This morning, I had two emails waiting in my inbox, both with articles on AI!

Canada's Restaurant Guy, Jay Ashton

And it’s not the first time, that’s how fast this conversation is moving in our industry. AI is no longer just a tech buzzword. It’s the new essential in restaurant marketing. The shift is happening fast, and for those paying attention, AI offers an edge that’s hard to ignore. But here’s the reality: those who don’t act now may not have a chance to catch up.

Take a look at the numbers.

A recent survey showed that over 60% of businesses adopting AI see an immediate boost in their marketing ROI, with some reporting a 20-30% increase in customer engagement within the first few months. These aren’t just small improvements; they’re transformative leaps that are setting some operators miles ahead of the rest. While AI adoption might take time for some, the ones who dive in early are already seeing results that give them a substantial advantage. With AI-powered insights, they’re able to anticipate customer needs, personalize marketing efforts, and increase foot traffic in ways traditional methods can’t replicate.

AI in restaurant marketing is about so much more than automating routine tasks or analyzing data. It’s about taking all the information that’s already out there, customer preferences, seasonal trends, and even social media chatter and using it to make intelligent, precise marketing decisions. This is the future we’re looking at: targeted campaigns that speak directly to the customer, creating not only a memorable dining experience but also building loyalty in a way that feels personal and relevant. This is where AI’s real power lies. Instead of spending time trying to guess what might work, AI gives you the data to know exactly what will work. From targeting locals with personalized offers to boosting engagement on social media, it’s like giving your restaurant a marketing team that never sleeps.

Consider a case from one of the major quick-service chains: by using AI to understand ordering patterns, they found that slight menu adjustments at certain times could maximize sales. After implementing this, they saw a 15% uptick in off-peak orders. This isn’t just a neat trick; it’s a whole new approach to menu engineering and customer engagement that only AI can deliver. Imagine bringing that same power into independent restaurants, where even a modest increase in off-peak traffic can have a big impact on revenue.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: can a small operation take on AI? The answer is yes, and you’d be surprised by the range of AI tools available today that are tailored to fit businesses of all sizes. 75% of AI implementations in small businesses were reported to be either profitable or break-even within their first year. And these tools aren’t reserved for major chains. From analyzing customer feedback to recommending menu items, AI platforms are accessible and affordable, especially as technology continues to evolve.

Let’s talk about what happens if you don’t get in on this. As AI adoption spreads, the competitive gap will widen fast. Imagine you’re up against a restaurant down the street using AI to market directly to customers based on their preferences, their dining history, and even their social media habits. They’re able to send out personalized offers, optimized menus, and tailored ads, while you’re still relying on traditional marketing. The result? They’re connecting with customers in a way that feels immediate and authentic, while you risk fading into the background.

And it’s not just about marketing. AI can help streamline operations, reduce waste, and even improve employee scheduling by predicting peak hours. In fact, a study showed that restaurants using AI-driven scheduling saw a 10% improvement in labour efficiency. These advantages add up, helping restaurants not only cut costs but also create a smoother, more enjoyable experience for both staff and customers.

The bottom line is this: AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a strategic advantage. It’s a way to future-proof your restaurant in an industry where customer expectations are changing faster than ever. And while the early adopters are already reaping the benefits, it’s not too late to start. But the window is closing. The ones who integrate AI into their marketing now will not only survive the next wave of industry changes—they’ll thrive. Those who don’t may not realize they’ve fallen behind until it’s too late.

In a world that’s evolving this fast, the biggest risk is standing still. And AI? It’s the one tool that can keep you moving forward.