A New Type of Worker in the Restaurant Industry
In early May 2025, Toast Inc., a restaurant technology company, reported that its new AI-powered tools are driving real business growth. One of its most promising innovations, a Voice AI Agent called Sous Chef, has been helping restaurants increase their average order volume by 6%. This was shared during Toast’s Q1 earnings report, marking a significant moment in the evolution of restaurant service.
These tools are more than just digital add-ons—they’re functioning as AI Employees, or Non-Human Workers, offering real-time support to staff and customers alike. This development is timely, as many restaurants continue to deal with staffing shortages and increasing pressure to improve customer experience.
Meet Sous Chef and ToastIQ
Toast introduced two major AI-driven tools: Sous Chef and ToastIQ. Sous Chef acts as a Voice AI Agent that interacts with customers to suggest additional items based on their orders. Whether it’s recommending a dessert or an extra topping, this AI employee helps increase the value of each order without the need for additional human effort.
On the other hand, ToastIQ operates behind the scenes. It analyzes transaction data and customer behavior in real time, helping staff make smarter decisions and improve service efficiency. Together, these systems create a more seamless and profitable restaurant workflow.
Why This Matters Now
The importance of these tools goes beyond just convenience. Restaurants using these AI features during the pilot program saw tangible benefits:
- 6% increase in average order volume
- Improved personalized customer experience
- Reduced pressure on staff during peak hours
Toast’s AI solutions have already been adopted by large chains like Topgolf and Applebee’s, showing that these tools can scale from small eateries to national brands.
The Future of Non-Human Workers in Hospitality
As AI technology continues to evolve, the role of AI Employees in the hospitality industry will likely expand. Tools like Sous Chef are showing that Voice AI Agents can offer value not only by boosting revenue but also by filling critical labor gaps.
Toast’s innovation demonstrates that smart integration of AI can lead to better business outcomes, and it signals a future where AI and humans work side by side to create more efficient and engaging dining experiences.
Key Highlights:
- Date: Toast shared the results during its Q1 2025 earnings report (May 2025).
- AI Tools Introduced:
- Sous Chef – a Voice AI Agent that upsells menu items to customers.
- ToastIQ – an intelligence engine that analyzes customer behavior and sales data in real-time.
- Performance Boost:
- Restaurants using the AI upsell tool reported a 6% increase in average order volume.
- AI Employees in Action:
- These tools act as Non-Human Workers, assisting staff and improving customer experience through personalization.
- Business Impact:
- Helps restaurants overcome labor shortages and increase revenue.
- Already in use by major brands like Topgolf and Applebee’s.
- Customer-Centric Approach:
- Recommends food and drink options based on real-time order data.
- Enhances upselling while reducing pressure on human staff.
- Scalability:
- Tools are adaptable across different restaurant sizes—from local diners to national chains.
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