10 Best Ways AI Phone Answering Systems Rocks Restaurants

Running a restaurant is like conducting a circus—tables to turn, orders to nail, and a phone that won’t quit ringing. Back in my days helping a buddy’s bistro, we’d scramble to answer calls while juggling walk-ins, and let’s say, we dropped the ball more than once. Sound familiar? If your restaurant’s drowning in calls, it’s time to ditch old-school call center software for something smarter: AI phone answering systems.

These bad boys are like having a superhuman assistant who never sleeps, never messes up, and always keeps your customers smiling. Here are some ways AI phone answering can transform your restaurant, and how Bigly Sales makes it happen.

1. It’s Always On, Like a 24/7 Superhero

Ever had a customer call at 1 AM to book a brunch table? With traditional call centers, they’re out of luck until morning, maybe picking another spot. AI phone answering systems are on duty 24/7, taking reservations, answering questions, or handling orders anytime.

No missed opportunities, no grumpy callers. Bigly Sales’ voice AI ensures every call gets handled, day or night, keeping your restaurant open for business around the clock. It’s like having a night owl on your team who never needs coffee.

2. Saves You a Boatload of Cash

Hiring call center staff ain’t cheap—salaries, training, benefits, oh my! AI phone answering cuts those costs to the bone. A report says businesses using AI for customer service slashed operational costs by up to 90%.

That’s huge for a restaurant watching every penny. With Bigly Sales’ AI, you get top-notch service without the hefty payroll. It’s like getting a Michelin-star chef for the price of a food truck taco.

3. Handles Crazy Call Spikes Like a Pro

Friday nights, holiday weekends, or that viral TikTok about your pizza? Call volumes can go nuts. Traditional call centers might leave customers on hold, but AI scales instantly, juggling multiple calls without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s 10 or 100 callers, Bigly Sales’ AI keeps things smooth, ensuring nobody hangs up in frustration.

It’s your secret weapon for those “everyone wants a table NOW” moments, keeping your restaurant humming.

4. Zaps Wait Times to Zero

Nobody likes waiting on hold, especially when they’re starving. AI phone answering systems answer instantly, tackling common questions like “What’s on the vegan menu?” or “Are you open?” in seconds.

AI can cut wait times to zero, compared to 42 minutes with some call centers. That’s music to your customers’ ears—and yours, since happy diners return. Bigly Sales’ AI makes sure every call feels like VIP service.

5. Gets Orders and Reservations Right Every Time

A wrong order or a double-booked table can quickly turn a customer into a Yelp critic. AI phone answering systems sync with your POS or reservation system, checking real-time data to nail every detail. Want to book a party of 10? AI confirms availability instantly.

Taking a takeout order? It’s spot-on. Bigly Sales’ voice AI even learns your menu to suggest add-ons, like pairing fries with that burger, boosting your sales while keeping things accurate.

6. Makes Every Caller Feel Like a Regular

Diners love feeling special, right? AI phone answering systems use customer data to personalize every call. Imagine the AI greeting Sarah, a regular, with, “Hey Sarah, want your usual table by the window?” or suggesting her favorite dessert. It’s like having a host who remembers everyone.

Bigly Sales’ AI digs into past orders and preferences to create these warm, fuzzy moments, building loyalty and making your restaurant the go-to spot.

7. Speaks Every Language Under the Sun

Got a diverse crowd at your restaurant? AI phone answering systems can chat in Spanish, Mandarin, French—you name it. No need to hire multilingual staff or fumble through translations.

This opens your doors to more customers, especially in multicultural neighborhoods. Bigly Sales’ AI easily handles every language, ensuring every caller feels welcome. It’s like having a United Nations of customer service, minus the bureaucracy.

8. Plays Nice with Your Tech

Your restaurant already has a POS, a reservation system, and maybe a CRM. AI phone answering systems slide right in, syncing with tools like OpenTable or Square to keep everything in one place. No more toggling between apps or manual updates.

Bigly Sales’ AI integrates seamlessly, so your team can focus on serving great food, not wrestling with tech. It’s like adding a new spice to your recipe without changing the whole dish.

9. Turns Calls into Cash with Smart Upselling

AI isn’t just answering calls—it’s selling, too. When someone books a table, the AI might say, “Want to try our new cocktail special?” or add a dessert to a takeout order. These little nudges can boost your bottom line.

Popmenu’s AI, for example, helped Max’s Restaurant earn over $1.5 million in online orders by promoting specials. Bigly Sales’ AI lets you customize these pitches to match your vibe, turning every call into a sales opportunity.

10. Gives You Data to Run Smarter

Every call with AI is a goldmine of info—what customers want, when they call, what they order. This data helps you tweak your menu, staff smarter, or launch promos that hit the mark.

Local’s Pub & Pizzeria saw a 132% jump in orders after using AI insights to push popular items. Bigly Sales’ AI comes with an analytics dashboard, so you can make decisions that keep your restaurant packed and profitable.

Why Bigly Sales is Your AI Wingman

At Bigly Sales, we’re not just throwing tech at you—we’re building AI that fits your restaurant like a glove. Our voice AI takes calls, books tables, and upsells specials. Our email AI and SMS AI keep customers engaged off the phone. Need scheduling or appointment-setting AI for private events? We’ve got that, too.

Plus, our landing page AI drives online orders. Setup takes days, not months, and we integrate with your systems for a smooth ride. Ready to ditch the call center chaos? Check out our AI solutions and let’s make your restaurant the talk of the town.

Wrap-Up

AI phone answering systems are your restaurant’s new best friend—saving money, delighting customers, and making your life easier. From 24/7 service to smart upselling, these 10 benefits show why it’s time to ditch traditional call centers. With Bigly Sales’ AI solutions, you get a custom-fit system that works as hard as you do. Don’t let another call slip through the cracks.

FAQs

What’s an AI phone answering system anyway?

It’s like a super-smart receptionist powered by AI. It answers calls, takes orders, books tables, and chats with customers, all without needing a coffee break. Bigly Sales’ version is tailored for restaurants, so it knows your menu and vibe.

How’s it better than a traditional call center?

Call centers need humans, which means shifts, salaries, and limits. AI works 24/7, handles tons of calls simultaneously, and costs way less—up to 90% less, per Dialzara. Plus, it’s faster and doesn’t get cranky during a rush.

Can AI handle tricky customer questions?

Yup, it’s smart! For simple stuff like hours or menu details, AI’s got it. It can pass the call to a human teammate for complex issues without missing a beat. Bigly Sales’ AI makes the handoff smooth, so customers stay happy.

Is this AI stuff expensive?

It’s an investment, but the savings are real. You’ll cut staff costs and boost sales with upselling. Bigly Sales offers plans that fit your budget, and the ROI, like 90% cost cuts, makes it worth it. Let’s talk numbers!

Why pick Bigly Sales’ AI?

We’re restaurant pros. Our AI integrates with your systems, speaks multiple languages, and personalizes every call. It’s easy to set up, scales with your business, and comes with killer support. Bigly Sales is your partner in making customers love you.