How AI and Technology are Transforming the Hospitality Industry
Copyright A Bar Above, generated with AI
[*This post is sponsored by The Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025 in Las Vegas. For more info on how to join us at the event, jump to the bottom of this article. Chris, Julia, the team, and I all hope to see you there!]
The hospitality industry thrives on innovation, and technology is leading the charge– particularly in the form of artificial intelligence. By blending efficiency with personalization, AI and other tech tools are redefining how bars and restaurants operate, just like the rest of the world. But don’t think that, just because you’re in a customer-facing service, you can ignore these advancements. You don’t want your business left behind!
Tech-Forward Operations: Revolutionizing the Guest Experience
You probably already use a point-of-sale system like Toast to complete transactions, but there is so much more out there to help your business run smoothly. The pace of innovation and technology in the bar and restaurant industry (and everywhere else, honestly) isn’t just an add-on; it’s a game changer and frankly necessary to keep up in any business.
From streamlining operations to enhancing the guest experience, tech tools are reshaping the way we think about hospitality. So let’s take a closer look at how bars and restaurants are embracing these advancements to work smarter, serve better, and stay ahead of the curve.
Smart Operations, Big Savings
AI and other tech are eliminating guesswork from back-of-house operations. Advanced inventory tools, such as Sortly, track stock levels, predict demand, and even automate reorders, ensuring bars are always prepped without over-ordering. Or there is scheduling software like 7Shifts that can align staffing needs with sales forecasts, helping managers reduce labor costs while maintaining service quality.
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AI Meets Mixology
Imagine a cocktail menu curated with the help of AI. These systems analyze flavor profiles, guest preferences, and even current trends to help bars create innovative, crowd-pleasing drinks. (The video at the top of this article discusses apps with some of these features.)
Some tools– like the widely accessible ChatGPT— will suggest ideal pairings or tweaks to classics based, helping you elevate the guest experience to something uniquely personal. Meanwhile, the new, innovative platform What’s Your Cocktail? from Diageo uses AI to come up with a personal drink menu.
Enhancing the Human Touch
That title might seem ironic, I know. But technology is also boosting front-of-house interactions. Reservation systems like OpenTable, digital menus, and chatbot integrations streamline guest communication, freeing up staff to focus on creating memorable moments. A program like SevenRooms, for example, handles a variety of things from reservations to marketing to front-of-house to seating issues.
Technology doesn’t replace the human touch— But instead, it can actually enhance it by making processes smoother and more guest-focused. Plus, certain systems can free you up so you have more time and attention for guests.
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Tech Meets Trending Topics
AI is playing a role in the rise of low-ABV and non-alcoholic drinks. Data-driven insights help bars pinpoint when these options are most in demand and which demographics are gravitating toward them. This enables operators to design smarter menus that balance guest satisfaction with profitability. If you’re not sure where to start, check out ChatGPT’s custom Mocktail Mixologist.
Copyright A Bar Above, generated with AI
Learn, Connect, and Innovate at the Expo
Excited by what tech can do for your business? The Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025 is the perfect place to explore these trends in action. Industry pros will share their expertise in leveraging AI and other innovations to enhance operations and guest experiences. Check out their schedule at the link below to see which expo offerings can help you grow your business. ↓
📍 Where: Las Vegas Convention Center (South Hall)
🗓️ When: March 24–26, 2025 (Expo Dates: March 25–26)
Follow @barandrestaurantexpo on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more info and updates.
Want to share that you’ll be there? Download the event logos & banners here:
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The future is here, and it’s tech-powered. Don’t miss the chance to see how technology can transform your hospitality business. Register now at www.barandrestaurantexpo.com. See you there!