Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems Inc. is testing in 50 restaurants artificial intelligence technology that answers menu questions and takes orders, the companies said this week.
Santa Clara, Calif.-based SoundHound AI Inc. announced it was working with Manasquan, N.J.-based Jersey Mike’s to introduce the conversational voice assistant.
“Optimized for natural human speech, Jersey Mike’s customers won’t have to modify their language or interact awkwardly with the software – they can just speak naturally as they would to another person,” SoundHound said in a press release.
The technology also can take multiple orders at one time, as well.
“Initially live at 50 locations, SoundHound’s voice technology has been trained on the entirety of Jersey Mike’s menu — from the #17 Mike’s Famous Philly through to the #9 Club Supreme — and uses advanced A.I. to recognize items instantly as customers are talking, allowing the system to take food and drink orders effortlessly and with greater accuracy,” the company said.
As well as taking orders, the technology answers a range of menu questions, such as those for specials and promotions, and provides information about opening times, parking, and allergens.
Scott Scherer, Jersey Mike’s chief information officer, said in a statement: “A.I. is becoming an important part of supporting restaurant staff and providing impeccable customer service.”
SoundHound said a recent study found that restaurant technology is one of the top three drivers of customer satisfaction, and that nearly eight in 10 of regular diners in the U.S. believe that most food ordering will be handled by A.I. voice assistants in the next few years.
Jersey Mike’s Subs, founded in 1956, has more than 3,000 locations.
The company earlier in January announced it would be expanding to Canada in a development agreement with Redberry Restaurants.
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