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Jersey Mike’s tests voice A.I. phone orderingJersey Mike’s tests voice A.I. phone ordering

Technology system is in 50 locations and can provide answers to menu questions, the companies say

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

January 26, 2024

2 Min Read
jersey mike s tests voice ai artificial intelligence phone ordering
Jersey Mike's Subs tests artificial intelligence voice ordering in 50 locations.

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.”

Related:Tiff’s Treats gets ready to deploy A.I. in messaging

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.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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