Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
If there's one thing restaurant operators have in common, it's that there's too much to do with too little time.
That's why Popmenu is using AI and other innovative technologies to help restaurant operators get more out of life's most precious resource: the hours in the day.
Brendan Sweeney AND Tony Roy are co-founders of Pop menua SaaS company that helps restaurant owners navigate an increasingly complex and technology-driven industry landscape. They recently sat down with Shawn Walchef to record an episode of Restaurant influencers podcast.
Popmenu's vision is not only about using technology, but using it properly. Tech should be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of operations and paired with valuable data to make life easier for restaurant owners.
In April 2024, Popmenu performed a nationwide survey of 1,000 consumers in the US for their eating habits.
The company's research found that consumers spend 10% less of their food budget on restaurants than before – 30% now compared to 40% in 2022. Thirty-eight percent of respondents said they are spending the same as before, but now they are tipping less.
As the restaurant industry faces increasing challenges, Sweeney says he's keenly aware that simply providing great food and service is no longer enough to keep the doors open.
Institutions that adapt to the times will continue to thrive. Great food and service should always be available, but now great technology must be included as well.
“Restaurants that are doing the things they need to do to stay in front of consumers are hanging in there, or growing,” Sweeney says.
Sweeney points out that although, unfortunately, hospitality alone can no longer guarantee success, adapting to the times is essential. Restaurants that resist engaging with technology and digital marketing find it increasingly difficult to keep up.
“There are a lot of options out there sitting in front of you all the time,” he says. “I think now, more and more, it's taking shape. (Restaurants) understand more about what they need to do. They're believing.”
Related: This delicious Titan understands the power of hands-on experience and diversification
AI Marketing
This understanding of the changing dynamics of the industry drives Popmenu's innovations.
In that April 2024 survey, Popmenu found that most restaurant operators listed “creating marketing content” as one of their most time-consuming tasks. Three-quarters said they were open to using AI to help save time when making marketing content.
This is where Popmenu's AI-driven content calendar, designed to ease the burden on restaurant owners, can help. It pre-populates an entire month's worth of digital content—social posts, emails, and text messages—based on restaurant activities and trends.
“It turns them into the editor-in-chief,” Sweeney says, and allows restaurant owners to approve or edit content without starting over.
The result? Faster, cheaper and more effective content that consistently outperforms hand-crafted alternatives.
Sweeney proudly points out that Popmenu was already using artificial intelligence long before the rise of generative tools like ChatGPT, positioning it perfectly to integrate these new technologies.
Related: How this couple turned a gas station kitchen into a legendary BBQ destination
In addition to digital innovation, Popmenu co-founder and COO Roy emphasizes the importance of industry events – such as The National Restaurant Association Show, where he set up his own speakeasy – to stay connected and visible in the industry.
“We do this to learn, to meet as many people as possible, whether it's partners or customers,” says Roy. “We love the shows. I'd do more of them,” he admits, recognizing the tangible benefits these gatherings bring, including the opportunity to interact directly with potential clients and partners.
Together, Sweeney and Roy aren't just responding to the challenges facing modern restaurants – they're proactively leading the charge, equipping businesses with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in a world where technology and engagement are critical to success.
“It's about getting in front of your fans and potential fans as much as possible,” says Sweeney. “Don't be afraid, don't be shy, don't think you have to be perfect all the time”.
And when you add artificial intelligence to the recipe?
“Orders just follow.”
Around Restaurant influencers
Restaurant influencers brought to you by Toast, the powerful restaurant POS and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience.
Toast – Empowering successful restaurants. Learn more about toast.