delivery routes, reducing customer frustration from inaccurate promises.

Post-order follow-up: Automated messages when the order is confirmed, ready, and delivered. With a review request 20 minutes after delivery.

What percentage of your orders come through online ordering? What is your average online order value?